Year 8 - Be a Rainbow in someone else's cloud

Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan
67


“I may not have gone where I intended to go, 
but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” 
― Douglas Adams.


Tony Blair. Dubyaman. Mangal Pandey. Salaam Namaste. Batman Begins. Revenge of the Sith.  'Don't cha wish your girlfriend...'. John Cena winning his first WWE World Championship belt.

That's how old this blog is.
Godyears completes 7 years this month-end. That's a long time by any standards.



7 years. A rainbow cake seemed appropriate.


Statistically speaking :
Year 5 - 2 blogs, 322 posts, 3333 comments, 072702 page views. 
Year 6 - 2 blogs, 361 posts, 3990 comments, 100908 page views and 6 published stories.
Year 7 - 3 blogs, 432 posts, 5936 comments, 143942 page views and 10 published stories.


It has been an eventful year, not just for me but for the blog as well. 
If ever there was a case of the creation carrying the creator through a tumultuous year, this was it. There have been awesome highs and crazy lows too.
Some of Year 7's best moments undoubtedly were :
  • Returning back to the hospital I literally lived in for 3 years, now as a guest as I attended a book conference as a co-author. ( Note to self : Scratch off bucket list )
  • Ridiculous as it sounds, I was chosen as a Premium Blogger of India ( Top 10 ) by Blogadda. I'm still waiting for their call telling me 'Really ! You thought we were serious ?!"
  • More stories got published, both online and in print. That was heartening - I needed to prove to myself that it wasn't a flash in the pan.

Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud
 - Maya Angelou

More importantly, I finally embraced change. 
From the starting posts in 2005 till 2011, there were umpteen warning signs of me being a doormat and letting people walk all over me. I was too busy thinking of everyone else's opinion of me and being a people pleaser. 
That changed over the last year. 
I consciously turned my back on dozens of fair-weather friends who I always knew were using me but just didn't want to disappoint. 

Instead this year, I made a conscious effort to be there for those who I felt needed me genuinely. Many were too low or depressed to seek help and were turning away from their friends. I recognised the symptoms easily : it's what I've done in the past. 

It was important for me to show them that, irrespective of the insults and lies being said about them, there was someone who still remembered they were good at heart and wasn't going to be swayed by the manipulation of wealth and frauds. 

And it has borne fruit - while many of their ships still sail through turbulent waves, they now know to laugh and see the bright side... to see the frustration behind their enemies taunts... to believe in themselves again. They know that if one guy believes in them, there will be others around as well. New blogger buddies, friendships that were lost over years and some which were never really close while we stood beside each other have strengthened over this year and hopefully, these bonds I cherish will last once the waves subside. 


Luckily for me, to balance the serious tones of Godyears 7.0 , there was also The Appletini, which is my holiday retreat from the real world. Filled with trivia on movies, actors, books and music, it's probably the only place where you're gonna have HellBoy, Mohanlal, Phil Collins and Denzel Washington all at the same place. Oh, that reminds me, I also got to meet some Mallu and Bollywood movie stars in real life ( but more on that another day. ) 


Me with Elvis. Yes, the King is alive. He's just in hiding.

Anyway, if the Mayans and aliens don't get us all in the coming month, here's looking forward to a brand new year of fun, laughter, insights and opinions. 
Cheers everyone. Keep blogging. The way things are going, bloggers and tweeters maybe the only sane voices this country has soon.

P.S. Nowadays, it's become popular to put up a teaser for a movie trailer - a trailer for the trailer, basically. If you want a teaser of what's coming up in year 8 of Godyears, well -  here's a hint

Post a Comment

67Comments

Let me know what you think.

  1. Congratulations...7 years young and going strong...Wishing you more success in the coming years.. The cake looked tempting...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much.. 7 years young indeed :) I'm probably an 80 year old geriatric if you convert blogyears into human years :)

      Delete
  2. Wow 7 years is a lot of time! It shows one quality- the patience and perseverance to write. Most the bloggers including me love writing but its something to keep writing a blog for 7 years and not ditch it :)
    I m totally looking forward to more posts and more stories from you.. While you mentioned a guest post for DOV for pregnant women, I just sent you request to write so that women don't become pregnant :D :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks... I'm surprised as well at how long its been - and at my own commitment :) But writing is my stress reliever and blogging has been cathartic.

      And yes, not letting the girl get pregnant is on my 'to-do' list :D

      Delete
  3. Congrats! No 7-year-itch I hope :). I started reading you very late, but I like what I read here. Congrats to all the milestones. And, here's wishing you loads more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 7 year joint aches and love handles maybe, but no 7 year itch to change over to a new passion like painting :D

      Thanks very much.

