- What about your 2014 resolutions?

- What is the status? My neighbor looks at me. - Huh? - Resolutions, she adds, - how is it going with your New Year's resolutions? - Eh, I didn't have any this year. - Why? You should have. It is good for you. You can exercise more, lose some weight. It is good! I do!

So, yes, I ran in to my neighbor, on my way home from meditation. Which is, by the way, a habit now. Meditation. I feel calm and relaxed when I wander off in my post-meditation bubble... remember? We do yoga, talk and meditate. Today we touched on happiness. What do we need to be happy? Many of us started out with a pretty long list... but it kind of diminished as we went along. Because in the end of the day - not much! I like the idea of happiness as something you have inside you, and nobody can take that away - unless you let them. So: own you own happiness, guard it, nurture it - I was telling myself, and whops - there she was, my neighbor, with her Resolutions.

So, perfect timing for a status quo, I figured! What have I done the last year? What have I done that I want to do more of, and that makes me happy? Better late than never... here are some reflections from my side for 2014:

1. Do good for others. 
I will continue to volunteer at the NGO. I am grateful for being there, and hope that some of the kids and families will make a better future. It can happen. I was sitting in on a presentation, listening to some proud women talking about their accomplishments. With a little support, they have changed their lives for the better.

2. A body in balance
In 2013 I discovered the joy of meditation. I will continue to do yoga and meditation, to exercise and to discover more of the Indian kitchen. I say continue because India has taught me well, but I am still a humble amateur learner:-)

3. Be curious, explore and learn new things
This year I would like to improve my photography skills and maybe give Hindi a second chance? (That is a Maybe) I am also planning some travels with my family and friends, to places I have never been before. I want to strive to always keep my mind curious, open and positive.

4. Nurture my cultural side
Reading, writing, taking pictures.... art, music, theater..... I have learnt a lot about India from cultural events, and no reason to stop now, right? And since I am on a quest to nurture my cultural side - perfect timing that these two events are coming up shortly:

• Kala Ghoda Art festival 1-9. February
• Mumbai International Film festival 3-9. February

5. Be in the moment
I have to conclude with my mantra! Live here and now, dear reader and enjoy the little things. Whether it is reading a letter from a dear childhood friend, making pancakes to my teens on a Tuesday, see the flowers on my balcony blossom, smile, feel the breeze in my hair...

So, did you make any New Year's resolutions this year, dear reader? How is it going?

I hope you have had a great start of the week! I am off to show my neighbor this impressive 5-points list. He he:-) Let's see what she will say:-)

Wish you a wonderful evening from Mumbai!