Discover & Learn

Today, was a day of full circle for me. As a Financial Planner, I meet with hundreds of people around the year, with different needs for investments, retirement planning, risk management and Estate planning . I learn from each of my clients every time I sit down for a meeting. Over the last fifteen years of my practice, I learned to listen, to observe, to empathize and be excited with every little goal we achieve together. Around October, last year, my colleague sent me an S.O.S message to come meet a client at the front desk. I could not recognize him when I saw him. I know him very well. A small business owner, he is a well known personality, loved by all his clients in our community, because of his endearing nature and his willingness to help others. I saw a man, completely broken, unable to make eye contact. He said, he lost his significant other just days ago. He came to me, because he needed to talk. This is a meeting I always dread, specially when I know the family very well. All I did was listen. We sat quietly for a while. My client finally said he was not ready to think any further. I said, we will take one day at a time. Today, I saw the gentleman and his work truck back at the work site. He saw me too. He came and hugged me and said " Thank you". It was his first day back at work. Today, I felt, I am proud of what I do. I am here to be together at every step of clients I see, through joy and sorrow. I thank my parents and teachers for today. My dad was a busy Police Officer. He taught me to look at the sky, feel the depth, keeping my feet well grounded on the green grass. I can still feel the warmth of earth, when I look at the sky. Before he passed away, his parting words were to " always enjoy every minute of your life. It is precious." My mother, was according to my dad, one in a million, with a million (volts of lifeforce). These days, she forgets her surroundings often. But when she is there, she still fills the world around with love. She taught me to put my whole heart into what I do every day. My music teacher Jayanti Purkayastha! I remember, days just learning to listen to one single tune for two hours. As much as I felt impatient then, learning to listen to that one tune, and recognize the same, taught me to listen without a bias. My teachers Debashis and Sushmita RayChowdhury, taught me to look straight into the eye of the audience, even if I could not see their face from the arc light of the stage. They taught me to be patient to find the eye that follows me. And finally Santa Clause.. Yes, he taught me the dedication of loving people around. I am so blessed to do what I do every day!

As we say good bye to 2025, I want to take a moment to look back and say THANK YOU to a wonderful year that gave me so much! Every day is the beginning of a new year for me. It is a privilege that we wake up every morning to start a brand new day with new outlook, and new life. This year, I wanted to be like Buffy, my black Lab-husky, that came and joined my pack from a rescue shelter in Innisfail, back in 2017. From being a super scared little puppy, Buffy turned out to be a beautiful dog, who cares for no negativity at all. She joined an agility class with me. She graduated with Police Canines. She was one of those students in her class, where the instructor feels thankful, that the student is not coming back . I admire the patience her instructor showed for her over those two months. Buffy doesnt care. She enjoyed her time enormously. She obeyed all the rules, stayed disciplined and barely passed. She was there to take and make her own spot and never let go of her joyful nature. She knows her worth and knows that she can still make space on our laps on a reading chair. Taking life lessons from her, I ran 5 long distance races this year. I was one of the last of few of the runners but I finished each of the races. I ran the Banff course, first time ever and then a half Marathon in Drumheller, running through Hoodoos. I learnt to find grip on a ground, that even horses would not like to trade on. Then I went back to see my teachers in India, who inflicted the steel nerve in me to be on public speaking, managing huge crowd This is where I learned how to use my love for arts to help others through fund raising events. And no I still sing only in Bathrooms. I met this world known artist, painter and dancer this year. It was humbling to be just near her. Or even getting an autograph from another actor on the flight. I thank all my friends, family and colleagues, who walked with me the path of 2025, those who cheered for me while I finished each of my long races or just whispered softly never to give up! Here is wishing a wonderful and happy new year to all ! May we all rise and shine with peace and happiness!