I wrote this in Joshua Tree National Park, but my internet connection was spotty, so you are receiving it a few days later. Like the last one, this newsletter will deviate from my usual format. I'll be telling a bit of a story interspersed with photos I took on my phone last year.

Before we go further, I'll mention an essay I just published. It's the update to my desk setup. Last year's edition was quite fun to write and equally fun to share. Plenty of you responded with your setups. This year's desk setup is an evolution. It adapted as my needs changed.

Alright. Back to the story. I celebrated my birthday. My wife planned a family and friends getaway to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. 

Even though I've vacationed countless times, I'm again surprised by the rejuvenating power of time away. This vacation has let me leave my stresses at home and look at my life from some distance.

While previous birthday reflections focused a lot on me, I've been thinking a lot about other people this time. Perhaps it's a sign of age.

There have been many ups and downs, but the year was fantastic. Some of my fortune was, of course, due to luck. Another bit is due to my actions. Most is due to other people.

I'm thankful for having my sister and parents in my life. You three have always believed that I could do anything I set my mind to. You truly listened to me since I was a child and took my dreams seriously. That balance of support and freedom has given me the strength to change careers and pursue hobbies like this newsletter and my blog. 

I'm thankful to my wife. You know me unlike anyone else in my life, and can see my strengths and weaknesses better than I can. Your meticulous planning provides order in my life. Your creativity and urge to continue reinventing yourself are endlessly inspirational.

I'm thankful for my close friends. I wouldn't have gravitated towards the tech world or California if it weren't for you all. We have a unique culture whose foundations are deep thought, compassion, and humility. Every time we come together, I learn something about myself and the world.

I'm thankful to my teammates at Carrot. You have challenged me to be the best version of myself while joining me in our shared mission.

I'm thankful for all the inspirational people creating podcasts, blogs, and countless other things on the internet. Even though I haven't met most of you, I feel like I'm in your company. You all are the inspiration that keeps me creating day after day.

Lastly, I'd like to thank all of you. When I first started writing in public, I didn't yet have any readers, but I did have an idea of who I was writing for. Since then, you have all joined me and responded to my writing with thoughtful conversations and your own creative work. I've found that the reward for writing is not money or fame, but real human connection. 

Thank you all for one more fantastic year on earth. I hope we can all continue to grow and find ways to do good for each other.

That's it for this issue. As always, this is my personal email, so feel free to respond directly.

Stay safe and stay curious,
Arun Venkatesan