“Every generation grows up with different tools, but the inner journey still remains the same.”
Standing at the Bridge of Two Generations!
When I look at today’s workplace, I often feel like I’m standing on a bridge— one foot firmly rooted in the world where I began my career, and the other stepping into the fast-moving, digital-first world of today.
I didn’t consciously set out to compare generations. It happened naturally—through everyday conversations, quiet observations, mentoring moments, and reflections that surfaced over time.
This is not a story of then versus now. It is a story of how the same human needs—to grow, to belong, to matter—find expression in very different environments.
When Recognition Was Rare – and Why it Mattered!
Early in my career, appreciation was not frequent. And perhaps because of that, it was deeply valued.
I still remember how a simple “good job” from a senior or manager stayed with me for years. It wasn’t announced publicly. It wasn’t shared online. Yet it mattered—immensely.
Because recognition was limited, we focused more on building capability than building visibility. Titles came later. Confidence arrived quietly. Identity was shaped slowly, through time and effort.
Back then, we weren’t trying to prove our worth. We were still discovering it.
Today’s World: Faster, Louder, and Always on Display!
Fast forward to the present.
I meet young professionals who are articulate, aware, skilled, and ambitious. They know things early that took us years to learn. They ask sharper questions. They expect clarity—and rightly so.
But I also notice something else.
Their journey unfolds in public.
Every achievement is shared. Every gap feels exposed. Every pause feels like falling behind.
I’ve seen capable individuals doubt themselves—not because they lack skill, but because someone else’s timeline appears faster.
Once, a young professional told me, “I feel like I’m not doing enough, even though I’m exhausted.”
That sentence stayed with me.
Twenty years ago, exhaustion came largely from work itself. Today, it comes from work plus the pressure to constantly demonstrate progress.
Back then, silence meant you were working. Today, silence often feels like stagnation.
Neither is wrong. They are simply reflections of the times we belong to.
How Proving Slowly Entered the Picture!
Over time, I’ve noticed that many professionals today are not chasing success alone—they are chasing assurance.
Assurance that they are on the right path. Assurance that they are not falling behind. Assurance that they are, in fact, enough.
So proving shows up as:
Visible hustle
Long hours
Constant availability
“Proving is not insecurity—it is uncertainty amplified by speed.”
This isn’t a flaw. It’s a natural response to an environment that moves fast and rarely pauses to acknowledge quiet, internal progress.
What Time Gently Teaches You!
With experience, something begins to soften.
You realise that:
Not every effort needs applause
Not every decision needs explanation
Not every pause needs justification
I didn’t arrive at this understanding overnight. It came through years of trial and error, self-doubt, resilience, and reflection.
Becoming, I’ve learned, is not dramatic. It is subtle. Layered.
“The most meaningful growth often happens when no one is watching.”
Then and Now: Different Tools, Same Inner Journey!
When I reflect honestly, this is what I see:
We struggled with lack of exposure. This generation struggles with too much exposure.
We learned patience because we had no choice. They must consciously choose patience in a world that rewards speed.
Different challenges. Same human heart.
And Even Today, I Am Still Becoming!
After nearly 20 years, I still don’t have all the answers.
I am still unlearning. Still recalibrating. Still choosing alignment over approval.
And that, perhaps, is the most comforting realization of all.
“Becoming doesn’t end. It simply deepens.”
Beyond the Checklist: A Gentle Reflection for Today’s Youth!
As I observe today’s work culture, one subtle pattern often stands out to me. Many days seem to run on a mechanical rhythm – log in, complete the assigned tasks, logout, repeat. There is efficiency, structure, and predictability, yet sometimes I feel something essential is missing – the spart of curiosity, the hunger to learn beyond what is asked, the courage to try to fail, and try again.
When I began my career, we did not have the infrastructure, tools, flexibility, or support systems that exist today. Learning was slower, access was limited, and resources were scarce. Yet perhaps because of that, we were naturally driven to explore more, observe deeply, take initiatives, and stretch ourselves beyond the defined roles.
