To Reddy Sir, With Love and Respect

 

There are some people who enter our professional lives as seniors or bosses but quietly become something far greater. Sir was one such rare soul for me; a teacher for life, a guide beyond office files and meetings, and the one person whose wisdom I trusted without hesitation. Whenever life became difficult, whenever I found myself standing at a crossroads, he was the first person I turned to. In fact, when I decided to resign from government service, it was his counsel I sought before anyone else’s. Somehow, his words always brought clarity, strength, and peace.

What made Sir truly extraordinary was not just his wisdom or stature, but the humility, politeness, and respect with which he treated every single person around him. In a world where people often become inaccessible with position and experience, he remained remarkably grounded and approachable. No message ever went unanswered, no call ever felt ignored. No matter how busy he was, he always reciprocated with warmth, patience, and sincerity that made every interaction feel valued. It was admirable how he made people feel heard, respected, and important. His kindness was effortless, and that grace in human connection is something I will always carry with me and strive to learn from.

Teacher’s Day will never feel complete for me anymore, because wishing him that day had become more than a gesture; it was a ritual close to my heart. It pains me deeply to know that the message I always looked forward to sending will now remain forever unsent.

What hurts the most today is not merely the absence of conversations, but the absence of his presence itself. I did not need to speak to him every day to feel reassured. Just knowing that he was there, that I could call him whenever life became overwhelming; made me feel secure and immensely rich in life. His number saved in my phone felt like a blessing I would always have. He was not just a mentor; he was a treasure to hold close, a rare human being whose existence itself gave strength to so many around him.

And perhaps that is why this farewell feel unbearable. I was never prepared for a world where he would no longer exist. Some voids cannot be explained because they are carved not by distance, but by the loss of someone irreplaceable. May his noble and departed soul rest in eternal peace. He may no longer be with us, but the values he lived by, the guidance he gave, and the warmth he carried will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Starting somewhere

 

Youtube was built as a dating site.

Lamborghini started as a tractor company.

Nokia started as a paper mill.

Viagra was developed as a heart medication.

None of them arrived where they planned.

All of them arrived somewhere better.

The destination was never the point.

The decision to move on.

Sometimes we don't dare to move forward, as we don't know how its all going to make sense.

But

Sometimes we don't dare to move forward, as we don't know how its all going to make sense.

The problem is: 

we need to move forward, for it to have an opportunity to make sense.

You don't figure it out in your head.

You figure it out by starting somewhere.

How I am working on Self Love

Separating Worth from Output

v  Practice being OKAY even when nothing is ‘checked off’

v  Recognizing that self-worth is not related to output

v  Slow days are not related to failure

v  Finding worth outside of work.

Forgiving Myself

v  Acknowledging I didn’t know better

v  Choosing learning over self-blame

v  Applying the art of kintsugi in real life

v  Reflecting, learning and growing with every mistake

Living by 80/20 rule

v  Expecting days off from the schedule, because life happens

v  Being kind to myself when it does

v  Loving myself where I am, not where I wish I was

v  Choosing progress over perfection

Accepting Flaws

v  Accepting that some traits are part of me, not problems

v  Letting myself be a work in progress

v  Not turning every flaw into a project

v  Enjoying the in-between version of me

Changing inner voice

v  Asking ‘is this helpful or just familiar?’

v  Replacing harsh self-talk with honesty, not false positivity

v  Knowing that growth doesn’t require self-punishment

Choosing me in small ways

v  Checking in with myself before committing

v  Leaving rooms that drain me

v  Choosing rest, nourishment or boundaries when needed

Thriving Through Workplace Toxicity

 

You haven’t lived until you’ve worked in a toxic work environment.

It teaches you a lot about human nature. You get to see master manipulators, orchestrate power plays, and learn how the world really works. Oh, and you get to be miserable while doing it.

Sounds fun, right?

Even though I’ve worked in toxic work environments before, I’m amazed by how people choose to stay in a toxic place. Some suffer under the misguided idea that things will eventually get better.

A toxic work environment won’t change by itself, and it won’t get better if you just stick around.

When you’re in a bad environment, it’s normal to numb your pain during your downtime.

But while you’re doing this thing, you know they don’t really fix anything. The numbness wears off, and the next morning you have to face reality again.

You’re caught in a destructive cycle.

Several sources and mediums offer practical strategies for staying motivated and protecting your well-being in a toxic work environment. These resources emphasize that while leaving the job may be the long-term goal, you can take meaningful steps to thrive in the meantime. 

Protect your professional and mental health

• Establish boundaries. Setting firm boundaries is crucial for maintaining your sanity in a negative environment. Limit your interactions with toxic individuals and politely decline unreasonable demands.
• Keep a professional distance. Maintain a "professional, not personal" approach with difficult colleagues. Keep conversations focused on work-related topics. Communicate via email when possible to create a paper trail of important interactions.

