In this deeply honest and reflective episode, we dive into the root of anxiety and overthinking—where it comes from, why it shows up, and how it often masks itself as intuition or “gut feelings.” We talk about how the need for control stems from past experiences where we felt helpless or hurt, and how our minds work overtime trying to predict every outcome to avoid going through pain again.

But real peace doesn’t come from control—it comes from trust. Trust in yourself, in your ability to get back up no matter what life throws at you. We explore the difference between true intuition and trauma-based responses, why perfectionism is often a survival mechanism, and how we can start letting go of fear-driven behaviours.

You’ll hear personal stories, practical tools for managing stress and anxiety, and powerful reminders about how much strength and resilience you already hold. This is an invitation to rewire your subconscious, shift your focus from fear to self-belief, and start showing up for your life with more grace, clarity, and peace.

The way our current comfort system crisis has been built is in a way that will soothe you immediately the wrong way before you can think about finding actual solutions that can change your current circumstances. I believe that’s why a lot of us can’t get out of our loops. Because we have lost the ability to sit with our emotions and feel them without any distraction like doom scrolling, binge eating, binge watching, ordering Uber eats each day, staying up all night, alcohol, drugs, and etc.

We stay in the same place that is hurting us almost all our lives. We just sit there and soothe and self sabotage our whole life.
But are we doomed to stay in that cycle all our lives? I don't think so! I think there are measures we can take to combat this situation. I talked about the solution in more depth in this episode!

We hear a lot in self development space, that you need to be true to who you are whether it's in business, or in dating and personal life. But is this accurate?
Personally, I don't think so. Let's say you are a shy person in first grade and basically all your childhood, does that mean you are doomed to suffer till your last breath because you have to be true to that?  
Who you are right now is the result of your life experiences and decisions in the past, nothing more. I believe we are not a tree that is forced to stay where they are at and we can actually choose better for ourselves based on the desires we have and current life circumstances. Those desires dictate the north star in the current journey you are on. If you feel the need to learn how to socialize and make more friends or you feel you should learn to dress better, trust that! You absolutely have the power within you to change for the better. This is the basic essence of the growth mindset. 
Growth mindset entails you choosing yourself and who you want to be and actively working towards it. 
I talked about this in great detail in this episode. Check this out!

Moving to a new country alone is one of the hardest things a person can do. I believe immigrants are the most resilient, strongest and bravest people on this planet. I don't think we talk enough about how dashing it is to say goodbye to your home country, to leave what's familiar behind and step into unknown. In this episode, I am sharing some of the hardships people face when moving to a new country as an immigrant. My intention is to raise awareness on how heart breaking and brutal it could feel at times so my immigrant listeners resonate and my non immigrant listeners find some empathy for their immigrant friends!
P.S. I acknowledge that the stories I share in this episode are personal and might not represent all immigrants stories as these stories hugely depend on their destination and their status and resources when moving :)

In this episode I talked about 4 main lessons I learned :

• people don't always share the same meaning as the promises that they make to you.
• balance is everything. Aim for balance knowing it's a moving target.
• Not all the advice out there applies to me! A lot of it is for privileged people :)
• The deeper the hurt, the higher our capacity to feel joy.
• limiting beliefs are what keep us at the shore.

Listen to the episode for more details and as always, let me know if you had any questions for me to answer!

Navigating the modern world as a woman can indeed present challenges, and discussions around gender disparities, workplace dynamics, and societal expectations have gained prominence. It's important to note that experiences vary widely among individuals, and while progress has been made, there are still areas that warrant attention and improvement.

Workplaces, historically tailored to accommodate a predominantly male workforce, have undergone transformations but continue to grapple with gender imbalances. Women may encounter hurdles such as the gender pay gap, limited representation in leadership roles, and subtle biases that impact career advancement. Balancing career aspirations with societal expectations, familial responsibilities, and potential biases can contribute to stress and frustration.