Today’s generation is truly blessed – with better lifestyles, stronger support systems, advanced technology, and global exposure. These advantages are powerful enablers. And yet, growth still demands something deeply personal – a willingness to step out of comfort, to think beyond the task list, and to bring passion into both career and lifestyle.
“Resources can support growth, but only passion can ignite it.”
The future will not belong to those who only finish what is assigned, but to those who question, create, experiment, and dare to imagine something better. Passion is not found in routines – it is cultivated through curiosity, initiative, and the courage to life and work with intention. If there is one lifestyle shift worth making, it is this:
“You don’t need more opportunities – you need a deeper engagement with the ones you already have.”
There’s a quote by Rumi that struck me recently: “Don’t get lost in your pain, know that one day your pain will become your cure.”
To allow that transformation, sometimes we need silence. A sacred space where thoughts settle, feelings unfold, and healing begins—not through words, but through stillness. In a world that glorifies vulnerability, there’s often an unspoken pressure to share, to be open, to “talk it out.” And while communication is vital, I’ve come to believe that choosing not to share can be just as powerful as choosing to speak.
It is not about hiding or suppressing emotions—it’s about giving them room to breathe without the noise of opinions, expectations, or misunderstanding. It’s about reclaiming your inner space to process things at your own pace. There are moments when language falls short—when what you’re feeling is too raw, too tangled, or too sacred to be wrapped in words. In those times, silence seems to be the better option.
It’s never easy to accept a shift in your emotional state, but even then, it’s better to choose this shift. It’s okay to protect your peace when you realize that your thoughts and emotions are creating expectations that may not be met, expectations that, if left unchecked, could lead to disappointment or emotional imbalance.
Recently, I’ve felt this emotional shift unfolding in me, almost out of nowhere. It’s been confusing at times, even uncomfortable, but deep down I know it’s something I need to step back, reassess, and realign with what truly feels right for me. Maybe this is the best way to deal with my confused and imbalanced emotions without hurting myself or the other person in the process. People started noticing this shift and feel puzzled by the sudden change in my behaviour or emotional availability. They even tried to ask and understand what changed. But the truth is, I don’t have a clear explanation or a fair justification to offer.
As with many things in my life, I’m simply following my gut. And right now, my instinct tells me that this quiet, inward shift is necessary—not as a rejection of connection, but as an act of emotional clarity and self-preservation.
Recognizing this within yourself is not a weakness – it’s wisdom. It’s emotional maturity. And when you reach that point of clarity, choosing to make that internal shift might just be the best act of self-care you can offer yourself.
Is Silence a Strength or a Shield? – It can be both
Silence, when rooted in awareness, is strength. It’s the calm confidence of knowing that not every storm inside you needs to be broadcasted to the world. Sometimes, silence is the space where clarity is born. It allows you to pause, reflect, and respond intentionally rather than react impulsively.
For instance, there was a time when I felt deeply upset by an unexpected action from someone very close to me. It caught me off guard, not because it was cruel or intentional, but because it felt out of alignment with the bond we shared. I withdrew, emotionally. I went quiet.
Later, when I gave it some thought, I realized that maybe their actions weren’t meant to hurt me at all. Maybe it wasn’t intentional. But even then, I couldn’t fully convince my heart of that truth. My mind tried to rationalize, to explain, to calm, but the emotional sting lingered.
That’s when I started to see the root of it – over-expectations. Perhaps I had placed the person on a pedestal too high, expecting a level of sensitivity or presence that they never agreed to uphold. And that isn’t fair—neither to them, nor to me.
So, I slipped into silence. Not to punish or distance, but to protect—to keep myself from saying things I might regret, to process my feelings without dragging the other person into the chaos of my inner world.
But even in that silence, thoughts kept running through my mind: Am I doing the right thing? Is this silence healing or avoidance? Should I just let it out these emotions that may not even be grounded in truth?
It’s a confusing space to be in—between knowing you’re overthinking and still being unable to stop the thoughts from spiralling. A quiet storm, where you’re not sure if expressing would bring peace or only more complexity.