Redefine your career goals and focus

• Concentrate on what you can control. Shift your energy away from the things you can't change and focus on your work ethic, attitude, and personal goals. Focusing on your tasks and delivering high-quality work can provide a sense of accomplishment, which boosts morale.
• Set small, achievable goals. Establish short-term objectives unrelated to the larger, frustrating corporate structure. Accomplishing these can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction that is independent of the negative environment.
• Use the job as a stepping stone. Redirect your energy toward developing new skills and building your resume. Seeing your current role as a learning experience can help you stay motivated while preparing for a better future opportunity. 
  
  
  

Plan your exit strategy

• Build a support network. Connect with trusted colleagues who understand your situation. A sense of camaraderie can be invaluable for emotional support.
• Actively search for a new job. This is often the most empowering step. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, start networking with professionals in your field, and create a timeline for your departure. Having a plan can give you hope and a sense of control. 

Recognize when it's time to leave

• While coping strategies can help, some environments are too toxic to endure long-term. Pay attention to how the workplace is affecting your mental health and well-being. If negativity persists despite your efforts and is causing significant stress, anxiety, or depression, it may be time to move on. No job is worth sacrificing your peace of mind. 

Work Rewritten at 40

 

Work at 40 is different

Its not just about income, but rather it’s about integrity.

You’re not driven simply to do something; you’re driven to ensure it stands for something.

Work at 40 is a paradox.

The title still matters, but the truth matters more.

You want to rise without losing what’s real.

Work at 40 is pressure.

You feel the pressure: the younger generation is faster and louder.

But you know yourself. You move with certainty.

Speed fades, but confidence endures.

Work at 40 is about the cost.

You want to make the most of these earning years. But not at the cost of dreading Mondays.

It’s not just about having a career—it’s about feeling alive within it.

Work at 40 is growth.

You want to grow. But not miss your child’s laugh… or your own reflection.

Ambition is still there but now, it has a schedule that includes you.

Work at 40 is not busy.

You used to chase busy.

Now, you question it because “I’m slammed” isn’t a flex.

It’s a red flag.

At 40, work matters.

but so does the body that carries you,
the peace that steadies you,
and the life that makes it all worth it.

Friendship at 40

 

It’s never really about who shows up just for the party.
It’s about who stays when the music fades,
who leans in for the hard conversations,
and who can sit with you in silence without needing to fill the space.

At some point, you stop craving more friends.
What you begin to crave instead is real ones—
the kind who don’t require performance,
who don’t measure connection by convenience,
who understand that presence matters more than plans.

You outgrow the need for performative gatherings.
If it isn’t nourishing, it simply doesn’t belong.
If it isn’t real, it won’t last.
Small talk feels empty—
because your soul is asking for truth, for depth,
for conversations that stretch into the marrow of life.

With time, you start choosing people not for the length of your history,
but for the alignment of your energy.
Not for the role they played in your past,
but for the light they bring into your present.

By 40, friendship becomes less about proximity,
and entirely about presence.
You are no longer collecting acquaintances;
you are curating a tribe.

A tribe that sees you,
holds you,
and celebrates you—
not for what you do,
but for who you are.

And that kind of friendship,
the kind rooted in truth, depth, and belonging—
feels less like a circle
and more like home.

The World Vs. HUM (Hindustani): Desi Replies That Hit Different!

 World: Sorry I can’t hear

Hum Hindustanis: Heinn?

 

World: No I can’t

Hum Hindustanis: Dekhtey hain!

 

World: Why can’t you do this?

Hum Hindustanis: Kyu tere haatho mein mehendi lagi hai?

 

World: We should ensure safety first

Hum Hindustanis: Jo hoga dekha jaayega

 

World: He got sick because of the weather

Hum Hindustanis: Lagta hai kisi ki nazar lag gayi hai

 

World: He is an event manager

Hum Hindustanis: Tent wala hai

 

World: I think we should investigate

Hum Hindustanis: Ye hass raha hai, issi ne kiya hoga

 

World: Food is very delicious

Hum Hindustanis: Bilkul hotel jaisa khana hai

 

World: I can’t afford it, it’s very costly

Hum Hindustanis: Hum thori der mein aatey hai, dukaan kitney bajey takk khuli rahegie

 

World: Excuse me!

Hum Hindustanis: Kyaaaa

 

World: Thank you so much!

Hum Hindustanis: Arrey koi nahi yaar

 

World: Its raining

Hum Hindustanis: Pakorey banatey hai…

 

World: That’s unbelievable

Hum Hindustanis: Arrey baap re baap

 

World: Are you serious?

Hum Hindustanis: Sachiie bol raha hai kya?

 

World: That’s expensive

Hum Hindustanis: Arrey loot rahey hai

 

World: Let’s hang out

Hum Hindustanis: Chai peeney chaltey hai

 

World: Happy birthday

Hum Hindustanis: Party kabb aur kaha hai?

 

World: Please calm down

Hum Hindustanis: Shaant gadadhaari bheem shaant

 

World: Everything is fine

Hum Hindustanis: Sabb changa hai janaab