In some instances, workplace stress and societal expectations may affect hormonal balance. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may influence hormonal fluctuations in both men and women. However, attributing hormonal imbalances solely to workplace dynamics oversimplifies a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and individual health.

Societal expectations around beauty standards, career success, and familial roles can contribute to stress, impacting women emotionally and physically. Striking a balance between professional and personal life can be challenging, potentially affecting mental well-being and hormonal regulation.

Efforts to address these challenges are ongoing, with many organizations adopting policies to promote gender equality. Initiatives such as flexible work schedules, mentorship programs, and diversity and inclusion training aim to create more inclusive environments. However, progress can be slow, and overcoming deeply ingrained biases requires sustained effort from individuals, institutions, and society as a whole.

It's essential to recognize that while significant strides have been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that women can thrive in all aspects of their lives. Open dialogues, continued advocacy for gender equality, and policy changes are crucial components in creating a more equitable and supportive environment for women in modern society.

Friendship, a profound and indispensable facet of the human experience, plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. From providing emotional support to celebrating our victories, friends contribute significantly to our well-being and personal growth. This essay explores the importance of friendships, strategies for finding friends, and essential criteria that foster strong and lasting connections.

The Importance of Friendships

Friendships are the cornerstones of a fulfilling and enriched life. Beyond being companions for shared experiences, friends act as pillars during times of adversity, offering comfort and understanding. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of social connections on mental health, stress reduction, and overall life satisfaction. Friendships contribute to a sense of belonging, providing a support system that enhances resilience and coping mechanisms.

Finding Friends

Developing meaningful friendships involves a combination of initiative, open-mindedness, and authenticity. One effective strategy is to engage in activities aligned with personal interests. Pursuing hobbies, joining clubs, or participating in community events creates opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, fostering connections based on shared passions.

Additionally, being open to new experiences and approaching social situations with a positive mindset can facilitate the formation of friendships. Attend social gatherings, strike up conversations, and be receptive to others' perspectives. Friendships often arise organically when individuals are genuine and authentic, allowing for the natural development of connections.

Lastly, the other strategy is taking the initiative to create events and inviting people to join. This strategy empowers individuals to curate social gatherings tailored to their interests, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.

Organizing events can be as simple as hosting a book club, game night, or a casual get-together at a local coffee shop. By creating these spaces, individuals can attract those who share similar passions, creating a common ground for friendship to blossom. This approach not only allows for the cultivation of shared interests but also provides a platform for authentic interactions to occur.

Criteria for Meaningful Friendships

While the process of making friends is subjective, certain criteria can help distinguish and nurture meaningful connections. These criteria not only contribute to the depth of a friendship but also ensure a supportive and enriching relationship.

Sense of Humor:

• A shared sense of humor can be a powerful bonding element. Friends who can laugh together create an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie, promoting a positive and enjoyable friendship.

Celebrating Wins:

• True friends are genuinely happy for each other's successes. They offer encouragement and celebrate accomplishments, fostering a supportive environment that motivates and uplifts.

Good Listener:

• Effective communication is vital in any relationship, and a good friend is someone who listens attentively. Being able to share thoughts, concerns, and triumphs with a friend who genuinely listens creates a sense of trust and connection.

Trustworthiness:

• Trust is the foundation of a strong friendship. Reliable and trustworthy friends build a safe space for vulnerability, ensuring that shared experiences and personal revelations are handled with care and respect.

Growth Mindset:

• Friends with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. They encourage personal growth, providing support and constructive feedback to help each other overcome obstac

The arrival of the holiday season, such as Christmas, brings with it a unique and magical atmosphere. Getting into the spirit of Christmas is not just about decorating homes or exchanging gifts; it's also about fostering a sense of joy, gratitude, and connection with others. This festive season invites us to tap into the warmth of togetherness, spread kindness, and reflect on the blessings in our lives.