And that’s where silence sits—not as a solution, but as a pause. A space to ask yourself what truly serves your well-being and your relationships. Somewhere beneath the noise of my overthinking heart, I recognize the truth that it’s not them, not really. It’s life’s unpredictable situations and turns that brought out a version of them I wasn’t ready to face, and that left a lasting imprint on my emotional space.
When You’re Known as the ‘Open’ One
It’s not easy to suddenly pull back when people are used to you being emotionally available. You might hear things like: “You’ve changed”, “Why are you being so closed off lately?” And while these words are often said out of concern or confusion, they can unintentionally make you feel guilty for choosing silence, even when it’s exactly what you need. The pressure to return to your “usual self” can feel suffocating, especially when that self was always open, always accessible, always emotionally generous.
But what people don’t always see is that openness takes energy. It requires emotional bandwidth. And sometimes, you reach a point where that energy runs low, whether due to burnout, disappointment, or the quiet realization that you need to tend to your own inner world for a while.
Choosing to pull back doesn’t mean you care any less. It means you’re redirecting that same care inward. You’re choosing to protect your peace, to sit with your emotions privately, and to pause the cycle of constant giving because even the most open hearts need rest.
I’m Still Me, Just a Quieter Version Right Now
Being silent doesn’t mean being disconnected. I still deeply believe in honest conversations, emotional presence, and meaningful connection. But I’ve come to learn that openness and silence can coexist and that it’s okay to pause without explanation, to feel deeply without always expressing it aloud. This shift in my emotional stance isn’t easy. I might take some time for myself to process and adapt to it. In doing so, I may naturally create a little distance from people, some may notice it and feel the change intensely, while for others, it might not even register.
But for those who do feel it and wonder what changed – I want to say this: if it feels difficult for you, then know it hasn’t been smooth for me either. This isn’t a light-hearted phase or a conscious act of withdrawal; it’s a quiet battle I’m navigating within myself, a storm of emotions I can’t quite explain yet, even to me.
I don’t always have the words. I don’t always have the clarity. But I’m trying. And maybe, with time and with the love, affection, and care I still quietly long for, I’ll find my way through this fog.
I hope I can continue to support myself in the process. I hope I allow myself grace. And above all, I hope I can overcome the not-so-positive side of this shift and find my balance again within myself, and within the life I want to live.
Empowered Final Thoughts
If you’ve always been the one to speak up, to feel out loud, and now find peace in silence – know that you are not losing your voice. You are learning to listen to yourself first.
Silence is not weakness. Its strength wrapped in calm. It’s where you reclaim your energy, your clarity, and your self-worth.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your peace. You’re not fading—you’re becoming more grounded. And in this space, you’re learning the most powerful lesson of all.
Welcome to Hormonewood: Where Every Day is a Plot Twist!!!
There’s something almost majestic about turning 40. Hormones in your 40s don’t just whisper, they come in like a reality show director yelling “Cue drama!” You wake up feeling like you finally getlife calm, collected, sipping your coffee like a philosopher who has unlocked the secrets of the life. You read an article on self-care and nod with deep understanding. You even let out a slow, wise sigh when someone cuts you off in traffic, thinking, “Some people are just rushing through life… but I? I am at peace.”
Imagine this: You open your closet, excited to wear your favourite dress, only to find they’ve mysteriously shrunk overnight. You stare at them in betrayal. Instead of rationalizing, your brain leaps straight to “Have my clothes formed a secret rebellion?” After a few dramatic sighs, you settle for some other normal dress, convincing yourself that it is “the superior choice anyway.”
Afternoon hits, and you’re neck-deep in an Excel sheet, trying to crunch some basic numbers. Nothing fancy – just a neat little total. You type =SUM (with full confidence, like a math wizard ready to summon data magic – only for Excel to throw back a #VALUE! error like it personally hates you. You stare at the screen, then back at the formula, then back at the screen again like it’s gaslighting you. After 10 minutes, you realize you were summing text instead of numbers. Classic!! You close the file, lean back, and stare into the distance like you’ve just survived a high-stakes finance thriller.
So, if you’re wondering what this phase feels like, it’s like trying to do a silent retreat with a drama queen living in your head. That, my friend, is Mood Swings – Now Streaming in 4D, exclusively for you guys!!!
