Pages of growth - A journal of notes

     "Success and excuses do not talk together. If you want excuses, forget about success. If you want success, do not give excuses/" We a;; have goals, dreams, and ambitions. But between where we are and where we want to be lies one powerful decision. Will I take responsibility or will I give an excuse? Excuses are seductive. They provide temporary relief from guilt or pressure. "I don't have enough time." "I wasn't feeling well/" "It wasn't in my control." These phrases may comfort us for a moment - but they also keep us stagnant. On the other had, success does not tolerate excuses. Success demands action. It calls for discipline, focus, and a mindset that says, "Even if it is hard, I will still try." You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be committed.  The difference between someone who succeeds and someone who does not is not talent or luck. - it is the refusal to keep making excuses.  Why do we make excuses...

In our life, we often find ourselves standing still - not because we don't know what to do, but because we are scared to move forward. Our minds flood with doubts: "What if I fail?" "What if things go wrong?"  "What if I am not good enough?" But here is the truth - overthinking won't protect you from failure, it only delays your growth. You will either learn or succeed When you take that step - even without a perfect plan - one of two things will happen.  You will fail, and that failure will teach you something valuable.  Or You will succeed, and your confidence will grow.  But here is what won't happen: You won't die from trying. Too many of us fear failure so much that we end up doing nothing. But not taking action is a silent thief. It steals our time, our dreams, and our potential. Action Builds Clarity You don't need to have it all figured out to begin. Most successful people did not stat with a perfect plan. They started with one ...

 We feel a breathe of fresh air when we experience genuine kindness, in this world full of noise and half meant words. We have all come across people who have made big promises - assuring us they would be there when we are in dire need. They assure us that they had understood us, our needs, wants and our pains. They had promised us that they do care. But when the time came, they were absent, leaving behind only disappointment and unmet expectations. And then, sometimes unexpectedly, someone shows up - not with flashy declarations, but with quiet, consistent support. Their kindness is not performative. Their understanding does not need to be asked for. It just is. That kind of presence touches the heart deeply because it contrasts so strongly with the emptiness of broken words. Why it Matters Genuine support makes us feel seen, valued and safe. It reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles. In contrast, empty promises can lead to trust issues, self - dount, and emotional fa...

Why dreams exist to awaken us, not comfort us.  We often think of dreams as soft, comforting things - fleeting fantasies that arrive in the stillness of night. But the truth is, we are not given dreams to help us sleep better. We are given dreams to wake us up.  Dreams are not designed to be cozy distractions from the harshness of life. They are not a balm for our wounds or a substitute for what is missing. They are not there to remind us of what we don't have and leave us feeling disappointed in our present. No, dreams serve a far greater purpose.  Dreams are seeds of possibility. They are sparks meant to ignite our courage, our action and our determination. they give us something to reach for something just out of grasp, yet somehow still real. They challenge us to rise beyond our circumstances, to defy limitations, and to stretch into who we are capable of becoming.  When we treat dreams merely as escapism, we betray their power. Because the true purpose of a drea...

 Life has a way of bringing lessons back around.  Sometimes, they return dressed differently - new faces, new situations, different settings - but at their core, they carry the same patterns we have faced before. And if we are not mindful, we fall right back in, thinking this time it is different. The quote - " May you break the pattern. May you recognize it even when it shows up in a new package" - is a powerful reminder to become conscious of the cycles we live in, especially the unhealthy ones.  Patterns are not always obvious. Some are disguised in charm, opportunity, or even love. But deep down, if we listen to our inner wisdom, we often feel a familiar discomfort, a hint of deja vu. That is the moment we must pause. Reflect. As ourselves - have I been there before in another form? Breaking the pattern is not just about saying "no" once. It is about deeply understanding why we keep attracting, accepting, or repeating certain dynamics. It may be rooted in self w...

