Bhakti Mistry is my sister through marriage. I am blessed because of her. Mitan Nana is a cousin younger than me but boy, is he wise. He was wise enough to marry Bhakti. Together they are a powerhouse of a couple.

Strong, steady, Vegan, educated, but above all - kind. Their kindness and fortitude set a fine example to me.

Bhakti has a blog called Embracing Life With Bhakti. She is a pharmacist and a life coach and yesterday she posted this:

“The year 2020 has certainly taught us that we can plan our lives, but the universe makes the ultimate decision. It's been a challenging year for many of us.

We have braved through the tough times. It's only fair to acknowledge and praise ourselves for how much we have achieved this year.

Here are some questions to journal as we bid farewell to this year and continue our beautiful and sacred journey into 2021.”

Below are my answers.

1. What are your proudest achievements for this year?

My relationships and staying alive. Everything else is trimmings on a seasonal Christmas tree of splendour and bright lights.

2. What are the most important lessons you've learned this year?

I’ve learned that listening is way more fun than talking. People are better than Netflix. And that my family and my friends are my wealth. I am rich because of them. I once thought I needed to hold wealth in my hand to feel successful and accomplished. But I was mistaken. My wealth is in the cross, my purpose, my family and friends, and in all the people that cross my path who feed my soul.

3. What stories are you telling yourself that you need to let go of?

My anger and resentment towards people who I think don’t deserve my time or love.

4. Who had the biggest positive impact on you this year?

My brother. I have always respected and admired him. But lately, I have witnessed bravery far exceeding that of a normal human being. He is brave in every way imaginable, even when he is fearful.

5. If you could only achieve one big thing next year, what would it be?

Fame. LOL, KIDDING!

I’d like to master how to control my temper. It scares people and me. I feel if I can practice self-control a bit more, everything will balance itself out in my life.

6. What do you want to learn?

Oh, there’s so much. I want to learn how to cycle faster; eat healthier; cook healthier; how to build and manage a business; how to not sweat the small stuff, how to paint my bathroom walls, how to change the lock on my doors, how to ice cookies like a professional and how to write a book based on a true story.

7. What can you do more that brings you energy and joy?

Have sex. Judge me not. That enjoyed element of my life died along with my marriage and all my failed relationships. I am celibate, yes, and I will offer up no explanation for my decision to live this way. But I refuse to associate and play into the shame narrative, which is often associated with sex. Sex is wonderful, beautiful in fact, with the right person. To the Christian who stands in harsh judgment of people who have had pre-marital sex - shame on you. SHAME ON YOU! You are a sinner. A hypocrite and a sinner. Call on Jesus to send you humility and learn to live side by side with it.

8. What will you stop doing?

I will stop thinking highly of people before I know them. I will also stop trying to please everyone because I know it isn't healthy. Mentally I will try to stop thinking too negatively about many things. And I’d like to stop burying my head so deep in my work. I sometimes feel like I’m missing out on the extraordinary moments in an ordinary day.

Click the button below to visit Bhakti’s page. Feel encouraged.