Milestones #6WSP

• Her lips curved, overflowing joy freely.
• Her endless chatter began with ‘mama’.
• Her first steps trembled in excitement.
• A tiny white peak emerged slowly.

Each milestone opens doors to independence.

Each of these six-word stories reflects the developmental milestones of a child – their first smile, first word, first walk, and first tooth – marking the beginning of key growth phases.

Credits & Footnote

In response to Shweta’s ‘6WSP #118’ – ‘Beginnings’.

New Year Musings

Every year passes, and something remains incomplete. Some wish. Some dream. Some goals. Some stories remain incomplete, and some stories never even begin.

In the past 12 months, I reached places I’ve never touched before. I made choices I never thought I could. I experienced moments I only dreamed of. I faced challenges I didn’t know I was ready for. I unlocked a few skills I hadn’t approved of before. I fell but still rose, and I did it time and time again, for a few segments of life cannot be paused or evaded. Not just these, I also navigated failed efforts and missed opportunities. I had my share of untaken risks. I faced unexpected afflictions and even let certain chances slip away due to inaction.

On this day, the onset of the new year, I’m acknowledging all the things that I have gone through and accomplished. By accomplishments, I do not mean those that everyone can see and celebrate, but those moments I know were huge mountains for me to climb; The moments where I peacefully travelled instead of staying tense; The moments where I actually rested; The moments where I was present with things that brought me joy; The moments where I took the leap, even when I wasn’t fully confident; The moments where I gave permission to not have to do it all.