Hormones vs. Me: Spoiler Alert – They’re Winning!!!
Midlife hormones are not just attacking your body – they’re holding your memory hostage. You walk into rooms with confidence only to forget why you’re there. You start telling a story, forget the point midway, then somehow end up giving parenting advice which might be completely baseless and irrelevant. Remember when you used to juggle office tasks, grocery lists, and birthdays in your head? Now you stare at Post-it notes like it’s written in ancient Sanskrit.
The truth is, hormones don’t play fair. The unpredictability of emotions in your 40s turns even the most routine events into full-scale cinematic dramas. Travel? I Can’t even emotionally handle a trip to the grocery store. Social media used to be fun—now it’s just an emotional trigger-fest. Your friend posts a vacation pic from Bali, and suddenly you’re googling “What’s my life purpose at 44?” Even though you know you hate humidity & sunburns. Hormones, however, don’t care. They grab your logic, toss it out the window, and whisper, “You’ve achieved nothing, woman.” Don’t worry, by evening you’ll convince yourself that a solo trip to the office daily without interruption is the retreat you needed.
The Great Mood Swing Olympics – And I’m Winning Gold!
Let’s talk about my daily emotional triathlon. I wake up fresh every morning (okay, fresher than yesterday, which is a win), give myself a mini TED Talk in the mirror, blast some empowering tunes in the car, and cruise to the office with a heart full of motivation and a face full of sunscreen and make-up. I hit my desk like Beyoncé – emails flying, to-do list ready, world domination loading… until BAM! Enter: Hormones. Out of nowhere, I’m staring at the same spreadsheet, holding back tears because a font doesn’t look right or may a simple calculation doesn’t make sense to me as my mind does not want to accept it. Confidence? Missing. Motivation? Who’s dis?
Now I’m forcefully pretending to be busy, sometimes doing nothing with great intensity or barely managing to finish what felt like a daily Olympic sprint. On the drive home, my brain is like a confused GPS stuck in a dark tunnel. “Recalculating life decisions…” Over and over. I reach home, emotionally bankrupt and physically fried, hoping for a moment to exhale. But wait! I’m a woman, remember? Rest is optional, societal expectations are not.
The moment I step in, there’s a queue of emotions, people, responsibilities, and unsolicited opinions waiting for me. And in this emotional stampede, I don’t feature anywhere on the list. Wow! My wants, my peace, my feelings – hilarious! Apparently, those are luxuries for people with less estragon.
I hit the bed like a phone on 1% battery, just hoping to recharge before the next meltdown. But no, that would be too easy, isn’t it? Instead, I lie there like a confused potato staring at the ceiling, mentally drafting therapy monologues I’ll never say out loud. I long for a space where I can pour my heart out without needing a reason or a disclaimer. But again, here I am explaining my pain to my own confused soul while telling myself not to expect too much.
Emotional comfort isn’t something that’s ever knocked on my door. After 43 years of being everyone’s favourite backup plan, you’d think I’d have developed immunity to disappointment. If life had a guest list, I’d always be marked as “Maybe.” Priorities really do matter – especially when you realize you’ve spent years being available for people who couldn’t even spell “reciprocate.”
And while these truths have quietly tagged along for most of my life, this so-called midlife crisis seems to be putting them under a cruel spotlight. The things I used to brush off with a half-hearted smile now weigh heavier, stay longer, and hit deeper. It’s like my emotional threshold is thinning, and the questions I’ve always managed to avoid—Why not me? Why never first? Suddenly echo louder than ever. I keep searching for answers that make sense, but all I ever find is silence wearing a polite smile. Some questions, it seems, were never meant to be answered—just endured.
“When Life Gives You Hormones, Make a Cocktail… and Sip It Slowly!”
Here’s the truth, wrapped in a heating pad and sprinkled with sarcasm: Mid-life crisis isn’t something you “fix” or “overcome.” It’s more like an uninvited guest who moves in, raids your fridge, messes up your mental peace, and refuses to leave. And the hormones? Oh, they’re the background music to your personal drama – moody, loud, and completely unpredictable.
