250th post

Why are milestones so important? Like 100^th (If you are the producer of a movie that is doing well), 21^{st (} (if you are a guy in India, who can’t wait to get married!) ,50^th (Sounds important for anything!) ? Maybe it is because we all need to see that we are going somewhere, progressing somehow, moving—going in the right direction.(Or some direction, as long as one is moving) Maybe it is because we need to mark our achievements, our tiny successes, how far we have come. Anyway—this is my 250^th post.

Blogging has really given a new direction to my life, opening up a career path, which I really had not envisaged. While at college, I had won many Inter-college and Inter University creative writing competitions. After that, I moved on with life, and writing took a back seat. But it continued to be my refuge, the safe place that I could wrap myself in, when the rest of the world didn’t understand. I wrote poetry, short stories, humorous anecdotes, musings, (But did not share it with anyone) and long long letters to close friends. Years went by—times changed and the Internet took over. Self publishing, using blogs,really appealed to me and I took baby step hesitatingly.(Is it okay to put stuff on the Internet, if so how much, what etc were questions that worried me) Gradually I proceeded and I am so glad I did.

An editor of a magazine liked one of my posts and felt I had real talent in writing. He wanted me to write a piece for his magazine, which I did. They liked it a lot, and wanted me to write more. Then I started writing for a newspaper and also for a few other magazines---and before I knew it, I had become a ‘writer’. Funny, how life takes its own turns, once you take a step, even a tiny one.

I also met Niall who has become one of my closest friends, only through my blog. Our meeting was not just restricted to virtual; we met in real world too, when I travelled to U.K. The paintings which Niall gifted me continue to be one of my most treasured possessions.

I also made some great friends through the blog—some of whom I have met and a few I yet have to meet.(But I have no doubt that surely I will be meeting them soon)

Reaching this 250^th milestone has been a long journey for me, and I have gained so much. Your comments have been so encouraging and I feel honoured and privileged when so many of you write to me, sharing bits of your life. I always respond to each and every mail I get. (Just by the tiniest of chances if I have missed your mail, please let me know and I shall make amends)

So, this just a post to say a deep and a heartfelt thanks—for being kind enough to read, leave comments, come back each time I write and making me feel like I really matter.