Is it about breaking the shackles of society and following your instincts?
Or is it about doing the right thing, yet finding freedom within your boundaries?

Every now and then, in the middle of our maddening routines, we all crave that mini breakfree moment. It could be a weekend getaway you’ve long postponed, or a quiet moment of peace that might not make sense to anyone else, but feels just right for your soul.

Imagine this- caught in the middle of a corporate hustle, you suddenly decide to step outside and dance in the rain.
Sounds impulsive? Maybe even mad?
But maybe, just maybe, it’s happiness in its rawest form.

Breaking free doesn’t mean doing something wrong. It means allowing yourself to live fully, without guilt. Not everything needs logic or ROI. Some moments exist simply to remind us we’re alive. They fuel our soul, carve memories, and keep us going.

So go ahead and break free, even if it’s just for a moment.

We spend so much of our lives being everything for everyone- responsible, reliable, reasonable. But when was the last time you chose you? Not out of rebellion or selfishness, but out of love- for your own peace, your own breath, your own joy. Choosing yourself doesn’t mean hurting others. It simply means acknowledging that your happiness matters too.

Break free from the constant pressure to always be put together, not from people or commitments. If it helps your heart feel lighter, let yourself laugh a little louder, take a guilt-free nap, or pursue a foolish little joy. Sometimes the boldest thing you can do in a world where performance is expected all the time is to take a moment to simply be.

“Break free—not to escape life, but to feel it. Fully. Completely. Even if just for a moment. Break free to laugh, to create memories, and to reconnect with yourself.”- RVA

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Maa, why does food always taste better from your plate or when you feed me? It’s the same food, right? Then what changes?

Maa, how did you always give everything to us—your family—without ever asking for anything in return?

Is it just me, or have we all been blessed with the purest form of love—a mother’s unconditional love?

I vividly remember the tantrums I’d throw when a dish I didn’t like was prepared. Yet, somehow, that same dish would taste divine when Matta fed me from her plate. She never once complained about me eating her food or disturbing her peace.

How can love be so selfless, so complete, and without expectations?

“Matta-Aaja, have one bite, beta…”
And little did I know, I would end up eating most of her meal. Yet she would just smile—that enchanting smile.A match made in heaven!

So tell me—does food really taste best from a mother’s plate?

“In an era where we hear things like, “Oh, you’ve put on weight,” in front of a crowd, or chase calorie deficits… I choose to remember the raw, nourishing love of my mother- both for the soul and hunger. In this age of careless remarks,I choose unconditional love—and the timeless teachings of my mom.”– RVA

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Well, yes, it is—but for how long? How long can one endure and ignore? How long can one pretend not to be affected and still be happy?

In reality, acceptance is bliss. Only when you know, acknowledge, and accept can you truly be at peace. Once you embrace reality and decide to move with it, that is what makes you stronger, more determined, and calmer.

I tried ignoring for the longest time, giving people and situations the benefit of the doubt. Guess what? It only kept hurting and disappointing me more. That’s when I realized—some facts, situations, and people will never change, no matter what.

And so began my journey of acceptance.

Acceptance isn’t about giving up; it’s about freeing yourself from resistance. It’s choosing peace over endless battles and progress over stagnation. When you embrace yourself—your experiences, strengths, and even flaws—you take control of your happiness. You stop seeking validation and start moving toward your own goals and well-being.

The world will not always be kind. People and situations will test you, shake you, and try to break you. But rather than ignoring reality, embrace it with dignity and the right mindset. Acceptance gives you the strength to navigate challenges with wisdom, not resentment. It allows you to move forward—not as a victim of circumstances, but as the author of your own fate.

“What is this behaviour? How can she live on her own terms and redefine the norms of society? What is this behaviour? How can she live her life according to her will and not be controlled by us all?

Well, oh darling! She has accepted her reality and is walking her path to happiness and success—on her own terms. It’s never easy; it was never meant to be. But it can be WORTH IT.” – RVA

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While juggling all these challenges, the most common perception is that the person has moved on. But what if they’re still holding on?

Holding on doesn’t mean sulking all day. While there are inevitable lows, holding on brings immense strength to rise again. It’s not merely a survival trick but often the only way to live and keep afloat. Holding on becomes our strength—an inseparable part of our soul.

Even in loss, there is something beautiful about not losing hope. It is in holding onto the cherished echoes of the past—the memories, the lessons, the love—that we find our resilience. These echoes remind us of what we have endured and how far we have come. They become our silent strength, whispering courage into our hearts and helping us transform pain into purpose, grief into growth, and survival into meaningful living.

