Decade in Review

I am big fan of Marie Forleo and I look forward to Tuesdays when there is a episode of Marie TV. I find that her talks really energise me. Though I am yet to enroll in B School, I recommend following her to whoever cares to listen to me.  Recently, She posted a series on “Decade in Review” asking her followers to stop and take a look at what was and what is most important to them in their lives in the last decade. Following her template, I wrote my Decade in Review. I am sharing it here, with my force field – you guys who will help me figure out almost everything. If you do not know what force field means in this context, please check out Marie’s book – Everything is figureoutable. If you want to know the entire process head to Marie TV here.

The things that I am most proud of in the last decade

2010s was a decade of many firsts. I completed my Masters while continuing to work during the day. Now, I am taking baby steps towards continuing my education. On February 15th 2010, this blog came into being and in 2016 became a self hosted blog. I met so many wonderful people and came across opportunities because of my blog. In these 10 years, I have published papers, case studies, articles, jewellery designs in trade magazines as those of Interweave, conference journals, and popular magazines. Sayuri (and in extension me) were featured on National television and on major National and regional newspapers.

I had a career change with a move from Apparel/jewellery design to Fashion communication and worked extremely hard the last 5+ years to understand this field. This job allows me to create a comfortable living for my parents and myself which I am happy about. On the personal front, I travelled solo to seven countries, dozens of local trips plus a trip to Nepal with my parents using my own savings.

What are the most important things that I have learned

Networking with people in my industry and developing contacts is must for professional growth. In my case, many of my professional contacts have become my closest friends now. Learning how to talk, to whom, and when is crucial. Ego and pride will only bring pain. While flexibility is the key, I learnt how to become decisive and strong from my students. One learning that I brought from the previous decade to this one was to explore every opportunity that I get. This attitude has been the main cause for the diversities of projects and my achievements in this decade.

One of the most important lessons that life taught me the past decade is that I must take time to celebrate my victories. For instance, I hated celebrating my birthday or wanted to spend it with those whose attention I craved. I ended up being miserable. Instead of craving something/someone that I will not get, I realised that I should focus on the present. Spending time with myself and with my parents is my priority now. My belief in karma has increased by leaps and bounds. I am more conscious of being kind, forgiving, truthful and just. I have also realised that this is extremely difficult to follow at all times as some people and situations can be frustrating.

2010-2019 Knowledge | Skills| Synthesis

Most of the jewellery making techniques that I know no I learned in these 10 years. From wire work and working with resin to silver smithing, enamelling, working with metal clay, process of annodising, basics of firing ceramics it was a steep learning curve. I attempted weaving, explored Illustrator and InDesign software, tried cooking several items from Pastas and Quesadillas to traditional Indian sweets and savouries. In the last 1.5 years, I completed short courses on research methodology, basics of linguistics, anthropology, and Oral history. To learn more about the concepts and theories of jewellery – particularly contemporary art narrative jewellery, I read a lot of books.

Decade in Review – What am I willing to let go off?

I am learning to let go of expectations that I have of my family. I understand and accept their limitations – of what they can and cannot offer. Instead of wanting them to change, I trying to alter my expectations. After staying with a friend (and her family) for long periods this past year, I have come to understand my own parents better. I was and still am a sick child. It made me resent my parents many a times in the past as I thought that they were clueless, scared, conservative or just didn’t care. When I saw for myself, the agony parents go through when their child is sick helped me let go of this resentment.

Writing a book is a project that I let go off because of time, but a case study of mine got published as a chapter in a book. My business and blog took a backseat last year but I am not willing to completely let it go yet.

What’s Most Important To Let Go Of and Why?

In an attempt to “be normal”, or the way society wants me to be I imposed limitations on myself. Being “normal” doesn’t bring me or those around me happiness so I need to let go of such limitations. In the name of being flexible, I tried to change myself for others – often to an extent where I don’t recognise myself. I need to take a close look at which of those change give me the maximum payoff and which hurt more than help. I need to believe in myself and listen to my inner voice than the loud noisy voices of others. Most importantly, I need to let go of fear – of the known and unknown.

What’s Next? What’s My Future?

My future at this point is a big question mark and so staying in inertia is preferable. Something I really need to learn is to say “no” and convince others regarding the same. I am constantly over worked and overwhelmed. I am spread too thin and end up making mistakes or letting things go as I am only human. However, it makes me feel mediocre and incompetent which is a nasty feeling. Plus, I need to pay more attention to my health and fitness as it is going down the drain. Being 10 kgs heavier than I was in 2018 is killing my knees and ankles. Switching the computer off and living in the physical world  is something I am struggling with lately as well.

My Top 3 Most Important Goals For Next Year

• Write my proposal and get it registered for doctoral research
• Learn ways to reduce and manage stress and work on improving my fitness. Staying out of the vicious cycle that is sickness, depression, procrastination, and frustration is key.
• Improving my jewellery making skills – more time at the bench, attending more workshops (Another trip to Beadfest if possible)

What Future You Wants You To Know – a Dear __ letter

Dear Divya, I’d love you to know that you are kind, fun, courageous and gorgeous. Keep working sincerely without worry and you will achieve success. You will get the love and respect that you desire. 

Well, writing the Decade in Review was tough but fun. I hope I have not bored you all to death with such a personal post. Even if I did, I will not repeat exercise for 10 more years. LOL! Traditionally, the first post of the year on JOS is a tutorial. But, a new decade calls for a new approach so the tutorial will be published next week. Do come back for that and the colour of the year post – coming up later this month. Until then, do tell me if you contemplated how you lived the past decade. What are the achievements that you are most proud of? Are you letting any habits or attitudes go? What does the future hold for you? Tell me in the comments.