      Delete
  4. Congrats buddy...glad to know about how the blog is making a difference in peoples lives...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Danny.. glad to hear that too from many people. Hopefully, the whole 'Pay it forward' karma will kick in and indirectly help more ppl

      Delete
  5. Woohooo 7 years is a longgg time :) this is great. I am so happy for all your achievements. Good luck for many more such milestones in the future. I am glad to have known another Aquarius in the blog world. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks.. and yes, welcome aboard the league of Extraordinary Aquarians... when we Aquarians take over the world, we'll show em how to really run it :)

      Delete
  6. Congrats doc!! We need party!!! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha...one schezwan fried rice from canteen again :D

      Delete
  7. Your 7-year itch surfaced early, in the fifth year. That's when you started cheating on Godyears with another blog no? And now there's a third. Dude, control!

    :p

    On a more serious note, congrats, doc! 7 years of consistent and one-better-than-the-previous post is a mighty accomplishment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right. I have been having concubine blogs for awhile now, havent I ? "Its isnt my fault. I wasnt getting all the happiness I wanted here. After the first year, the blog changed so much. It wasn't the same blog I made a commitment with. thats what made me turn towards other blogs for comfort!" :D

      And thanks... compared to the earlier posts, there is definitely more maturity ( from crayons to pencils - not yet mature enough to be given a pen to write with ) :D

      Delete
  8. 7 Years!! That's so amazing! Hearty congratulations for this Super Cool Milestone achievement! Looking forward to more stories from you!
    Cheers :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Shilpa.. touchwood, there will be more posts to hold people's attention in the days to come.

      Delete
  9. Congratulations, Dr. Roshan!!!! You deserve every crumb of that cake!This is one of the most entertaining blogs around and I hope you continue to change lives :-)!!! P.S. Congrats are also in order for your upcoming 8th year releases!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks BeingFab. Hopefully, I can keep a smile on people's face or get them thinking beyond the routine for years to come.
      And yes, regarding the book release, thanks for that too. Something I look forward to myself.

      Delete
  10. Congratulations Dr.Roshan. I reached Godyears in the 7th year and needless to say I have absolutely fallen in love with your Blog :) I have read all your posts now and there is not even one that has not got me laughing or thinking.
    And thanks to you for luring me into Blogosphere and inspiring me to start blogging. I have mentioned it here : http://anditooblog.wordpress.com/how-what-why/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seena, that is the best compliment you could have given me.. its like a present to go with the cake :)
      Have added a link to it in my 'Accolades' page

      Delete
  11. My best wishes.
    7 yeras of good content is an achievment.
    Keep it up

    ReplyDelete
  12. congrats Dr. Roshan, I love reading your blog, its here to stay for many more years!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

    that is by far the best looking cake I have ever seen!! wish I could have a piece of it too!!

    7 years ?!! wow!! that is amazing..and reading your statistics, was even more inspirational! wishing your blog many more such amazing achievements and lots and lots of great birthdays too! cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TLP,
      I wish I could try out that cake too :)
      And thanks... its been a looong time in blogyears. But its been fun nonetheless.

      Delete
  14. nice cake :D

    i like ur blog..its straight forward,humorous and its by a medico..keep writing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Brocas, you're one of the old-timers with me - your comments have been there for many years now :)

      Delete
  15. We're growing old together!!! Happpy 7th to Godyears. Wonder what 17th would be like :)

    Roshan, you've coverered all genres here but I never read anything related to you and the wifey! Is it that guy thing where you all dont talk about personal stuff much?? Sorry if I'm crossing a line!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True, soon the two of us will be getting gift 'rocking-chairs' to sit on and knit sweaters by the new kids on the blogosphere :)
      As for the second bit, oh there would be some stories to tell ... but thats for another day.

      "Dont talk about personal stuff much" I shared my origins of SpiderBatButt - Indian Superhero !! Even Spiderman took 2 full movies to share it with his gal :)

      Delete
  16. Congratulations! I loved the quote by Adams. It was a privilege to read about the journey of the author in you. To be sure, I could identify with many emotions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In between all the madness, Douglas Adams has some brilliant quotes as well :)
      And thank you. That means a lot coming from you.

      Delete
  17. Hope to read you for many many more. OMG but 7 is a long time!
    And only wonderful people with caring hearts can spread happiness. Keep spreading the smiles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Alka.
      Yes, its been a really long time. I was still an MBBS resident when I started. That feels like a lifetime ago.

      Delete
  18. Congrats, Roshan! Those sure are some milestones to be proud of. May you blog and spread cheer for many years more. Being a rainbow in someone's cloud is a great thing to be. All the very best :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :)
      Hopefully, there will be more to keep the audience laughing and guessing for the next few years as well.