“The world moves on, and so do humans—or so it seems. Ever try having a deep conversation with someone? You’ll realize how flawed that statement is. Some hold on, and that becomes their source of strength, purpose, and even happiness. Holding on forever, yet moving ahead with it.” – RVA

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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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Listen, stop overreacting…… Listen, understand what she is expressing. Be sensitive. 

Don’t be Over sensitive, please…. Listen, show some emotions towards others…

For God Sake, stop being judgemental…. But it’s okay to be judged now and then, It’s called society …

It’s not a big deal, get over it… Listen, the person is hurt, go and apologize. 

Well, in fulfilling everyone’s expectations and crushing yours- life happened, or is it still happening? On a very normal, mundane day, you might suddenly realize how empty your life is or how alone you are. Since when have these emotions become so transactional? Since when did it all become about convenience and making everyone happy, just not yourself? 

We are 90’s kids… Ugh!! No longer kids actually. We are a generation of givers and everyone around us is so used to it that when we STOP being a giver- We become BAD

So, are we a generation of loners? With everyone around yet ALONE? Is it a scary feeling or liberating for you?

Accepting that you are alone—and that is just fine—has great strength among the turmoil of society’s demands and ongoing giving. You can only really hear your voice when you’re alone yourself, free from the interference of other people’s demands or opinions. It is freeing to walk your own road since it gives you complete independence and control over your fate, even if it feels lonely at times. To recognize your value, you don’t need approval from other people. Accepting your alone is not a sign of weakness but rather of great strength since it allows you to see that you are sufficient and cease relying on other people to determine your pleasure.

“I am not a perfect example in this society, and that’s okay. I am learning to live alone without any expectations. There are pleasant surprises every now and then, but I no longer believe in every word blindly. Oh, soulmate—you showed me a fairytale in those few years, and now I am here, dealing with reality day by day. Well, oh soulmate, you showed me the world through your eyes, and all I can say is—I love you, Forever.”-RVA

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Hey! JUST WANTED TO CHECK ON YOU, HOPE YOU ARE DOING OK!

Almost every day, someone or the other will ask about you, some in a concerning way and some in a not-so-concerning way. So, ARE YOU DOING OK?

We all are so busy completing our 10k steps and hustling that we don’t know if we are okay or not. I haven’t felt good lately, well more than 365 days to be precise. I am generally okay but I don’t have the energy to do anything beyond the bare minimum required and the biggest challenge for me is to step out and be myself. Am I okay? Well, maybe yes, or maybe no. 

What is the definition of being OK? Somedays we are fine and some days we aren’t.

In today’s fast-paced world, the complexity of modern living frequently creates a paradox: everyone looks to be happy while secretly hurting. Social media portrays flawless lives, full of accomplishments and pleasant times. However, behind the surface, many are fighting unseen wars, managing the responsibilities of their profession, relationships, and personal goals. The pressure to project an image of everlasting happiness can be overpowering, leaving little room to acknowledge and address our difficulties. The reality is that even those who appear to have it all together are dealing with their issues, and it is critical to recognize that it is normal not to be okay.

Recognizing that we are not okay is the first step toward healing. We must meet our challenges head-on, just like soldiers do. It is critical to create a space for vulnerability, where we can express our actual feelings without fear of being judged. By doing so, we not only start our recovery path but also encourage others to do the same. Accepting our challenges as part of our growth process allows us to emerge stronger and more resilient, demonstrating that genuine strength is found not in hiding our conflicts, but in facing them boldly.

“Hey! I just wanted to check on you, Don’t forget how POWERFUL YOU ARE. Hey! You might not be ok now, but you are going strong.”

“I have become more silent of late, which doesn’t mean that I don’t care; it just means I observe more. I have a lot to fight for and a lot to speak about, but I know the responses, so I choose to be silent. Hey! I am not okay, and that’s OKAY! :)”-RVA

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What happens when FEAR BECOMES REALITY? A lot of us have very good instincts and we actually can see something happening before it happens and that feeling is worse than FEAR. Anticipation of your fear becoming a reality. It makes us restless, weak, and helpless all at the same time. 

Those who say- I don’t fear anything have never lost someone special or never lost their self. It is an inevitable feeling which resides in each one of us. Yes, we might not fear darkness or ghosts but what about the looming spirits around us or within us?

