Hey, but that isn’t something to be depressed about. You can always alter that grief to something optimistic, something to look forward to, and something to cherish. 

It’s been more than 10 odd years since I lost my beloved dad. Does it still hurt? Yes. Does it make your eyes tear up? Definitely yes. It is never a piece of cake to move on from the loss of your parent who has been your best friend, confidant and someone to look up to. 

Lately, I have been going through a depressive state in my life. With my health being affected and mere helplessness, made me miss my friend the most. In those dimmest of times, I always wondered why life had been so unfair to me. Why I had to lose my dad when I was just in high school? Why I had to go through so much pain and uncontrollable heartache that made me feel lost? Why I don’t have him next to me when I need him the most? Am I being thoughtless here? 

Even after 13 years, I am still not entirely healed. My counsellor, with whom I had only one session, asked me to be an adult and move on from mourning my lost parent. Also, she asked me to seek help from others rather than feel unhappy about not having a dad to confide in. Those words hurt me. Perhaps she intended to push me hard, to make me feel confident in myself, but somehow that didn’t benefit me.

After almost a month of my gloomy state, I have discovered that grief hasn’t made me powerless. It has always shown a light at the end of the tunnel when I feel lost. 

And that light I would like to acknowledge as my dad. 

Forever my guiding light, forever my strength, if you are my grief, I will forever keep you as part of Me.

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We all carry a seed within us, yearning for the sun, for the chance to rise above the darkness and bloom. But doubt can be a heavyweight, burying us deep, whispering that our dreams are out of reach. Yet, even in the deepest corners, a tiny ember of hope remains.

Let self-belief be the flame that ignites this ember. Repeat mantras like “I am strong,” “I am worthy,” and “I will not be defeated.” These aren’t mere words; they’re battle cries, reminding you of the power that resides within. They are the sunlight that nourishes your potential, pushing you to break free from the shackles of self-doubt.

Hope is the rain that sustains you on this journey. It’s the unwavering belief that even when the storm rages, the sun will eventually peek through. It’s the understanding that challenges are not walls, but stepping stones. Cling to hope fuels your resilience, washes away negativity, and propels you forward with unwavering determination.

It is completely alright to feel overwhelmed at times. When it seems like nothing is going your way and everything is messed up, be it in your profession, relationships, or goals and passions you are pursuing. But always remember, we have the capability to go through it, and with unwavering hope, everything will eventually be sorted out with time. This is how life is – we strive ahead slowly, sometimes sure-footed, sometimes not.

Remember, the human spirit is a force to be reckoned with. It’s a seed with the potential to blossom into a magnificent tree, weathering the harshest storms and reaching for the very heavens. So, don’t let doubt dim your light. Fan the flames of self-belief, let hope be your guiding star, and watch yourself rise. Rise above limitations, rise above challenges, and rise into the person you were always meant to be. Bloom with confidence and embrace the limitless potential that lies within you.

“Doubt may linger, but within you lies the unwavering strength to rise. Bloom with courage and chase your dreams with hope as your guide.”

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Growing up, I faced various challenges that tested my determination. Bullied at school, disregarded in relationships, and surrounded by shallow connections, I frequently felt invisible and unappreciated. Despite my caring nature, I struggled with emotions of neglect and questioned my value. I fought to reconcile the conflict between who I was and who I aspired to be. In a world that seemed to expect perfection, I sank into a sea of self-doubt, my voice silenced by the weight of whispered worries and tears. 

Amidst the complexity of my inner pain, I went on a journey of self-discovery—a quest to reclaim the parts of my broken identity and create a road to healing. During the quiet times I spent alone, I confronted the ghosts of my past, shedding layers of hurt and fear to reveal the bare vulnerability beneath. I realized the true definition of strength—the toughness that comes from the courage to tackle adversity head-on. 

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger 

We can only survive by continuing to adapt. We can only advance if we change. Only accepting and learning can bring about change. We cannot learn without exposure. Throughout my journey from adversity to strength, I’ve learned that resilience is more than just getting back up; it’s about thriving. Each difficulty I experience makes me stronger, wiser, and more capable than before. Today, I am a strong woman, embracing my journey with gratitude and determination. 

“She remembered who she was and the game changed.” – Lalah Delia 

The post Rising Strong: My Journey from Sadness to the empowerment of oneself appeared first on Cherished Echoes.