      Delete
  19. Seven years is a proof of passion. You know, when I started my blog, and was one year in it, many people who visited it started their own. But it did not become successful simply because they found the task of updating it painful. Not because they dint have the flair of writing. So seven years puts you in a different level altogether. Medical awareness posts, fun posts, reviews, short stories, I have enjoyed it all and there is a lot to learn from you. Keep up and hoping to read more from here. You have the gift.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anita... it has been a long journey, no doubt of that.. but it has been fun to be creative and try all sorts of genres in this one site as well..

      Delete
  20. Congratulations !!Seven years and going stronger..you are an inspiration to many,including me.Wish I had started reading your works earlier but as they say...der aayad ,durust aayad. Best wishes always!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats ...many more mile-stones to cover. Seven yrs is a good time in blogging .. keep up the good work!!..
    first time I came to your blog was through a friend ..I thought this guy looks like a movie buff but when I read abt you profession found it interesting .. so thought ..hopping in and reading more stuff :)
    it always fun some interesting some comic ..but worth reading (even If I don't comment)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Harman... I've always tried to have all genres in here.. its true though that I am a movie buff.. thats why i made the new blog theappletini just for that :)

      Delete
  22. Congratulations!
    I started reading you quite late but I am glad that I discovered you.
    Here's to more of Godyears! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks man... in many ways, I can say the same of your site as well :)

      Delete
  23. I thought I left a comment, dont know where it went :/

    But congratulations, now that you have completed 7 years in blogosphere. You have to send each of your reader 7 gifts her choice. Dont worry I will mail you my choices ASAP :D :D :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 7 gifts of her choice... gee, its a good thing my fairy god mother is waiting beside me to fulfil wishes the moment she gets the lists :)
      Which reminds me - weren't you supposed to be reporting for duty as my bodyguard ( Premium Blogger post related )

      Delete
    2. Weren't you supposed to send me bodyguard's salary in advance ? :D :D

      Delete
    3. Your cheque is in the mail ! Now quick, get into the first auto u see and say 'To the Premium Blogger !!'

      Remember, you have to assist me in confiscating Mc Donald burgers as well.

      Delete
  24. congratzz... that was really awesome to read through ur post Seven great years... and i reach here in this 7th year :)
    & yes that cake itz really tempting okke... you can't leave us like this.. need a treat!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha... definitely.Go to the best bakery/cake shop in town and have the most lavish cake there... when they hand over the bill, just say my name and walk out :)

      Delete
    2. ohh really and do u think they will leave me by just hearing your name... :)
      & plz check my blog... here it goes :)
      http://timetoseedreamzz.blogspot.in/

      Delete
    3. You're right... the local bakeries wouldnt know me... try it in a 5 star hotel :D

      Delete
  25. Congratulations on the 7 years!!! :D Many more to come.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congrats a million times over...i miss blogging so much that i'm planning to cum bak in full swing wid nothe blog wearing nother identity only my siblings n total strangers will get to kno abt...wat wid juggling wid lives demands(my baby is a new and irresistable addition in my life btw) i've got to keep 'following' your blog to keep up the inspiration...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congrats on the new addition :) I think that itself can be an inspiration for new posts :D

      Delete
  27. Awesome Doctor! 7 years into blogging.. I recently completed 3 years and was elated to say the least. 7 years is quite an experience. Also, you have statistically spoken very well :D

    Congratulations. And yes, you have healthly competition in year 8 - YOU! :) All the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Binu... seems so long ago that I started writing... I mean, Batman Begins had just gotten released !! Thats old.
      And yes, lets see how I can improve myself in the coming year

      Delete
  28. Congrats Doc! Stats don't lie. You rock .... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. WonderfuldestinyNovember 30, 2012

    Congratulations, Roshan aka energizer bunny! Keep it going for several more years to come. I have plans to make my two Aquarian sons read your posts - to be inspired, to think, to laugh and to cry. You need to keep my interest in your blog alive until they are ready - they are 4 and 1 years old ;) Just keep doing whatever you are doing and you will make the world a better place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the sweetest and most cherished comments Ive ever received here at Godyears :) Thank you WD... I mean that.

      Delete
  30. congratulations doc! what a wonderful milestone and great way to celebrate :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nags... you too fall in my category - we are old timers here at blogworld :D

      Delete
  31. Fantastic, Roshan. Congratulations to you. 7 years is a huge milestone indeed. To see that you haven't lost your zeal and continue to turn out fantastic posts, is very inspiring! Good luck with the plans for Year 8.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Corinne... it means a lot. And yes , even I'm surprised that I've not lost the interest to write even after all these years.

      Delete
  32. Thanks Punam... dont know about pro-blogger, but I'm definitely an old timer now :D

    And thanks for the encouragement

    ReplyDelete
Post a Comment