This post won the first place in #TalesOf2015 in association with Blogadda.
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Do more than just exist
2015 was indeed my year to do what I could than just exist. After a painful and full-of-experience 2014, 2015 was my year to rise and shine. I had severe health issues and after slowly recovering from it, a new year was something I was badly looking forward to. I remember how my morale was boosted when in late 2014, I received a mail from a Literary Magazine wanting to feature my work in their upcoming issue and the print copy of the magazine, ultimately brimmed my senses to rise forward and do what I always should have done- be successful!
I eventually started to blog again after a long period of inactivity, in January 2015 and participated in a few literary contests, amongst which I won a Prompt Contest by an Indian Literary Magazine and also a money prize. It was the best feeling and one, enough to boost my self-confidence.
If there is no way, create one
That moment I realized that my destiny and strength depends on my attitude. And if I need to search for happiness and live a contented life, I need to create my own path. Hence, 2015 was my year of self-discovery and my blogging journey. I soon stumbled upon a number of blogging networks and communities and became a part of them. With every growing week and month, the opportunities grew and so did my social network. I started to monetize my blog and accepted brand collaboration opportunities.
Blogging was many years ago, just a personal thing, so was it the same to me, until recently, when I realized that we can earn a recognition and a profession through it.
I remember my very first blogger meet- #WIN15 by Blogadda and I must say, I was damn nervous, but what impressed me was how we all were represented by our blogs, as if it was our true identity. That one feeling has truly stayed with me.
I’m thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strength
At times, when I look back at that painful phase of my life, I feel proud of how my despair and struggle earned me a beautiful transition, where I had evolved more better and great.
I had a dream since sometime to win the #TATALiteratureLIVE! #MyStory Contest and in 2015, I began the preparation early. I literally mailed and messaged all my 2500 followers, friends, family, relatives, acquaintances to vote for my entry and make me win. I did achieve it, as I ranked 2nd in the Most Voted Category. But then there was a twist. The Jury selected 3 entries from the 10 Most Voted Entries on the basis of merit and they ranked me no. 1. That moment, I was filled with immense content and joy. I was glad to see my dream come true.
Another such massive achievement was when I won the #SugarFreeDessertChallenge. To be frank, when I participated in the contest, I was least interested in winning, as I didn’t wanted to feature on the TV and had inhibitions. But when I saw the results and me as a winner, I was happy and nervous, and that moment, I decided that I have to go with my destiny and be happy with the opportunity I got.
The entire experience of recreating the dessert at the Food Studio, the ambiance, the lively participants, the aroma of mesmerizing and variant desserts from all over India and the meet with the most celebrated Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was a unique one and a forever-cherishing phase.
The biggest change I did in 2015 was to rename my blog, according to the niche and that was indeed an important and needed decision. I was worried about its outcome and results, but eventually, everything went well and all my followers, readers and friends accepted it.
If you want something you never had,
You have to do something you’ve never done
The best part of 2015 being how I overcame my biggest fears. I always had this stage-fear which made me lose out on great opportunities, like teaching Management and I.T in a reputed Management College in Mumbai. I was so scared to face the audience that even teaching school students was a big task for me. But finally in December, I was encouraged and motivated by my Sir who wanted me to share my knowledge and in a way, persuaded me to let it happen. And, after the initial moments of sheer nervousness and fright, I eventually became comfortable with the students and today, I teach High School Students in my free time. This is a matter of success to me, indeed!
One great moments of 2015 was the growth of my creativity, as my amateur art of hand-lettering and doodle was appreciated, accepted and recognized. I had an awesome time in working for reputed Indian and International Design Companies like FREECultr and VIDA.
Today, with the end of a life-changing 2015, I have learned that our skills and talents never go wasted and we can never know, when will they be of our help. I also learned to be happy of what I received and earned, and accept the things as they come, and most importantly, the fact that our struggles only help us to grow and prosper.
So what would I carry forward in 2016? Well, my attitude of perseverance, confidence and inspiration. And the lesson I learnt that, “We may never know until we try!”
The best feeling in the whole world is watching things finally fall into place after watching them fall apart for so long
I’m sharing my #TalesOf2015 with BlogAdda.
Nice post 🙂 Hope you win..
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Thank you 🙂 Appreciate it !
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This is an account of fulfilling year worded in very nice and inspiring manner. The well written post displays both your talent and intent to work hard. Kudos.
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Thank you Saket Sir. I’m obliged 🙂
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A comprehensive post. I liked how you weaved your achievements into your success.
Best wishes for another rocking year!
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Thank u so much! Your wishes are most welcome Sir 🙂
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Great post inspiring everyone to not quit when things do not fall into place. Glad to know that all your efforts paid off and you had a great year. Wishing you all the success in 2016 as well.
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Yea, thank u for the comment 🙂
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This is so inspiring… congratulations for all those milestones…. and kudos to all the hard work behind them… Hope this year turns out to be even more awesome… my best wishes… but don’t forget to take care of your health…☺
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Thank u ! Glad I’m of inspiration to you. Yea, I’ll 🙂
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☺
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Congrats for your accomplishments and wish you many more laurels in the years to come.
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Thank u ! 🙂
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2015 was indeed happening for you. Wishing you an even more wonderful and successful year. Great post!
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Yea it was! Thank u 🙂
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Wow! 2015 was indeed your year, girl. So many achievements and I can understand the amount of hard work you have put into it.
It was a great read, Amreen. Keep shining dear. God bless 🙂
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Yea, I too agree! Thank you Purba for your wishes and wish the same to u 🙂
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That is fantastic to read and know. I will cal it undying attitude that inspires you to achieve best. All best!
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Thank you! Indeed, I agree. Glad it inspired u 🙂
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I will miss that possibility of meeting you which had gone, but I see how awesome 2015 has been for you! Hope 2016 brings something even better 🙂
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Yea 🙂 Thank u and sure to meet u soon 🙂
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Nice Post ! Best Wishes for year 2016
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Thank you 🙂 Wish the same to u !
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Thank You to !
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I can just say, “I’m inspired 🙂 “
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Thank u ! 🙂
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Nice post Amreen! Hope this year is even better! Good luck.
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Thank you Shivani! Indeed, it will be 🙂
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nicely written
http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.in/2015/12/maybelline-baby-lips-berry-sherbet-up-lip-balm-review-lotd.html
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Thank you! Will have a look at your work too soon 🙂
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Very inspiring post ! Lots of Blessings for the coming year 🙂 https://writeintent1.wordpress.com/2016/01/10/from-despair-to-hope-an-insightful-experience/comment-page-1/#comment-20
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Thank you! Glad it inspired you! Keep coming 🙂 Have a nice day!
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Congratulations! The post about your achievements became another winner 😀 Happy for you Amreen; for all the goodness 2015 gave you; for the courage and confidence that lifted you. And I know you’ve picked only the best of your laurels for there were others like motoE and Tiny Owl posts that were great too. Wishing 2016 to fill even more fond memories in your life!
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Thank you Nan! I agree, I always look on the brighter side. Thank you for your wishes and I wish the same for you. God bless 🙂
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Wonderful post Amreen.. You look beautiful in the picture with Sanjeev Kapoor ji…I hope all the coming years will be like 2015 🙂 Wish you lot more success and love… Have fun 🙂 Take care of yourself and be happy. 🙂
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This is so great Amreen! I was going to ask if you’d changed the look of your blog. It’s wonderful and inviting. I’m so pleased to hear about all of your success. You’re truly an inspiration!
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Hey thank you so much K! I’m glad u like the design. Have a nice day sweets! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
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