I am taking YOU ahead along with me. I just cannot leave you behind. Year after year, day after day we all evolve, change for the better, hopefully, and adapt to the ever-changing lives around us. There are a few aspects of us, a part of us that is always with us irrespective of the time, year, or distance. 

2023 as a year was…. I am still unaware and not sure how to describe this year. But, I am sure to always come back to this year as this year has a part of me, a part of many of us. With new hopes and aspirations, as we move forward,I choose to always have 2023 with me and my soulmate within me, more like I am my soulmate now, come, let’s move forward together, MY EPITOME OF GRACE. 

To everyone, all the best for the coming year, to new opportunities, life, love, hope, and new learnings. To myself, let’s take one step at a time, together my soulmate as I cannot leave you behind in 2023 and YOU ARE MINE. 

Go for it, everyone starting this new chapter! Find your inner strength in difficult times, follow the light within, and wake up every day ready to learn and unlearn. Here’s to a year of living-out stories that are yet to be written.

So, hand in hand with my soulmate, I start into the unknown, ready to write the next chapter of our story. Have an Impactful Year Ahead! 

“2023, you were brutal and I am being honest here. You have the best now and I promise to keep coming and making you realize that. Well, I am my soulmate now, and with my EPITOME OF GRACE within me, we will rise back and move forward. 2023, you were brutal and now you wait and watch.”-RVA

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Herein, what we fail to acknowledge and realize is, that the person who is called high maintenance or soft is the one who has been functioning on such high radar to emotions of own self and of everyone around them. They can sense a change in tone, a change in aura, or even the slightest change in routine behavior. Their emotional recognition patterns are heightened, more like a superpower. How would you feel if you could hear sensitive sonic booms and bear the pain of it every time it occur? You may bleed or even lose your hearing capacity. It is only when we draw tangible parallels that we realize that the events that change or alter our lives are the sonic booms to our emotional sensitivity. It numbs our tongues so that we can’t breathe and bleeds the tears from our eyes. 

Processing these emotions, happy or sad, will appear differently to different people. The only thing we can do is not shame ourselves for having heightened sensitivities to emotions. It allows us to feel, help, and share the happiest of highs and endure the lowest of lows. Embrace the superpower of sensitivity. 

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Himanshu’s journey into the world of dance commenced in 2009 when he was just a schoolboy. Watching his sister dance, he found himself captivated by the art form. The spark ignited within him grew as he tuned into dance reality shows like ‘Dance India Dance.’ It was then that he knew he wanted to be on television, sharing his love for dance with the world. However, the road ahead was uncertain. He lacked the knowledge and support needed to embark on this path.

Determined to follow his passion, Himanshu began dancing at school. To his surprise, he discovered that people admired his performances. This encouragement fueled his resolve to delve deeper into the world of dance. In 2012, he decided to seek formal dance training and enrolled at the ILI Dance Academy in Indore. Under the guidance of dedicated instructors like Ragini Bajpayee Ma’am and Mahendra Sir, he underwent rigorous training for three years, honing his skills.

In 2014, his dedication bore fruit as he participated in his first dance reality show, ‘Closeup Bharat ki Shan Let’s Dance,‘ earning a place among the top five contestants. This show was broadcast on DD1 (Doordarshan). His passion for dance only continued to grow. In 2017, Himanshu participated in the Telugu dance reality show ‘Dhee Jodi,’ securing the position of 1st runner-up.

Himanshu’s journey expanded in 2018 when he ventured into the world of acting, enrolling in a theater group to learn the art. It was during this time that he discovered his USP – an unwavering commitment to hard work and self-belief. He recognized that his passion was more than just a hobby; it was an integral part of his identity.

Transitioning from his hometown to Mumbai was a significant turning point in Himanshu’s life. His first arrival in Mumbai in 2014, for a dance reality show, was marked by overwhelming uncertainty. The vastness of the city and the challenges of navigating it left him feeling unprepared. In 2017, he decided to make a second attempt. Living in a flat in Andheri with four roommates, he discovered that life in Mumbai was financially demanding, especially when it came to food. To make ends meet, he worked as a background dancer at various events. The journey was tough, and he often had to sit or lie down on trains during long journeys. Himanshu’s tenacity was unwavering, but the city’s demands were unrelenting.