Morning Gratitude Journaling as a Gateway:

Incorporating morning gratitude journaling into the festive season serves as a powerful gateway to fully embrace the spirit of Christmas. Starting each day by reflecting on the things we are thankful for sets a positive tone that resonates throughout the day. It becomes a ritual of acknowledging the blessings, big and small, that make the holiday season special.

Focusing on the Present Moment:

Christmas often comes with a flurry of activities, preparations, and expectations. Morning gratitude journaling encourages individuals to pause, take a breath, and center themselves in the present moment. It shifts the focus from the hustle and bustle to the simple pleasures, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty of the season.

Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude:

Gratitude and the Christmas spirit go hand in hand. By jotting down aspects of our lives we are thankful for each morning, we cultivate a heart of gratitude that extends beyond our personal spheres. This mindset naturally aligns with the values of Christmas – generosity, compassion, and spreading joy to others.

Enhancing Personal Well-Being:

The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions, and for some, it may also be a time of reflection. Gratitude journaling acts as a positive anchor, promoting mental and emotional well-being. It becomes a personal refuge, allowing individuals to navigate the season with a more resilient and optimistic mindset.

Building Meaningful Connections:

The festive season is synonymous with connections – with family, friends, and the wider community. Gratitude journaling can prompt individuals to express appreciation for the people in their lives, strengthening these bonds. Sharing these sentiments with loved ones can create a ripple effect of positivity, deepening the sense of connection during the holidays.

Creating Lasting Memories:

As individuals immerse themselves in the festivities and express gratitude for the joys of the season, they are actively contributing to the creation of lasting memories. Morning gratitude journaling becomes a documentation of the unique and cherished moments that define the Christmas season, ensuring that these memories are preserved and treasured.

In essence, incorporating morning gratitude journaling into the festivities of Christmas serves as a transformative practice. It not only enriches personal well-being but also infuses the holiday season with a profound sense of gratitude, love, and mindfulness. By embracing this ritual, individuals can truly savor the magic of Christmas and spread the warmth of gratitude to those around them.

Continuing our discussion from the previous episode, the question of where to steer our course after experiencing a setback often lies in the intricate depths of our subconscious. Our life's compass is intricately calibrated by our upbringing, the company we keep, the books we read, and numerous other factors. The ultimate metric for navigating these uncharted waters is, quite simply, you—your life experience.

Why? Because you alone get to live and fully embrace your unique journey. With this understanding, the metric of your own life experience takes center stage, guiding your decisions in the wake of failure.

Understanding this metric empowers you to choose who to seek advice from. Consider designating a life leader—an individual who could be a mentor, a family member, a trusted friend, or even someone online whose insights you admire. When life throws its challenges your way, these life leaders provide a crucial reality check, reminding you of your North Star.

Yet, never forget that the steering wheel remains firmly in your hands. You are the captain of your journey, and you hold the power to decide where your path leads next. Trust in yourself, for you have the capability to navigate these waters. You've got this.

At some point in our lives, we've all faced situations where things didn't go as planned or as we had hoped, and the resulting feelings can be overwhelming. But if we dive a little deeper, we find a range of complex emotions associated with these experiences.

In her book, "The Atlas of the Heart," Brené Brown delves into these emotions, which can include disappointment, regret, discouragement, resignation, and frustration. The specific emotion we feel often depends on our circumstances. For instance, we experience disappointment when we realize the outcome was beyond our control. Frustration sets in when something seems to be standing in the way of our goals. Regret emerges when we believe we could have taken a different path. After prolonged efforts, we might lose motivation, hope, and feel deeply discouraged. At times, we reach a point of surrender, where hope for the future fades, and we simply feel resigned.

While there is plenty of advice urging us to persevere and never give up, it's important to recognize that taking a break, surrendering temporarily, and recharging our batteries can be equally valuable. This validates our emotions and allows us to construct a narrative that helps us move forward.

Each of us has a unique story to tell, and this narrative shapes our reality. The stories we tell ourselves and share with others determine how we handle our current situation and chart our path ahead.

I explore this topic in greater detail in an episode, which I invite you to check out and share your thoughts.