It is in the wee hours of 2016. I have just deleted almost all traces of email conversations we had as a couple from my gmail account. 5 months ago, I didn't have the courage or the tenacity to erase such physical reminders of our shared memories. Now I sit here, with a renewed frame of mind, able to do the deed. It is cathartic and timely.

2015 has been a terrible year for me. Largely it consisted of a great deal of insecurity, pain & disappointment. These overshadowed whatever minor achievements I had. I am glad that I emerged from the trials and tribulations scathed but alive. As I carry with me the marks of the past year's experience, I realise too that they have been healing & slowly they are turning into scars of strength and courage.

We met up at the lift lobby outside my office earlier & for the first time, I felt at peace. It was still awkward & artificial - almost like when you meet a complete stranger and are forced to make small-talk. But on the whole it was fine. Memories still flood my mind sometimes. Feelings rush to me on a daily basis. But it has gotten milder & less frequent. I guess it is true that Time truly is the best cure. And that we find ourselves to be more resilient than we think we are.

I am imbued with hope & faith for the year ahead. Putting myself out there & allowing myself to be vulnerable again is extremely frightening, but as a friend had surmised - you don't want to look back decades down the road & regret not having tried at all. Because we often regret what we didn't do much more than what we do. At least if all else fails, you could look at yourself in the eye & say with conviction that you gave it all. And then you will be satisfied with what life has served up.

Someone told me to embrace 2016 with an open-mind & I will try to do just that ;)