Harshee's Lit Lounge

December is here, and with it, the quiet but undeniable signal that the year is winding down. Christmas lights are twinkling, the air feels softer somehow, and everything around me is slowing just enough to let me catch my breath. With midterms finally behind me and my bags half-packed for my upcoming trip to Turkey, I find myself reflecting on the year that was—each moment, like a Polaroid, shifting from the chaos of yesterday to the clarity of now. It’s funny how this time of year always feels like a natural pause button. A gentle invitation to glance back before we leap forward. In the blink of an eye, the year is nearly gone, and yet, somehow, everything has changed—and stayed the same—all at once.

Let’s start with the messy parts, because, honestly, they’ve shaped me just as much as the easy wins. This year was a rollercoaster of uncertainty, especially when I found myself questioning whether engineering was ever truly my path. There were sleepless nights filled with self-doubt, wondering if I was falling behind, or if everyone else had their future all figured out while I was still stuck in a fog. Searching for a new major felt like standing at a crossroads with no GPS. But that confusion? It taught me to tune in to my inner voice. Choosing psychology wasn’t a dramatic “aha” moment, but a quiet, steady realization that it felt right. Not loud. Not flashy. Just… peaceful.

And then, the highs. They came softly, but they came. May brought a trip to Dubai, a much-needed reset filled with endless sunshine and new memories. It reminded me how vast the world is, and how small my worries really are in the grand scheme of things. Then, in October, I started college. Terrifying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely. But it also brought people into my life who now feel like home—friends to laugh with, late-night chats that stretch into the early morning, and that quiet reassurance that I’m not walking this path alone.

Somewhere in the midst of all this, Formula 1 quietly but surely took over my soul. I found my driver in Oscar Piastri, believed in the dream of a World Drivers’ Championship (WDC), watched it slip away (#McLarenSucks), and immediately hopped onto the 2026 hopium train. Logic? Left the chat. But hope? It’s still hanging on strong.

Oh, and I turned 18 this year. Technically an adult now, but emotionally? Still very much a kid. But, thankfully, family moments have kept me grounded—shared meals, music-filled car rides, and laughter that feels like home, no matter how far away I get.

And, of course, I launched this blog, Harshee’s Lit Lounge. It’s been a space where I can claim a little corner of the internet for myself—a place to reflect, ramble, and be real. And, for that, I’m beyond grateful.

So here I am, dear readers, signing off for the year. A little unsure, a little wiser, but mostly just deeply grateful for the people, moments, and lessons that have shaped me. I’m ready for whatever comes next—and I can’t wait to share more stories with you in the new year. Until then, sending all my love and good vibes your way.

Love,

Harsheeta 💌