Twenty five things I am grateful for at 25.

1. For the opportunity(ies) to do a PhD/live abroad. No matter what turn life takes from here, the experience of moving abroad, alone at 22 will remain unparalleled.

2.For the time, money and opportunity to travel around Europe and do all the adventures while I am still healthy and crazy.
3.For being able to keep in touch with friends from primary/high school/college on an almost-day to day basis.
4. For amazing colleagues at work and a fun office to complement it.

5. For a mentor that didn’t give up on me. Yet.
6. Just knowing that a friend from kindergarten didn’t forget to send his wedding invite, even after being out of touch for 20 years. Yes, TWENTY!
I love how life throws at you some very pleasant surprises, right on time.
7. For having a decent level in spoken Sanskrit.
8. For being able to accomplish a childhood dream, the one that I dreamt for my parents, coming true in less than two weeks. Inshahallah.
9. For the ability to adapt myself to anyone/thing, without compromising my core values.

10. For the ability to know all the tricks people play and the wisdom to know that no tricks are worth it in the long run. Yes, I believe in Karma.

11. For the friends I made abroad; the realization that you can be close friends with people that didn’t understand/grow up in your culture was profound.

12.For finally being able to swim.
13.For my curly haired confession altar-Swathi. Whatsapp conversations between us will make you question our saneness or yours. Not having to watch what I say is bliss.:P
14.For having enough bank balance to fly home twice a year. Yeah, that’s luxury for a PhD salary.
15.For being able to enjoy life in a cute and calm, Spanish (let’s say Catalan) town, 0.4 km from the beach.
16. For the opportunity to learn Spanish. (Okay. I know that I'm not trying as much as I should.)But, still.
17. For good health; moving past the always cold-bronchitis phase feels wonderful-now I can rock and roll in ice cold water and still stay without my rotahaler.
18. For being able to overcome a lot of fears and insecurities. I am still working on some, but I’ve come a long way in tackling them.

19.For being able to devote enough time and effort to do yoga for a year .That’s quite a feat for someone as inconsistent as me.

20.For being able to let go of people and feelings that should not matter at this point in my life.

21.For experiences and people that keep me grounded.

22.For being able to hold on to my Indian-ness.

23.For a stable healthy relationship despite all the distance and differences.

24.For the good health and happiness of my parents and brother.

25.For just being alive.