 We often celebrate empathy as a strength - the ability to feel deeply, to show compassion, to be there for others. But what happens when empathy becomes a burden? When your kindness becomes a pattern of over giving? When understanding others becomes an excuse to overlook your own pain? That is when empathy burnout sets in The Silent Exhaustion of Always Being There For many of us. empathy Is not just an emotion - it is a way of life. We listen without interrupting. We put others' needs before our own. We give second, third even fourth chances, because we believe in people's better seves. We try to understand why they hurt us. Instead of holding them accountable for how they hurt us.  We become tired. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Tired of fixing, of explaining, of forgiving of showing up for those who rarely show up for us.  From Empathy to Indifference What is left when all you care is spent? Indifference Not because you are old hearted. Not beca...

 "Disciple is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most" -  Abraham Lincoln In today's world of instant gratification, staying focussed feels like a battle. Notifications, distractions and mental fatigue, pulls us in every direction.. But one timeless solution rises above the booming noise: Discipline. One of the recent modern tools that sharpens that discipline is:   The POMODORO Technique What is Pomodoro Technique? Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique emphasis more on focus. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task (This is one Pomodoro) After 25 minutes - take a 5 minute break. 4 Pomodoros, take a 15-30 minute break. This structure trains your brain to focus in bursts, instead of getting overwhelmed by long hours of work. Why Discipline Needs a System? Discipline is not just will power - it is setting up systems that help you show up consistently, even when you don't feel like it.  The Pomodoro Tec...

  "Life becomes more meaningful when you realize the simple fact that you will never get the same moment twice" This above quote reminds us that time never stops, it is not just running, but it is fleeting and every moment is different and unique. When we embrace this truth: We start appreciating small joys more deeply. We become more intentional with our time and energy. We stop waiting for "someday" amd begin living NOW Let this be a gentle nudge to pause, to breathe, and fully experience the moment you are in - because it will never return in the same way again. There are days when life feels repetitive - the same routines, familiar faces, predictable paths. In the busyness of it all, it is easy to let moments slip away unnoticed. But once you truly grasp one powerful truth - " You will never get the same moment twice "- everything begins to shift. Suddenly, life becomes richer. More Vivid. More Meanngful.  Moments are Fleeting. Not Guaranteed. Each mom...

 The moment we sit down with clear intention to work on something quite meaningful - the moment we decide to finish a project, a goal, workout, assignment anything for that case, we are distracted by the calling bell, the ringing phone or we get deviated by the random videos that come inbetween when we are in search for something for the project or assignment; we get distracted our mind starts wandering. Before we know, an hour passes and we keep wondering about the time that is lost. And this the battle we fight every other day. The battle between Discipline vs Distraction The Power of Disciple Discipline is not glamorous. It doesnot scream for attention. It is quiet, consistent and often uncomfortable. But it is also the reason dreams become reality. Discipline is waking up early to work on your goals when everyone else is asleep. It is choosing a healthy meal over momentary cravings. It is finishing a task even when you don't feel like it.  Discipline does not always feel g...

 We often look outward when we think of competition. we compare ourselves to others - friends, collegues, social media influencers and lot more - we wonder if we are doing enough, acheiving enough, or being enough. But what if we shifted that focus inward? What if the real competition is not with other people, but with the silent, unseen forces within us? "Your competition is not with people. Your competition is your procastination, your negative thoughts, your comfort zone. Compete against that." These above words are a very powerful reminder to ourselves that our true battles are internal. They are not foungt or stages or in boardrooms but in quiet moments - when we choose between progress and postponement, courage and comfort, action and doubt. Procastination - The time thief We all procastinate. We delay tasks. We tell ourselves we will feel more ready to do it later. But be it an hour later or a day later it is just the same thoughts of postponing and hesitation. Procast...

There are moments in life when everything feels heavy when the skies seem endlessly grey and the winds of hardship blow relentlessly against your every step. In those moments, it is easy to feel like the storm will never pass. But the truth is - storms are temporary. The pain you are feeling, the confusion you are battling, the losses you are grieving - none of them are permanent. Just like nature's fiercest storms give wa to clear skies and sunlight, the emotional and mental storms in our lives eventually pass too. It may take time, but healing comes. Peace returns. Hope finds its way back in.  The Quote - "The storm you are in won't last forever. Keep going - there is sunlight ahead." reminds us to hold on a little longer, to keep on moving even when it is difficult and hard. Progress is not always loud or outright visible. Sometimes, it is as simple as getting out of bed, reaching out for help, or choosing not to give up. The sunlight ahead is not a distant fantasy...

