Author: Sanjay Sabarwal

This past weekend came at the heels of a busy week with a new schedule and efforts by me to corral my growing legal clients and tasks with a business coach and an existing CRM that I purchased 6 months but failed to take advantage. It was also a week of five 5am crossfit workouts and doing something with Zyan each night, and it felt I got more done this past week than I had the previous month!

And then came the gatherings that established new relationships, hardened existing ones, and created gratitude for those that were in my life. 3 events in days, a BNI holiday party, a friendsgiving and then going to San Diego to visit my sister in law and her family. But the kind of weekend that rejuvenates rather than exhausts, where one fills themselves with warm conversation, deep hugs, and full throated laughter.

And 2024 is still not done. First week of December and my amazement grows at the progress and fruits of doing things that matter, being around people who only wish the best for you, and colleagues who go above and beyond in recommending your business to others. I cant wait for what 2025 has to offer because in this moment, right now, I am beyond thankful for thats in my life.

For me who tries to be in gratitude as often as possible, Thanksgiving is Manna from heaven as we get a chance to sound out whats in our hearts. The best part was that we were blessed to have 2 events, one with family and another with extended family. Watching my wife in awe as she transformed our place into a place full of thankfulness for our little one, and the ones who are in love with him. The entire day was spent watching Zyan fully enjoy all those are just cannot get enough of him (neither can I).

Looking back, the day went by way too fast, and I wish I could have slowed down more to take it in more, but here I am and this works too. I get to visualize the smiles, laughter, the sheer amount of food, and the general feel good buzziness (my word) of being around people you deeply care for. I do wish I was more of a help to my wife, but my creativity unfortunately ends at writing, but I do resolve to do better.

Its hard to believe that we are in the last month of December of 2024, and 2025 awaits us. Its no wonder we have such a great holiday near the end of the year to truly appreciate all that we have rather than what we don’t. Sure, there were lessons, and opportunities to be better, but on this one day we also got to truly revel in the greatness that is our life.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving all.

This past weekend was a celebration for Zyan turning 2 years old (which I still find hard to believe), and if my wife had her way we would celebrate him for the whole month, and for good reason. This little boy has brought so much joy, happiness and gratitude into not just our lives, but our entire family, and our loved congregation of friends, colleagues and acquaintances. He even has me talking in cliches because I truly cannot explain what comes in our mornings where we play, and babble at each other, and then seeing his personality comes through as he learns to communicate (forcefully) whats his needs are,

Each moment still holds a special sparkle, and I cannot help not be able to relate to those who warn me about the terrible 2s because I just find him so darn adorable which makes me the softie parent and unfair to my wife who bears the brunt of his rapid emotional changes. Yet even she cannot help looking at him in amazement because he makes us whole. We cannot hide our joy when we see him interact with the grandparents, his uncles, aunts, cousins, and then others. He’s our own special holiday rom com movie that we just had to give him multiple events to which everyone not only gladly showed up, but spent many hours supporting us in creating moments that will last us a long time.

It’s a good sign when there are far too many names to list in thanking for helping us show Zyan how truly loved he is by all, and how he makes our lives so much better. Happy Birthday again Zyan. Papa (and Mama) love you!

Today is my parents anniversary, and my nephew is about to have yet another surgery for his seizures. Its a day tinged with sadness, worry with a sprinkle of courage and, gratitude. There is a strong temptation to wallow in grief and anxiousness yet that serves no one, and just make a hard day even harder. Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that you don’t give breath to these feelings, but making it your only method of surviving guarantees a recipe of wanting to give up.

Acknowledging is the first step, and letting it out the next, but what isn’t okay is letting our fears run the day or the what if’s or could have beens or one of the many bad events that run across the mind. Today is about getting through. Its being around loved ones. Its sharing the feelings, but not letting it define you. Its seeking or accepting support. Its okay to lean on loved ones, for them to reach out and you grab their hand, hug or kiss. Whats makes this harder is going at it alone, not letting others be the ground.

Sharing even this much took a out of me. Fear just around the corner, and grief my constant companion, yet I refuse to let a single day be the template for my fears. Picturing my nephew smiling and revisiting my parents happy moments is the fuel for the day.

Love moves this day forward.