by PRIYA MULJI
WHEN I first moved to London in June 2012, I never thought I would be where I am today. I thought that by the age of 37, I would be a homeowner, perhaps married with a child or at least a dog and that I would have a slightly better work position. That’s not turned out to be completely accurate, but life has taken on some significant turns this year, which I am going to share with you. Without change, we would be stuck in one place and that would be very boring.
One of the major changes in my life was love. I met an amazing guy on the dating app Hinge in April and that has developed into a fully-fledged, quite serious relationship. My name for him is the Desi Mr Big because, well I’m the Asian Carrie Brawdshaw and he’s a tall, handsome guy. He’s been absolutely lovely in the six months we have been official, and it really made me think about my views on relationships. As someone in their late-thirties who has mostly dated men from the same background, this relationship bought challenges around faith and cultures. I realised that all relationships are not perfect. That people on the outside will show you their version of perfect, but in reality both of you have to work hard and compromise.
And who said a relationship is easy? It’s a beautiful journey, and I am learning from it every day. A major challenge this year has been my health. In January, I developed a painful and disgusting ulcer on my leg. I had to visit the nurse twice a week for five months to have my dressings changed. It really knocked my confidence, stopped me from doing so many things I loved, such as going to the gym, hot yoga and wearing summery clothes. However, it made me appreciate so many small things in life, like we shouldn’t ever take for granted the NHS or your local GP nurse or being able to go out in shorts when the weather is warm.
My affirmation for 2020 is to give all the love I possibly can. To give love to my partner, family and friends. To give my writing more love, which admittedly I have lacked this year. Next year, I will be back, and better than ever. I am also thankful for my past. Yes, I may not be where I wanted to be, but I will get there. That may not be next year or even the year after, but right now I’m where I’m supposed to be and that makes me happy.
My last quote for 2019 for you comes from Mehmet Murat Ildan “In the New Year, never forget to say thank you to your past years because they enabled you to reach today. Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future.”
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Samira Ahmed
Sangita Myska 
Ritula Shah 
Rushanara Ali
Suella Braverman
Baroness Pola Uddin
Priti Patel
And ,the plaque honouring those who fought in the Battle of Kohima