When our fears come true, it can be a transforming event that changes our perspective on the world and ourselves. The initial shock can be overpowering as we witness the worst-case scenarios we had feared. In these moments, we are forced to face the depths of our weaknesses and the unpleasant realities we had hoped to avoid. The immediate aftermath is rarely a story of victory; rather, it is characterized by struggle, disorientation, and a terrible sense of loss. We are coping with the new reality, feeling weaker and more vulnerable than ever before.

Living through these challenges does not make us stronger in the traditional sense, but it does make us more aware and transformed. The experience permanently impacts our psychology, changing our ideas and priorities. We learn to negotiate the complexities of our emotions while acknowledging the transient nature of control and assurance. This increased awareness can result in more empathy for others and a deeper understanding of life’s frailty. While we may not emerge as warriors, we will have a deeper, if more somber, awareness of the human spirit’s tenacity and the significant impact of our fears on our evolution.

“After living through my fears, which I surely didn’t deserve, I am still not ready to embrace reality nor do I have the courage to face the dark days ahead. No, not all life-altering moments make you strong; they surely break you into pieces. Then, the ones who once upon a time loved you come back and say, ‘You have changed.’ While that is true if that change is not respected with empathy, then you are better off on your own.” – RVA

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I met a friend after a long time, almost after years and we went down memory lane. We realized that both of us were dealing with losses and grieving. She had lost a part of her heart and so did I, there was no comparison, no GYAANS or sympathy. There was pure solidarity, full attention, and acceptance towards each other. At that point, we were a family- no jealousy, just pure EMOTIONS. 

So, what is a family? Our parents, siblings, cousins, or pets? A Family is not meant to break you but to make you. This passing on generational guilt, traumas, and responsibilities is like a vicious cycle, a never-ending loop. 

Yes, we all have our core family but then we make our OWN FAMILY as we go along in our journey of LIFE. 

A family can provide unconditional love and support, promoting personal development and happiness. However, it can also be harmful, sustaining generational trauma and dysfunctional dynamics. To obtain serenity and happiness, people must recognize and break free from negative patterns, instead choosing partnerships that promote positivity and progress.

Generational barriers, such as guilt and pain, must not be handed down. A truly happy family is based on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional support, whether made up of blood relations or chosen loved ones who foster a nurturing environment.

We cannot choose our FAMILY but we can choose our SANITY. The biggest challenge yet the best reward you can give yourself is to break free from the negative shackles. 

“ They say time heals all wounds and waits for no one. I want to ask these ‘They’, when will you move on from your rigid generational thoughts, and when will you accept the new change? Why is it so difficult to be happy and so easy to live a life with guilt and trauma? Well, someone has to break this norm and pay the price of choosing HAPPINESS.”- RVA

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Such is life, a normal Sunday afternoon soon becomes a beautiful memory, a passing thought that brings a smile to our face and a few minutes of happiness. We can’t stop thinking about the power of memories and how wrong we were, when we thought we were merely living, we were creating the best memory of our lives.

It’s 2024, and while doing nothing and sitting alone, a beautiful happy day crossed my mind. It was 2013, I was in college at that time, learning how to drive and every Sunday I would ask my father, “Papa, please one drive, I want to learn, Promise, I will be careful.”

It was a bright summer day, AC on, Matta sitting behind and Dad beside me with the ever-serious expression- Richu, you better drive carefully. A joy ride turned into an adventure in no time. Indeed, the young day craze and speed took over me and I ended up driving at the highest speed possible, turning the car to 4th gear speed and attempting stunts like drifting. I even got involved in a car race with a cab driver. Well, everyone was safe and sound but I do remember getting yelled at by my father and then soothed by my Matta. While it wasn’t a joy ride for them we all ended up having a good laugh that evening. 

Now that I sit back and think about the situation, I did have scare moments with my parents but they never discouraged me for anything, rather gave me confidence, and above all, we CREATED SOME VERY HAPPY RANDOM MEMORIES. Turning normal days into episodes of laughter and togetherness.

Some days aren’t very good, and some aren’t very happy either but we humans carry an abundance of memories with us that have the power to heal and make us smile, for some time at least.

“ While I know that those days are long bygones, I am still holding on to my memories because I have realized that Humans hurt, memories don’t. Memories are like soft kisses on our cheeks when we need them the most and a faint smile when our OWN betray us. Until I see my next silver lining again, holding on to my memories tight”- RVA

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