Steemit Engagement Challenge-S14W6 | Memories of 2023

Hey Steemian friends!

Just like that, we're into 2024! Are you excited? I’m sure many will be, but man, this is going to be the hardest year yet for us Sri Lankans because we got a New Year’s gift from our government: 18% VAT on everything + Tax increase for every individual who is 18+. Yeah... just like that, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Especially to us Sri Lankans 😃.

👉 Are memories play important role in your life?

It really does in this chaotic life! The simple moments which can create memories are the peaceful escape for our souls. Those chat over tea, the joy in shared laughter, and the comfort in a friend's presence! all these life events could become memories that shape the humans we are right now. And whatever the memories we're making now, will shape who we become in the future. As we navigate through the challenges, let's not forget to pause, savor, and create memories that will be the guiding stars in our journey through 2024 and beyond.

👉 Share any best memory of 2023

Ah, 2023 was a good year overall. I will check my gallery to share all the best moments in 2023.

My first memory of the year is to travel to Adam's Peak with my family on my birthday. This is I'm sure going to last in my memory forever. Because I wanted to see the sunrise on top of this mountain on my birthday and the second this was the first time my parents did such an adventure climbing such a high mountain. I'm glad I could spend those moments with my parents.

^{Enjoying the train ride to Adam's Peak with my family!}

Then in February, I went to experience my first food festival experience with my friends. This was kind of a new trend at that time in Sri Lanka and most of the cities had such festivals organized without any real reason to celebrate! 😅 However, we enjoyed the food we hadn't experienced and it was quite a good night!

^{Enjoying Pani Puri for the first time 🙈 My wife's face says it all}

Then came the Sinhalese New Year in April. Oh that's the most fun filled part of the year and I usually don't even sleep in this period of time. Because for us it's complete freedom from our families and doing games we love for day and night for around 03 days.

^{Taking a break from the world for three days! It's me time 💪}

^{A game of cricket with cousin brothers is pure happiness}

Next up, is a family outing with my school friend in May. You know that bringing everyone together for such gatherings is quite a task but finally ten agreed on a date and we were at the same place after a decade. Once again a memory which would be in my heart for many long years and I'm not sure whether we could do it again with everyone, but let's see in the future.

^{Back to the good old school days}

August brought my father's birthday celebration to the agenda. We went to a natural river for a bath, and I surprised him with a cake on a rock. The moment left him stunned! We weren't in our best suits for a celebration, but it turned into a unique and memorable occasion.

^{A unique birthday celebration for my father}

Then in September I went to my wife's village to witness vibrant Perahera (procession) which I never thought would be a such memorable event. It was fantastic and that was the first time I had seen such cultural wonder. It was all on display right middle of the street for about a good two hours.

^{It was a whole new experience for me | These bears we consider as devils}

The last Christmas lit up Colombo in the most vibrant way. Sri Lanka Tourism came up with a new tagline "You'll Come Back For More," turning the entire city into a tourism spectacle with a dazzling display of lights. It was a fantastic night, particularly considering the country's recent challenges with electricity shortages! 😅

^{Will you come back for more?}

So those are some special moments which I will carry in my memory for some years. Wonderful to recall them again.

👉 Share any worst memory of 2023

There are memories we wish we could bury so deep, hoping they never come back. It's tough to bring them up and put into words exactly how I'm feeling. In very short, someone close to me decided to end her life. It's really hard to shake off those memories, and when someone does that, you can't help but wonder "why!" Living without knowing the exact reason for such a decision makes me feel miserable. This will be the most heartbreaking memory for ages, and I sincerely hope no one has to face such a choice in life. If you ever need someone to talk to or seek support, please do it. Because seeking help is a courageous step than leaving your loved ones miserable.

Thank you for this interesting contest @hive-126193 (Steem Fashion&Style). Looking forward to taking on the next week’s challenge. I would like to invite @tenguhatanga, @wilmer1988 & @yokondap to participate in this contest.

Thank you.

Peace to all 🙏

^{All the images are from my gallery. Some images may have used in other contests by me.}