Despite the challenges, Himanshu’s determination remained unshaken. He established his own dance studio, a dream inspired by renowned choreographer Remo D’Souza, who had expressed a similar aspiration. Winning a digital competition provided the necessary funds for Himanshu to turn his dream into reality. This marked a significant milestone in his journey.

His early struggles as a background dancer were characterized by meager pay and challenging situations, including uncomfortable train journeys and cramped living conditions when he moved to Mumbai. These challenges were a stark contrast to his dreams, emphasizing the determination required to succeed in the competitive world of performing arts.

Himanshu’s first significant breakthrough came when he got a chance to work alongside celebrities. He collaborated on commercials with esteemed figures like Remo D’Souza and created content with stars such as Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Honey Singh, and Ganesh Acharya. His lead role in the song “Ram Bachaye” in a major album marked a pivotal moment that opened the door to new opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey, Himanshu shared that the experience of low moments, including struggling to afford basic necessities and enduring challenging situations, was countered by moments of joy and fulfillment. Working with industry giants like Remo Sir and collaborating with stars have been some of the most remarkable and gratifying experiences in his life.

Today, Himanshu has his own identity, and people know his journey and respect his hard work. 

Himanshu’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of passion. His deep connection with dance, which he describes as being in his blood, continues to inspire his artistic pursuits. For Himanshu, dance is not just a hobby; it’s an integral part of his identity, and he feels incomplete without it. His journey from a small town to the bustling streets of Mumbai exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

-Himanshu’s message to people out there-

I will tell them the two lines that I had written myself-

“Your efforts are your greatest hope, whether someone is with you or not, being with yourself is the greatest courage.”

You should never stop trying, always do your work with full hard work and honesty, and have faith in yourself.

The post Himanshu Srivastava: A Journey of Dance, Dreams, and Determination appeared first on Cherished Echoes.

In this Q&A, we explore through Petrons’ and its founder, Akash’s, journey to understand their mission, hardships, and genuine love for pets.

1. What inspired you to start Petrons, and how has it evolved over the years?

 Petrons was founded in 2017 as a meme page. However, the huge response from pet owners led us to turn it into a media company focused on pet parenting, awareness, and community building.

2. What was the initial challenge Petrons faced?

The transition from a meme page to a business was really difficult. A transition from casual to professional was essential to monetize content and secure the first round of investment. With each passing day, it got better. The initial struggle was getting the visibility and attention of the right target audience which Petrons got through visibility by covering major events across the city. Also, there was no team to fall back on.

3. Can you share a pivotal moment in Petrons’ journey?

   In late 2018, Petrons became the official partner for its first pet event. This marked a turning point, providing visibility and opportunities to cover major pet events across the country.

4. What sets Petrons apart from other pet-related platforms?

Petrons’ unique selling point lies in its storytelling approach. It connects with the masses by placing pets and their stories at the forefront.

5. Could you tell us about a low point in Petrons’ history?

  In 2018, Petrons faced a brief setback when its page was deactivated, and securing a major funding source was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we bounced back and eventually launched our website. We went ahead and started partnering with top pet events across the country, which led to more website traffic increase in readership.

6. What are Petrons’ current focus and future plans?

  Petrons continues to share relevant stories weekly and aims to create an inclusive environment for pet owners. We are also actively seeking investors for their next phase of growth. We want to cover the ethos of being a pet parent and create an all-inclusive pet-friendly environment

7. How has your personal relationship with your pet influenced Petrons?

My deep love for my pet, Scotch, has played a significant role in shaping Petrons. It has been a guiding force and a source of love for both my growth and the platform. I am his dad and my pet has a social media page where he keeps Inspiring other pets and the parents.

8. What message would you like to share with potential pet owners?

 We all need to emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership. Pets are not toys, and getting one is a significant responsibility that should be carefully considered.

Petrons is a labor of love, a passion project, and a desire to build an empathic and accepting atmosphere for pet parents.

Truly, Akash Bhaskar’s path from a meme page to a pet community highlights the value of hard work and a strong bond with animals. Petrons is a brilliant example of the impact that one individual’s love for pets can have on a community of like-minded pet parents as they continue to grow and share heartfelt experiences.

The post  Petrons: Where Passion Meets Compassion in the World of Pets appeared first on Cherished Echoes.

Turn your tears into an unshakable foundation, the setbacks into your motivation to fight back, and life’s unfairness into the catalyst for your rebirth.

