Lessons From November

On money, kindness, consistency and doing nothing.

Dec 03, 2024

About two years ago, when I used to publish on my website, I wrote my first post reflecting on the year that had passed. Since then, I have a rule to share the lessons I learned each month with my readers. It amazes me how far this road has taken me since, from 70 readers to 1100+ and counting. This series has given me some of my most read posts of all time on Unwind, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of you who has respected my work by reading my words in exchange for your time. For a writer, there isn't a bigger achievement.

What I want to highlight through this story is the power of consistency. I come from a family who has not seen any writers in many generations before me. I do not think that my words are extraordinary. I talk about simple things that anybody can talk about if they pause and look around their everyday life. But showing up consistently is what has led me this far. That is how life is - you may not see noticeable changes right away, but if you keep showing up, things change. Unwind is living proof of that. If you are walking on the path towards your goals or feel stuck in that process, I urge you to keep showing up with patience. You will find clarity on the way. It’s just one of the things I learned in November.

Visuals I stopped to look at last month..

Thoughts my mind was occupied by in November

They say, be kind. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Why do we forget that with our own family? The people we love the most are usually the ones who are taken for granted the most. If you desire a life that emits calm, start by being kind towards your loved ones. If you cannot empathise with someone else's struggles, the least you can do is not add to their misery. The ripple effect of kindness is what this world needs the most right now.
At the start of each month, book one day in your calendar where your only task is to do nothing. The speed with which things are advancing now has made us forget the importance of slowing down. If you struggle to take breaks, plan them. It will change your life for the better.
Eating well, moving your body, drinking water, having a place you call home, earning enough money to sustain yourself and having a handful of people in your close circle - are the six things you primarily need in your life. Everything else is secondary.
Be intentional with your money. It takes hardwork to earn, but can be spent in an instant. If you do a simple job of keeping track of where your money is going (mental, digital or handwritten), you will save a lot by eliminating unnecessary expenses.
It’s okay to feel disconnected from things you enjoy doing for your peace of mind. It's not a sign to give up. See it as an opportunity to appreciate even having something that instils joy in your life, to the extent that it bothers you when you can’t do it wholeheartedly.
No matter how lost you feel in this season, you will be okay in the end.