 In the middle of life's storms, we all crave peace. We long to feel grounded, focused, and steady. But how do we get there when our mind is noisy, our heart is heavy, and everything feels out of control One powerful tool is to practice C.A.L.M. - a simple yet transformative approach to reclaiming your inner peace. Let us explore how each letter in C.A.L,M, becomes a gentle step toward emotional balance and clarity.  C - Clear the Chaos in Your Mind Have you ever felt like your mind is a cluttered room with thoughts flying in all directions? That was me during my final exams in college. I could not sleep, eat or focus. Every worry felt like a weight on my chest. But the moment I paused, took deep breaths, and simply wrote down everything bothering me, I began to feel lighter.  Clearing the chaos does not mean making the mind silent. It means giving space to our thoughts - through journaling, deep breathing, or even a quiet walk. Clarity begins when we create room to think...

 Grow in 25 minute interval " Change does not happen all at once. It happens one focused moment at a time" In the fast paced today's world, the personal growth often feels overwhelming. We set big goals, create long to-do lists, and feel discouraged when we don't see instant results. But what  if growth didn;t have to be exhauting? Just a 25 minutes of focused time could bring you closer to the person who you want to become. The Pomodoro Technique for Self Growth   A simple effective way to create international space for your evolution.  What is Pomodoro Technique?  This is a technique developed by Francesco Cirillo. This technique uses a simple cycle: 25 minutes of focussed work (one Pomodoro) 5 minutes of rest After four Pomodoros, taking a longer 15 to 30 minute break This Pomodoro method reduces burnout and distractions while increasing clarity and consistency - qualities that beautifully align with the path of self-growth. How the Pomodoro Technique Fuels S...

 People often get caught in whirlwind of emotions for a variety of reasons like in the case of getting furious towards someone who has wronged you, worrying about the future, or bearing a grudge towards people who seem to silently ruin the calm in your life. But in reality, when we take a step back, life in essence is brief, unpredictable, and yet precious, and so these emotions are merely a drain of precious energy that take away the joy of life. "Don't waste your time in anger, regrets, worries and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy", a powerful quote by Roy T. Bennett. This is a quote that is not merely a source of inspiration but also serves as a wake up call. This is a quote that we must dissect.  The emotional burdens we carry: The emotion of anger comes with the desire for control. It leads us to believe that staying angry helps us in punishing people that have wronged us. But the reality is we are only punishing ourselves. The other individul who angered us ...

 While browsing through Facebook I came across the quote -      "Some people are like clouds. When they disappear, it is a beautiful day." I could not control my wide smile. It felt a bit light hearted. But beneath the humour, there lies a truth that I had lived a lot of times.  The "Cloud" in my life There was a time in my life when I had a friend - I am naming her A - who always brings in stress into every situation. She was not a bad person. But in fact she was funny charming and is full of bubbling energy and share lots of stories. But every conversation we had with her is full of gossip, complaints or judgement - about others, about life and sometimes even about me.  After the calls with her, I started feeling anxious. I felt my energy dipping and I would doubt myself or feel irritated for no reason. Still, I clung on, thinking: "We have been friends for quite long and she is going through some phase.". But that phase never ended. And worse, I realize...

 There is something incredibly transformative about truly believing in your worth. The moment you start to know not just hope - that you deserve good things in life, everything begins to shift. Your evergy changes. your mindset evolves. And most importantly, the world around you starts to respond differently.  The quote: "You will be amazed at what you attract after you start believing in what you deserve," is more than just a feel good sentiment - It is a powerful truth. 1. Belief Shapes Your Reality When you believe you are undeserving,  you subconsciously accept less. You settle - for relationships, opportunities, and circumstances that are far below your potential. But when your belief shifts, when you say, " I deserve peace,, respect, love and success" your boundaries grow stronger. Your standards rise and your decisions reflect that new inner conviction.  2. You Attract What You are Ready For The universe meets you at your level of self worth. If you walk arou...

