XXI years, 21 important milestones

XXI years, 21 milestones. Oh! Just a trip down memory lane looking at 21 milestones in the past 21 years. Clever, right? The XXI?

I had all kinds of ideas for the X post. Because you see, I am usually never at a loss for words. Sure, I had my list of X words—I believe that if one looks, one shall find.

Then, as I looked at the calendar for something, I had this bright idea. This week marks 21 years (and counting) in the city we live in. I sat back—it definitely helped that I had a cup of coffee in my hand—and thought about all the major milestones over the years.

And here they are – some happy, some sad, because life is like that.

21 milestones, 21 years

1. Arriving in this city

Our son was just a year and a half and arriving here was his first flight! He enjoyed mango souffle on the flight and was a delight. We were a bit nervous about how he would handle it but everything was great.

2. Bought our home

Just six months after we arrived here, we bought our home—where we now live. We registered the property on my birthday and were quite excited about it. I remember we celebrated with dosa and strong coffee at a tiny street side restaurant that served great food.

3. Son started playschool and then school

Our son started school and studied there for the next 12 years. What an experience it was to watch him grow!

4. Bought my first cellphone

Yep! In 2003, I bought my first cellphone. It was the basic candy bar Nokia. We could make phone calls and send text messages. I think it had radio, but we never used it. Over the years we’ve upgraded to much smarter phones, but that phone will always be dear to me.

5. Started using the internet

Can you imagine? We got our first computer in 2003 and with it, came the internet. Airtel had just started their business and well, in spite of the hiccups, we still use them. We have a better computer now although we do most of our work on our laptops or even our phones, at times. And we’ve added to our device list over the years too! We practically let technology run our lives!

6. Sons started learning music

Major milestone, this one! Son started music class when he was 7 and is now a rather accomplished musician. We love to hear him sing. His teacher loves him. He also composes music and improvises as a hobby.

7. Bought a scooter

When Hero Honda launched the Honda Activa, I bought one. Loved my scooter. Broke into tears when I decided to sell it after a bad accident. Still suffering from the nerve damage, but oh, the places I went! Fond memories!

8. Started blogging

I started this blog in July 2003 when Google acquired Blogger (blogspot). What a journey it has been! I now have six blogs.

9. Started freelancing

Around the same time that I started blogging, I also launched my freelance career. Initially I wrote content for clients. Now, in addition to that, I blog and write for businesses besides editing manuscripts for publishers and authors.

10. Enjoyed some amazing brand collaborations

Thanks to blogging, I’ve enjoyed some fantastic brand collaborations. I’ve donated the money earned through these to my favorite charities.

11. Won awards, features

Recognition, especially from peers is the best thing. I’ve been honored with some blogging awards and been featured in various publications and on other blogs. Great feeling. I call it peer pleasure.

12. Lost my Mom

Perhaps the biggest milestone in these 21 years is losing my Mom unexpectedly. I still grieve her loss and cherish the memories I have with her. She was my mentor, my BFF. There is not a day I don’t have a conversation in my head with her.

13. Lost many dear family members

And on that note, I’ve lost many dear family members I was close to and very fond of. There are days when I can’t believe they’re no longer there.

14. Was diagnosed with diabetes type 2

In 2014, I was shocked to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when I went for a routine health check. But you know what they say. Good wakeup call to take better care of my health. I am trying on a daily basis to show my diabetes who’s boss.

15. Traveled a lot, both in India and abroad

In these 21 years, I’ve enjoyed a lot of travel, solo, with family and with friends. I am thrilled I have seen quite a bit of India and also travelled abroad to a couple of countries. Wonderful and unforgettable experiences!

16. Became a published author

One of the most exciting milestones in these 21 years is having the opportunity to contribute to books and being published. Here’s a list.  Most enjoyable experience. Many of the books’ earnings go to charity.

17. Made lifelong friends

Again, one of the best milestones during these 21 years is making some great friends. And I am blessed to say that I’ve met many of my virtual friends. How lucky am I?

18. Started reading ebooks

I read countless books and rediscovered the joy of reading nonfiction. Of course, I will always enjoy serial killer series and murder mysteries and police procedurals and all my other favorites—but I must admit I never saw myself as a personal development blogger. The milestone is adapting to ebooks. Oh, the joy of carrying 20000 books in my hand!

19. Met the Dalai Lama

I mean, how can I close this list without mentioning this important milestone? Yes, I met the Dalai Lama. A dream come true. Never in my life did I imagine that a wish could come true so quickly. Just goes to show – Universe always listens.

20. Started using social media

I thought about this and decided it must be a milestone considering how much I enjoy using social media, especially Pinterest and Instagram. I am photo crazy and a shutterbug and well, social media deserves a mention in this list.

21. Switched to online shopping

Yes, huge thing. I do most of my shopping online—even clothes. I discovered the joy back in 2003—on eBay. I remember being too scared to pay with my credit card and my friend ordered on my behalf. Fast forward to today and we’re quite blasé about ordering groceries, clothes, vegetables, electronics—you name it! So convenient. I have to say, though, that I do go to the market simply to enjoy the joy of looking around and chatting with the vendors.

I can add a few more milestones but I think I’ll stop now.

Do you reflect on your milestones? What is your favorite?