MAA Durga is born, the strong persona and Aura of yours will light up your path and be the beacon of Strength and Grace.

You are Maa Durga. Stand up, and fight not just for yourself but for your family, your dignity, and your rise to glory. The goddess within you is fierce, unyielding, and unstoppable. Embrace her, for you are a force to be reckoned with.”

YOU ARE MAA DURGA, FIERCE, AND POWERFUL, UPHOLDING THE FAMILY’S DIGNITY AND FIGHTING DEMONS.

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In the challenging backdrop of 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beta Makers Lab emerged as a shining example of resilience and innovation in the field of corporate office interior design. Their journey, which began amidst the chaos, reflects the unstoppable human spirit’s ability to adapt and thrive.

Beta Makers Lab is more than just another interior design firm; it symbolizes change in corporate workplace environments. Their genuine expertise lies in creating work environments that are both functional, warm, and inspirational. They recognize that behind every office door is a narrative of hopes, dreams, and hard work. Within these corporate boundaries, they aim to create settings that enrich the human experience.

Beta Makers Lab’s success during these difficult times is an ode to their everlasting commitment and the trust their clients place in them. They bring corporate office spaces to life with a team of dedicated designers and architects. Whether it’s creating a cozy break room or constructing an open office that encourages collaboration, Beta Makers Lab infuses each space with a distinct personality and a clear sense of purpose.

On September 20th, 2023, Beta Makers Lab celebrated a remarkable milestone, a testament to countless hours of hard work and unwavering dedication. They opened the doors to their brand-new office, strategically positioned in one of Bangalore’s bustling and prestigious business hubs. This move signifies more than growth; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to their clients and their shared journey.

However, this change is only the beginning of Beta Makers’ story. It depicts their forward motion, emphasizing their commitment to excellence, their love of creativity, and their continuous drive to exceed expectations. It demonstrates that, even in the face of hardship, creative thinking and determination can lead to amazing results.

Beta Makers Lab is a symbol of determination, a breeding ground for innovation, and a strong supporter of excellence in corporate office workplace design. It’s a tale of human achievement.

Thank God, we took the leap of faith.

No… I thank us for trusting us and taking the leap of faith- Reetu & Mayank, Co-Founders, of Beta Makers Lab

The post Beta Makers Lab: Transforming Corporate Spaces with Heart and Grit appeared first on Cherished Echoes.

Days turn into months, months to years…Oh Common, it’s been so long now… Get yourself up…YOU LOSER!!!! Yes, in this rat race if you fall back, if you are slow to possess the valuables like your peers then sooner or later you will be made to feel like a LOSER or crowned with the tag.

Life’s journey often appears like an endless race with a constantly shifting finish line. It can be quite stressful to live up to social expectations, which causes us to doubt our own values. When we are unable to keep up with the world’s constant expectations, it is simple to write ourselves off as losers. But what if we were to dare modify the story?

Let’s work to become “lifters” rather than maintaining a culture of criticism. Let’s realize that every person’s journey is distinct and that success cannot be determined just by what one accomplishes on the outside. Success also involves conquering challenges, developing personally, and discovering happiness on our own terms.

When we choose to encourage rather than criticize, we start a chain reaction of goodwill and assistance. We can have a profound impact on someone’s life by lending a helping hand, speaking kindly, or simply listening. By doing this, we aid in the shared healing of humanity as well as repairing the scars in our own souls.

Imagine a society where people truly applaud one another’s accomplishments without any bitterness or jealousy. A society where we understand that uplifting others does not lessen our own value but instead deepens the ties that unite us. Together, let’s create a better world.

So, the next time you feel like a ‘loser’ in the unforgiving race of life, pause and remember that you have the power to be a ‘lifter.’ Let’s transform the way we perceive success, embracing the beauty of our individual journeys. Let’s choose to be part of a movement that lifts each other up, creating a world where ‘loser’ is replaced with ‘lifter,’ and success is redefined as a collective journey towards a brighter future.

“Nearing 30 yet uncertain about your life? Oh dam!! You are unsure about your CAREER? OH, DEAR!!!! I hope you find the path and God bless you”- Well, why do we label everything with age? Why is there a need to achieve everything within a certain age limit? Biological clock, what is this behavior? Society, pls calm down!”

-RVA

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