Oh,
2024… where do I begin? You were everything—a rollercoaster of highs, lows and
all the little moments in between that quietly made me who I am today. We
fought, we made up, we laughed till our cheeks hurt, and we made memories that
will linger for a lifetime.
This year was about things I never imagined I would
do.
Shimmer Mrs. Rajasthan was a dream I didn’t know I
needed. In ten days of sweat, grit, high heels and confidence, I rediscovered a
part of myself that had been tucked away for too long. Winning the Mrs.
Confident title and standing proud as the 1st Runner-up was not just
about the crown, but was about me pushing limits, standing tall, embracing the
journey and setting an example that if I can do it, so can you.
Shimmer has been a life-changing chapter I will
forever hold close. It opened doors I never knew existed. I stood on stages I
never envisioned for myself—as a
jury
member at the CA Institute, a
special
guest at Shimmer Exhibition, and even as a
chief guest at Parishkar College. Being seen, valued, and
celebrated was indeed surreal.
Writing is my happy place and this year it brought me
moments of quiet triumph. From winning a consolation prize for a national contest “Tribute to Maa”, taking the top spot in the French poetry contest at the Francophone Mela to being selected
for the finale of the Open Mic League
reminded me that words have a place, and so do I.
Tea and Travel are
the answers to all my problems. Although tea never left my side, travel was on a backseat given Covid and our sweet little
toddler. However 2024, I got my new stories to tell—a rejuvenating escape to Baku which marked my first
time away from my daughter (a bittersweet kind of freedom), and a joyful family getaway to Pushkar.
Family moments were sprinkled with love. I anchored and moderated my parents’ program—a rare chance to give back to them in my own way. And for the first time, we celebrated my daughter’s birthday with her friends with joy that filled the room and hearts alike.
Love and passion for French continued....I restarted giving
online French classes in the
evening and continued my master’s
journey in the morning. It wasn’t always easy navigating class delays
and submissions—but there I was, learning, adapting, growing. Asking questions
I hadn’t asked in years and sometimes explaining why I showed up late… a little
poetic justice, I’d say.
JITO Jaipur Ladies Wing was another arena where I learnt,
led, and gave my best. From Treasurer
to Secretary and Jito business network convener, it was a journey of
teamwork, leadership, and growth.
In
JSG Gem City, I stepped up as an Executive
Member, curating experiences like the Taj Amer staycation and a delightful MasterChef event. From enjoying as a member what seem effortless
events to working behind the scenes with the experienced and established team,
I have enjoyed the learning curve.
Radio brought its own sparkle. I was invited as a
guest on
CRS Radio’s “Ek Mulakat Kisi Khaas Ke Saath”—a two-hour candid
conversation about
multitasking and the elusive key to happiness.
Sitting in the studio, recounting all the moments, challenges, and wins of my
life, I felt deeply grateful. It reminded me how far I’ve come and how much
more there is to experience.
Oh, and I finally joined the gym after years
of excuses! I won’t pretend I’m on my fitness journey just yet… but hey, the
fees have been deposited. That counts for something, right?
A large part of my year revolved around supporting
my husband for General Secretary in his
Rajasthan High Court Bar Association
elections. As a law graduate myself, it was ironic that I wasn’t eligible
to vote for him. But where I couldn’t cast my ballot, I poured my heart into
supporting him with print content and social
media management. We may not have won, but we showed up, gave it our
all, and put on a great show. And as always, I couldn’t be prouder of him.
People sometimes tell me, “You’re an inspiration.
How do you manage it all?” and the answer to all my lovely friends is that I
have my own Pandora ’s Box of things not going right. I stumble, I cry, and I
fall apart. But I also get up, remind myself that I don’t have to be perfect at
everything, I push myself harder to be a better version of myself and choose to
show up with a smile every single day.
2024, you were a mixed bag—a patchwork of moments I
will cherish for life and a few I wish I didn’t have to face. But I am grateful
for the opportunities you gave
me, thankful for the lessons I
learned, humbled by the memories
I made, stronger because of the tears
I shed and richer for the laughter
I shared.
As I stand at the edge of this year, I can’t help
but look ahead.
Dear 2025, I’m waiting for you with open arms. Let’s be good
friends. Let’s dream big, laugh louder and make the most of every single day
we’re gifted together.
Here’s to life, love, and everything in between.
Cheers to the journey!
Love,
Shruti
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