Navigating through life's transition

By Sampurna Chakraborty, B.A. Honours English

Design By Nandana

It was just yesterday it seems when holding onto my father's pinky finger, as a 10 year old girl, I went giggling and jumping to fetch an ice cream. And today I find myself buried underneath a magnanimous pile of responsibilities, surrounded by a plethora of books, in a new city among new people and navigating a new life. You know what's funny, that 10 rupees chocolate cone ice cream gave me such joy that no Baskin Robbins could ever!  I often wonder how life has transformed tremendously within a mere period of 2-3 years.

Just 2 years ago, on this very day, at this time I was sitting among friends, the ones who've seen me grow and evolve, have seen and accepted my shades of grey, and been my lifelong confidants. But today, I sit among people who've only seen the side of myself that I have chosen to show, that facets of my life that I have chosen to display. 

A big step toward adulting meant parting from the familiar warmth of familial ties, leaving behind the comforting embrace of home, and learning to deal with the trials and tribulations of life independently. The new city brought with itself a feeling of unfamiliarity. This life here feels different; the memories I create are solitary, contrasting with the shared laughter of family. Nostalgia lingers, tugging at my heart with memories of simpler days, yet a quiet voice reminds me that I'm here to carve a path of my own, adding to my growing mosaic of memories.

This transition isn’t necessarily bad; it’s just difficult to manoeuvre, a journey marked by both challenges and small victories. From a carefree child to a self-driven adult, I’m realising that each uncertain step forward is a part of becoming who I am meant to be. But this is what life is about - Navigating through Constant Transitions and Transformations yet emerging victorious in all hurdles that life throws towards you. Had my 10 year old self looked at me today, I'm sure she'd be proud.