Action Replay + Gratitude List: May 2018

May has been a pleasant month and I cannot be more happier about it. Five months have already passed since the year started and I have seen myself change as a person month after month. 2018 is going to be a turning point in my life for sure. May has been a month of many learnings, many realizations and many vital decisions. In the end, I have a smile on my face and that's all that matters. Right?

Work has been crazy hectic, leaving me with hardly any time for anything else. I learnt many new things at work and explored new areas. As much as I crib about the stress at times, I cannot help but be happy about what I'm doing. Work has always been the topmost priority in my life and I think that I do more than enough justice to it. Because I was busy with work, reading took a hit this month. I could only read five books and most of them have been excellent. I will review some of them later, but for now follow me on Goodreads to be a part of my reading journey.

Apart from this one, I wrote eight posts on the blog which I think is pretty decent. Earlier, I used to set a target for a certain number of posts per month, but now I only write when I feel like it or if I have something to say. When I look back at the changes that have knowingly or unknowingly become a part of my life today, it feels like I have grown up so much in the last few years. I have mellowed down so much and patience suddenly seems to be a strong point these days. I have learnt to let go of so many feelings, so many grudges, so many people and so many memories, that, today I feel light and free. I often wonder why I did not do this earlier. Anyway, better late than never.

It is now time for my Gratitude list and here is what I'm thankful for this May.

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~ My Job: Keeps me stable, keeps me grounded. I wouldn't trade this for anything else in the world.

~ Books: While I only managed to read a few books this month, a couple of them were brilliant and they taught me so many life lessons. I am way ahead in my challenge on Goodreads, but I cannot wait to read more and more. I have some kick-ass books lined up in my TBR bucket now.

~ Health: I have made quite a lot of lifestyle changes over the past few months, but this month, I took a very important decision. It was on an impulse, but I have managed to hold on to it for the entire month. The idea is to give it a shot for the next couple of months and then go fully fledged from August 8th, on my birthday. More on that, later.

~ Exercise: I've been doing yoga regularly now and as much as I hate to say it, it has calmed me a lot. I always thought meditation was not for me, but once I started doing it right, I feel my head and thoughts becoming light. I have a long way to go in terms of flexibility, but I am enjoying my journey to get there.

~ Travel: Cal and I went on a road trip in the beginning of this month to Mysore. This was just for a night but the journey was so beautiful and we bonded so much on the long drive. We also stayed in a beautiful palace and we did get a bout of time-off that we were looking for.

~ Music: I have only recently updated my music list and this keeps me going while I'm stressed. I don't listen to music at work, but I do while getting ready for work in the mornings. It somehow sets the right mood for the rest of the day.

~ Friends: When my friends message me to say that my posts on Instagram inspire them and make them feel good, I feel so happy inside. Earlier, someone I know had mocked me for putting up quotes on Instagram every morning saying that what's the point in putting up copied content? Well, I now have an answer to it. I can't believe I had stopped doing it for a couple of days thinking of that person. Trying to stay calm has messed with my mind, looks like.

~ Millets: I have only been cooking with millets these days and I so love them! I am creating new recipes and it is turning out to be really good. Having a foodie for a husband helps too!

~ Love: I would not have been able to do half of the things that I did this month, without Cal. He's such a strong support and helps me stick to a decision once I make it. Together, we have come a long way and with each day I find new things to fall in love with him.