But amidst the chaos, confusion, and cravings, there is something oddly beautiful. This phase teaches you to embrace your imperfections, own your mood swings like a pro, and unapologetically put yourself first – at least for few minutes immediately after you wake-up every day. It shows you that it’s okay to break down, restart, and laugh at yourself mid-breakdown.
Because honestly, what’s the alternative? Wait for some imaginary fairy tale version of peace and clarity to arrive? Nope. We live with it. We ride this emotional rollercoaster with extra seatbelts, messy buns, and zero expectations. And just when we think we’ve figured it out… boom! The next-level crisis is probably already warming up backstage.
So, here’s to us – overthinking and over-it but still getting out of bed like the warriors we are. Midlife might feel like a group project we didn’t sign up for, but hey, we’re making it work. One meltdown, one laugh, one silent scream at a time.
“I’m not overreacting. I’m just hormonally multitasking between tears, rage, and existential dread. If hormones had a job title, it would be ‘Chief Chaos Officer!!!”
“The strength of a woman is not in what she carries, but in what she overcomes.“
For generations, strength was defined by silence, and sacrifice often came without recognition. But today, the narrative is shifting. Women are rewriting history—not just by being present but by leading, commanding, and transforming the very fabric of our world. This blog is a tribute to those fierce souls who rise above limitations and inspire change, not only on the battlefield but in every arena of life. From homes to headquarters, from struggles to triumphs—this is their story. This is our story.
When the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, the world watched in awe – not just at the strategic brilliance or swift execution, but at the fearless women in uniform who led, commanded, and stood tall amid uncertainty.
Names like Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, weren’t just listed in reports but they were etched in our hearts. Their courage, calmness, and clarity under pressure reminded us that bravery wears no gender. Col. Qureshi led with dignity and precision, Wg Cdr. Singh flew hope into chaos, and Capt. Tyagi, a Kargil War veteran in the past, served the country even as she carried life within her. These women didn’t just participate in history – they made it.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
Beyond Boundaries: A Journey from Kitchen to Command Posts
Once upon a time, a woman’s world was confined to four walls – her identity, responsibilities, and dreams wrapped within the boundaries of a home. She was expected to nurture, care, support – but never to lead, command, or fight. But the world changed. Or perhaps, women changed the world. Today, women stand guard at our borders, fly fighter jets into enemy skies, lead battalions into operations, and take calls that impact millions. From once being told they were “too delicate” for defence, they now define what true strength means. This shift isn’t just military – it’s revolutionary.
“They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.”
The Spirit of Unbeaten Women
What inspires me the most – and countless others like me – is that this courage wasn’t inherited; it was built. Brick by brick, heartbreak by hardship, step by trembling step. These women didn’t wait for permission, they created their own permission slips to success. They fought stereotypes in the barracks and in society. They wore their confidence like Armor and walked through challenges with grace. This transformation has deeply touched me.
As a woman working in the world of operations and leadership, I’ve learned that:
You don’t have to roar to be a lioness.
You don’t need to be handed a sword to start the battle.
You just need to believe that your voice matters and the rest follows.
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
A Call to Every Woman Reading This
To every woman who’s ever been told she’s “too much” or “not enough”, “too loud”, “too ambitious”, “too emotional”, “too strong” – I want to tell you:
You are exactly what the world needs. Your courage, your resilience, your softness, and your fire – they are your strength. The world has shifted. The frontlines are open. Whether you’re fighting on a border, in a boardroom, in a classroom, or in your own home, you are a warrior in your own right. Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a mission. It was a message.
“She remembered who she was, and the game changed.” – Lalah Delia
And Then, There’s Me – One Among Many, Yet One of a Kind
As I pen these words with pride in the women who serve our nation, I cannot help but reflect on my own journey, one that may not have unfolded on a battlefield, but has been nothing short of a war zone in its own right.
Born into a conservative middle-class family, I wasn’t handed opportunities – I carved them out. Every step I took toward my passion meant pushing against norms, breaking invisible barriers, and daring to stand up for myself when silence was expected. I fought for my dreams, not once, but every single day, in rooms where I was told I didn’t belong, in moments where giving up would’ve been easier than fighting through.