Self Validation Prompts What is something that recently hurt me, even if others thought it was minor? Why did it affect me deeply? Have I ever dismissed my own feelings because I was afraid of being seen as "too sensitive"? What happened as a result? How do I typically respond when someone invalidates my emotions? Do I shut down, defind myself or do something else? Healing and Awareness Prompts: What past experiences or taumas might be influencing how I react emotionally today? In what situations do I feel safest expressing my emotions without judgement? Who helps create that space for me? What would I say to my younger self who was told to 'stop overreacting' or 'toughen up'? Growth and Boundaries Prompts: What would it look like to validate my emotions in real time, instead of suppressing them? Wgat boundaries can I set to protect myself from emotional invalidation? How can I better communicate my feelings without apologizing for them? Self Compassion Prompt...

 Whenever we react to situations, we are told that we being too sensitive or overreacting when someone or something genuinely hurt us. It is a common and painful experience - one that invalidates our feelings and forces us to doubt our emotional truth. But the truth that needs to heard loud and clear  IF IT HURTS YOU, IT HURTS YOU FOR SURE.  There is no Universal Scale for Pain Pain is personal. What feels like a minor inconvenience to one person can deeply hurt and wound another.- and both are valid. Our emotional responses are shaped by our past experiences, our upbringing, our traumas, our values and our current state of mind. Just because someone else does not understand our reaction it does not make it less real. Telling someone that they are "too sensitive" or they are "overreacting" is not just a feedback. - It is a dismissal.  The myth of overreacting Many a times we are taught to "toughen up", "let go" or "not take things personally...

 Most of us, many times go out of the way to help someone - offered your time, energy, kindness - only to be met with cold indifference or even worse hosility? It stings. You gave hoping for appreciation, a simple thank you, may be even a return of kindness one day. But instead, you got silence, criticism or complete disregard.  The danger of expecting gratitude from the wrong people Not every one will see your kindness for what it is. Some might take it for granted. Others might even resent it. When we tie our giving to expectations of gratitude, we hand over the power to hurt us. And the sad truth is, when you expect a response from someone incapable of understanding or valuing your gesture, you are setting yourself up for great disappointment.  Imagine feeding a donkey and getting kicked in return..... That is what it feels like when you help someone who lacks the maturity to emotional capacity to appreciate it. Their "KICK" might come in the form of betrayal, unkind w...

 In our life, always a moment comes when we must stop explaining, justifying or negotiating our self worth. That moment often arrives disguised as disrespect - subtle at first, then persistent, sometimes loud, sometimes passive, but always depleting. And there is the truth: disrespect does not deserve a debate - it deserves distance.  We have been conditioned, especaily in close relationships, to engage, explain, fix or forgive. While communication is a powerful too, it loses its value in the presence of constant disrespect. You do not owe any one an endless explanation or why you expect to be treated with basic dignity. That expectation is not arrogance - it is nothing but Self Awareness . When someone continually barges into your boundaries, belittles your presence, or treats your feelings as optional, it is not your job to make them see your worth. It is your job to see it yourself and act accordingly.  Walking away is not weakness. It is strength dressed in quiet conf...

 Life does not always go according to our plans.  Sometimes, just when everything seems to able, a storm hits - unexpected loss, painful change or emotional upheaval. We often see these storms as interruptions,as if they have arrived at the time when every thing is going right to sabotage it and to make things harder.  But what if they are not here to destroy - but to redirect? Paulo Coelho says:               " Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path" This above quote holds a profound truth which many of us overlook in the midst of chaos.  The Hidden Purpose of Storms: When a storm rages - a failed relationship, a job loss, or a sudden health issue - it feels like life is falling apart.  But often, it is falling into place. These storms strip away what is not meant for us. They clear the noise, the distractions, the false attachments. They push us to pause, to reflect, and to reconsider wher...

