As another year draws to a close, the one emotion that continues to define my journey this year is gratitude. I have written about it before and yet, every time I revisit the idea, new meanings unfold. Gratitude isn’t just about counting blessings; it’s about recognizing how life teaches, strengthens and surprises us – even through its trials. Each season has revealed fresh lessons and deeper grace.

Family: My First Circle of Strength

Nothing grounds me more than my family. My husband and children have been my pillars, their love and understanding constant through every challenge and celebration. They know the demands of my personal as well as professional life and offer support that makes the balancing act possible.

My parents, siblings and extended family have played irreplaceable roles in shaping how I perceived things and adapted to the new realities. Their patience, support, laughter and quiet wisdom anchor me when life feels uncertain. Their love is the foundation upon which everything else in my life stands.

Colleagues and the Power of Team

Work, for me, has always been about purpose and people – not positions or titles. My colleagues have gone far beyond job descriptions, offering encouragement, camaraderie and empathy when it was needed most. Together we all have celebrated milestones and weathered storms, strengthening not just our professional bonds but our shared humanity.

I am also deeply grateful to be part of an organization that values people as much as performance. The leadership, especially our chairperson, has consistently shown care, trust and genuine regard. Their belief in our abilities has allowed me to grow, contribute to my best abilities and lead with integrity.

Recognition, Loss and Lessons

This year brought humbling moments of validation, including being recognized as one of the Inspiring Minds of 2025 and as a DEI Champion. These honours are more than titles – they are reflections of collective effort, collaboration and the spirit of people who choose to create positive change together.

It was also a year marked by profound personal loss. In October, I bid farewell to my in-laws after their long illness. Their blessings, kindness and unconditional love remain deeply imprinted on my heart. In mourning them, I rediscovered the beauty of fond memories and the quiet comfort of family togetherness.

At another level, I also learned to let go of certain people whose presence no longer aligned with peace and integrity. While painful at first, I now see this as life’s way of pruning. Their departure created space for calm, clarity and truth. Sometimes, what we lose is exactly what we need to find inner stillness again; and for that, I am genuinely thankful.

Faces Revealed, Bonds Reaffirmed

This year peeled back the layers around me – it revealed the true faces of many, near and far. Some relationships dimmed, but others revealed a brilliance I hadn’t fully appreciated before. In this process, I rediscovered friends and mentors who give unconditionally, showing up with encouragement, kindness and quiet strength. These are the people who are there with you no matter what! I have some precious gems like that in my life and I feel blessed to have them. Their belief in me has often arrived right when I needed it the most.

These experiences reminded me how vital it is to cherish those who offer energy, not envy; sincerity, not show. In their company, gratitude feels effortless.

Grace, Work and Purpose

Through all these turns, I’ve seen divine grace at work. I am certain that none of us walks alone -there’s a guiding force that leads us exactly where we’re meant to be. Every opportunity, every person and even every disappointment has carried meaning and direction.

I’m thankful to still be doing work that matters – to make a difference in students’ or team members’ lives, support professionals and contribute to the growth of our community. Doing the right thing has been my compass, even when it isn’t the easiest path. For that clarity and continuity of purpose, I am deeply grateful.

Hope, Light and a Life of Gratitude

As I look ahead, I carry forward a simple hope – for everyone to experience good health, fulfilling work, loving relationships and peace of mind. Life may not always be fair, but it has an extraordinary way of compensating through moments of joy, understanding and love.

Living in gratitude is more than an exercise; it’s a way of being. It reminds us to look beyond what’s missing and celebrate all that’s present. Gratitude softens us, grounds us and gives meaning to every success, every setback and every encounter.

So, as this year closes, I remain anchored by three words that define my outlook: Grace. Gratitude. Growth. Together, they shape the journey—and make it so very worthwhile. Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous 2026!

PS: Pictures are taken from Google with due credits