Professionally and personally, I’ve faced storms, questioned my worth, stood alone, and still chose to walk forward, sometimes limping, sometimes sprinting, but always moving. Life tested me not just with challenges but with serious medical battles, each one threatening to slow me down. But here I am, standing tall and bold at 43, not just surviving; but thriving.
I’ve never let adversity write my story. I’ve always held the pen. And I will continue to live with purpose, passion, and relentless courage until my last breath.
Because like the women I admire, in uniform or otherwise – I know that being a woman is not my limitation. It is my power.
“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson
A Crown of Purpose: The Power Behind the Red
Let the sindoor be more than a tradition; let it be a symbol of the fire within. A mark not just of devotion to home, but to dreams, to purpose, to self.
To the women breaking boundaries – in boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals, homes, studios, labs, and skies – your courage writes new histories. You lead with grace, fight with strength, and rise with resilience. You turn challenges into chances, setbacks into stories of comeback.
You are not defined by where you come from, but by how far you’re willing to go.
So, wear your sindoor, your scars, your soul, like a crown. Own your journey. Own your power. Own your voice. Because the world isn’t just watching, it’s changing because of you!
“Break the boundaries, rewrite the rules, and let your courage be the legacy you leave behind.”
The year 2024 was a whirlwind of growth, giving, and countless lessons—a year where I often found myself pouring from an empty cup, stretching my boundaries thin to accommodate others. While I wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything, I’ve realized that constantly putting others first has its cost. And so, 2025 is my year of breaking free—free from unnecessary guilt, outdated expectations, and the invisible chains of self-neglect.
For years, I’ve lived with a quiet tug-of-war within me. On one side was the undeniable pull to support, nurture, and uplift those around me; on the other, a faint voice whispering, “What about you?” That voice, once barely audible, has grown louder over time. In moments of solitude, it’s clear: the relentless act of giving has left me drained. It’s not selfish to acknowledge this; it’s survival.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” This simple yet profound reminder is my mantra for 2025. To thrive, I must prioritize my own well-being, unapologetically filling my cup so that I can offer my best self to the world.
The art of saying “no” is something I’ve struggled with. “Yes” seemed easier—less confrontation, fewer explanations. But the weight of those yeses often bore down on me, leaving little room for my own aspirations and needs. In 2025, I vow to rewrite this script. I’ll embrace the power of “no,” not as a rejection of others, but as an affirmation of myself. It’s about valuing my energy and ensuring it’s directed toward what truly matters.
This year, I’m choosing to let go of the shackles of others’ expectations. For too long, I’ve danced to tunes that weren’t mine, trying to meet standards that didn’t resonate with my soul. No more. 2025 is about dancing to my own rhythm, unapologetically and joyfully. It’s about rediscovering who I am when I strip away the layers of obligations and societal norms.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson encapsulates the essence of my journey. The power to redefine my life has always been within me—it just needed nurturing and attention.
I’ve come to see that prioritizing myself isn’t an act of defiance; it’s an act of love—for me and for those who matter most. When I am whole, when my spirit is nourished, I have so much more to give. It’s a simple truth, yet one that’s taken years to fully grasp. By putting myself first, I’m not choosing to care less about others; I’m ensuring that when I do give, it’s from a place of abundance rather than depletion.
The journey ahead is both exciting and daunting. It means breaking old patterns, challenging deep-seated beliefs, and stepping into a version of myself that feels authentic and unrestrained. I envision mornings that start with quiet moments of reflection, afternoons filled with pursuits that spark joy, and evenings spent basking in the warmth of meaningful connections. Life, in all its complexity, will feel lighter when I approach it on my terms.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This year, I’m taking ownership of my story. I’ll rewrite the parts that no longer serve me and boldly step into a life that prioritizes happiness, health, and fulfilment.
2025 is more than a new year; it’s a new chapter—a revolution of self. It’s about owning my story, breaking free from self-imposed limitations, and thriving unapologetically. I’m ready to embrace it all—the challenges, the growth, and the freedom that comes with putting myself first. Here’s to breaking free and living boldly in the year ahead.