 There is not a single person in this world who is entitled to treat you badly.  SINK IT IN. LET IT DEEPLY. We live in a world where people sometimes normalize disrespect, especially in relationships, workplaces or even within families. Words are brushed off as "jokes". Many a times we are bashed that we are not able to take jokes. Manipulative behaviours are masked as "concerns." And we are made to feel that we are overreacting when we set boundaries or when we speak up for ourselves.  But the actual truth is: Being human comes with an inherent right to dignity. Nobody - no matter their title, connection , or role in your life- has the right to make you feel small, unloved or unworthy. Respect is not a privilege. It is a baseline. We often tolerate hurtful behaviour because of fear - fear of losing someone, fear of being alone, fear of confrontation. We silence our own discomfort to maintain the illusion of peace. But what kind of peace comes at the cost of your se...

 We often think that reality is fixed - that the situation we are in, emotions we feel, or the way we see others is the truth. But truth, more often than not, is coloured by perspective.  What we call a bad day might be some one else dream.  What feels like rejection could be redirection.  What seems unfair from one angle could be a blessing in disguise from another. That is the magic of perspective - it does not change the facts. but it chhanges how we live with them. Perspective is the lens through which we view life. Just like a camera, sometimes we need to adjust tht focus or change the angle to get clear picture. When we are struck or overwhelmed, or judging too quickly, a shift in perspective can offer peace, understanding and clarity. Why perspective matter? It helps us see beyond our pain. It softens judgement and fuels compassion, It creates space for forgiveness, It gives us the strength to keep going when life gets tough. Imagine standing at the edge of th...

We have grown up hearing that hard work is the key to success. And while that is not wrong, it is not fully correct too - it. Only half the truth.  In today’s world, where time is limited and demands are endless, smart work often delivers better results than blind hard work.  Hard work is about putting in long hours. Smart work is about getting more done in less time - with focus, creativity and clarity Hard Work vs. Smart Work: What’s the Difference? Hard Work means putting in efforts tirelessly, often without questioning the process. Sma rt Work means analysing, prioritising, and optimising your efforts to produce better results.  For example, a student might study for 10 hours a day - hard work but still struggle with results. Another student might study just for 4 hours, using active recall, spaced repetition and mock tests - smart work and ace the exams with ease.  The difference lies not in how much you do, but in how you do it. Why Smart Work Matters More Toda...

Have you ever stayed in a situation - a job, a relationship, a routine - not because it was good for you, but because it felt familiar? Sometimes, we cling to chaos simply because it is what we know.The noise, the stress the drama, all of it becomes our normal. But just because something is familiar it does not mean it is right. And just because it is comfortable, it does not mean it is helping you to grow.  Let us be honest: Peace can feel unfamiliar at first. Silence can feel lonely and freedom can feel uncertain. So we stay in cycles that drains us because the unkown feels scarier than the pain we have learned to manage.  But the truth is: You are not meant to survive in your life - You are meant to thrive in it. And thriving requires you to break free from the comfort of chaos and make space for peace, growth and healing. It is time to ask yourself: Are you holding onto something that is slowly breaking you, just because it is all you have known? What would life look like ...

 In this fast paced world, learning is often measured by degrees, achievements, or how quickly one masters a skill. But true learning - deep, transformative learning goes beyond the boundaries of formal education or structured talks. It begins when effort no longer feels like effort, and when the  pursuit becomes personal. "True leaning does not end with completing a task. It continues silently on its own, finding its way forward" This beautiful thought invites us to reflect on how learning is not confined to textbooks or class rooms alone. It is not something that stops once a job is done. In facc, once we reach the end of our formal or external learning, a subtler, more profound journey begins - led by curiosity, experience and awareness.  Think about a skill that you have mastered throughly - it could be cooking. speaking, parenting, or even navigating through emotions. Initially, you might have needed guidance, practice, or instuction, But over the time, you no longer...

We don't land in toxic relationships overnight. It starts subtly - with a joke that stings, a message left unread, a decision made without you. You feel it in your gut, that whisper of discomfort. But instead of speaking up, you swallow your truth. You second guess your own instincts. Why? Because we are taught that speaking up makes us difficult. That having standards makes us demanding. That expressing hurt means we are just too sensitive.  And so, we stay. We excuse, we overlook, we minimize.  We hold on to potential and dismiss the reality. We confuse red flags for rough patches and ignore the emotional cost. Why do we do this to ourselves? Because loneliness scares us.  Loneliness feels heavier than being half-loved. Somewhere along the way, we internalized the lie that our worth is measured by who stays - no matter how poorly they treat us.  But the truth cannot be ignored for long. Every time we let disrespect slide, we chip away at our self - esteem.  Ev...

In a rush of everyday life, our relationships can become a blur - conversations turn mechanical, affection fades into routine, and misunderstandings quietly grow roots. But beneath the surface, there is always a deeper connection waiting to be rediscovered. And one simple yet powerful way to access that depth? The answer is Journaling Journaling is not just venting out or documenting your day. It can become a sacred space to explore how you show up in your relationships - your patterns, your hopes, your blind spots, and your heart.  When you take time to reflect through journaling, you: Slow down your thoughts and emotions. See your behaviour and feelings with more clarity. Understand your partner beyond the surface. Begin to take conscious responsibility for how you love, listen and live together.  A series of blog posts with six powerful journaling questions that will reflect and invite emotional awareness, accountability and growth. These questions are not about fixing up o...

There are moments when a heavy feeling settles in my chest - guilt, perhaps, for not reaching out enough. I find myself thinking - “I should have called, I should have checked on them, I should have been more considerate, “ Life moves so quickly, and in the rush of routines and responsibilities, maintaining connections mostly feels like it is another task on the endless to-do list. But still, there is another side to this story that rarely gets acknowledged. I have often held the weight of relationships, like it is always mine to carry. I have blamed myself for the silences, the growing distances, the unreturned call. But then, reality gently taps me on the shoulder and shouts out loud - Excuse me - The phone works both ways. That is when a new thought came in - Why am I the only one feeling bad? When was the last time some one checked in on me without any reason? This reflection is not meant to breed resentment, but to bring in more clarity - that relationships always thrive on mutual...

The Rope Walk That Revealed the Truth Many a times we say that we believe and a lot of times we claim we trust. But have we understood the difference between these two? There is a  story that we all would have heard and pondered about.  The story of a man who walks on rope between two tall towers.  A man once walked on a rope tied between two tall towers. The entire crowd watched with bated breath as he carefully balanced himself using a long stick, his young son sitting calmly on his shoulders. Stepby step he made it across. The crowd erupted in joy - clapped, cheered, took selfies and loads of congratulations followed.  He then turn towards the crowd and asked - do you believe that I can walk back on the same rope? The crowd cheered louder - “Yes, Yes, You can!!!” He smiled at them and asked: “Do you really trust me?” The crowd responded loudly, “Absolutely, we are even ready to bet on you!” And then came the true test -  “Would any of you allow your. Child to...

 In a world that constantly urges you to compare yourself and compete with others based on their success, lifestyles, milestones is not a healthy one. Rather choosing to be your own competitor is a radical act of self - growth. This mindset is not about proving anyone wrong. It is about proving to yourself that you can be better than your previous self. You can be better than who you were yesterday. It is not a sprint against others, but a steady race toward your own highest potential.  Why should you Compete Yourself? When you compete with others, you are actually chasing their goals unknowingly. You forget that you have a goal of your own. You try to follow their definitions for success completely ignoring your own. You forget that there is a timeline that you have defined and follow theirs.   But when you compete with yourself, the growth is quite visible and it is authentic. You get to define your own success, measure progress by your own success and standards and mov...

 Listening, Speaking, Silence, all three seems to be quite simple acts of transformative power. But as we move through life, conversations and personal growth, it becomes evidently clear that these are not just habits but they are choices. Intentional mindful choices that shape us. When we listen with presence, we offer safety. When we speak with intention, we offer truth. When we embrace silence,  we offer space - for healing, understanding, and clarity. This 3 part triology series is an invitation to return to these fundamental practices, that form the foundation and create awareness i all that we do. Sometimes, the way to deepen connection is not by doing more - but by being more - more aware, more present, more alligned.  May your listening soften hearts. may your words build bridges and bring solace. May your silence become sacred. Think deeply and ask yourself which of the three you wish to nurture more every day? If you ask me I would say all three. Let us start pr...