The Saree Story: A Journey of Creativity and Uniqueness

 

Allow me to share yet another enchanting tale from my ever-growing collection of saree stories—one that truly epitomizes the serendipitous beauty of fashion and creativity.

It all began with a blouse I received alongside a different saree. However, my tailor, in his artistry, selected a contrasting shade of pink fabric to craft the design I had envisioned. Unfortunately, I failed to provide the exact colour specifications of the saree when I shared the design, merely indicating the shade I wanted. This seemingly small oversight, however, proved fortuitous, as it presented me with an unexpected opportunity—an excuse, if you will—to find a new saree that perfectly complemented the blouse.

Thus, my search commenced. But despite scouring numerous shops, I could not find a saree that met my requirements.

Then, on a seemingly ordinary day, during a visit to a fabric store, I discovered a bolt of organza running fabric that was an impeccable match for my blouse’s hues. The fabric—a delicate shade that mirrored the softness of spring blooms, blending shades of orange and pink—was a perfect complement to the blouse’s floral pattern, with the same subtle yet striking tones.

Yet, as with all journeys of discovery, the challenge had only just begun. The fabric, though stunning, was organza—so light and ethereal that it seemed to float in the air. The very moment I draped it, the song "Hawa Mein Urta Jaye" seemed to play in the background, such was the sheer weightlessness of the fabric. The lightness, while exquisite, posed a challenge when it came to managing the pleats and the pallu—both of which, due to their delicate nature, were prone to shifting and losing form.

Thus, the quest for a solution began. This led me from the fabric shop to a lace store, where I explored a myriad of possibilities. After much deliberation, I decided to enhance the saree with green piping along its borders and to affix a heavy metallic lace trim to the end of the pallu. The lace would not only keep the pallu in place but also impart a regal, finished touch to the ensemble.

The result was nothing short of magical. What began as a happy accident transformed into a uniquely styled saree that remains unmatched. Each time I wear it, I am showered with compliments, not just for its beauty, but for its exclusivity—there truly is no other saree quite like it.

In the accompanying photographs, I have endeavoured to capture every intricate detail of this journey—each element a testament to the creativity and innovation that brought this saree to life.

I encourage you all to embrace these avenues of creativity, to explore and experiment with your apparel, and to revel in the uniqueness that comes with truly bespoke fashion. The possibilities are endless—let your imagination run wild!

Insights that drive my journey

 Over time, I’ve gathered countless lessons from both life’s challenges and triumphs. These lessons have shaped my mindset, helping me grow stronger, more focused, and more at peace. Below, I’ve compiled a few key insights and goals that have become central to my journey. They reflect what I've learned and how I strive to live each day with intention and purpose.

Give It to God and Stop Worrying

When you trust in higher power and surrender your worries, you free yourself from anxiety and stress. Letting go of control and placing your concerns in God's hands allows you to find peace and embrace faith in the unfolding of life.

God Rebuilds You in Front of Those Who Broke You

In times of hardship, God’s power can transform your pain into strength, often in the very presence of those who once caused your suffering. This divine restoration serves as a testament to your resilience and a reminder that you are never alone in your journey of healing.

Elevate in Silence and Peace

True growth and success often come from inner reflection and quiet progress. By choosing silence and peace over noise and chaos, you allow your actions to speak louder than words, gradually elevating yourself without seeking validation from others.

I celebrate me LOUDLY, I don’t care if nobody claps. I’ll clap

Embracing your own achievements and progress without waiting for external validation is empowering. When you celebrate yourself, you take pride in your journey, and even if others don’t acknowledge it, your own applause is the most important — it’s a reminder that your worth is not dependent on others' recognition.

I don’t have to fix anything, I didn’t break

This statement is a powerful reminder of self-acceptance and resilience. You don’t need to change or fix yourself to fit anyone else’s expectations because you are already whole, and any challenges faced by you have only strengthened you, not broken you. Don’t bother about pleasing everyone.

Some Doors were Closed for a Reason, Stop Knocking

When certain opportunities or paths close, it’s often for your own protection and growth. Instead of insisting on entering, trust that something better is ahead and focus on doors that are meant for you, allowing life to guide you toward what's truly aligned with your journey.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Expensive

Recognize your value and don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Embrace your worth confidently, knowing that you bring unique qualities, talents, and experiences that are worth appreciating, even if it means that not everyone will understand or agree with your price.

How You Make Others Feel Says a Lot About You

The way you treat and uplift others reflects your character and values. Showing kindness, respect, and empathy reveals your inner strength and emotional maturity, demonstrating that how you impact others matter more than what you achieve for yourself.

Don’t be a football of others’ opinion

Meaning don't let other people's judgments or views control your actions or emotions. Just like a football is kicked around, don't allow others to push you in different directions based on their opinions. Stay true to yourself and make decisions based on your values, not external pressures.

Striving to Become a Calm Woman in Every Situation

Desiring calmness in all situations reflects a deep inner strength and emotional maturity. Cultivating peace within yourself allows you to respond thoughtfully, rather than react impulsively, creating a sense of balance and control no matter the circumstances.

Things Get Harder Just Before You Level Up

Challenges often intensify when you're on the brink of growth, testing your resilience. These tough moments are signs that you're about to break through, and with perseverance, you'll come out stronger and more capable, ready to reach the next level of your journey.

Goals: Work, Pray, Discipline, Consistency

Achieving success requires a balanced approach. Work hard to pursue your dreams, pray for guidance and strength, maintain discipline to stay focused, and be consistent in your efforts. Together, these elements create a powerful foundation for growth and accomplishment.

Simplify and Seize the Joy

In today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and material pursuits, the idea of simple living has become more relevant than ever. It’s a lifestyle choice that encourages us to prioritize experiences over possessions, mindfulness over busyness, and clarity over clutter. Below I have compiled some ideas that have helped me and may help you too, to embrace a more intentional, peaceful way of life.

Set a timer for 10 minutes. Choose any of the following tasks. Stop after 10 minutes. Then celebrate your simpler life.

ü  üDonate any shoes you haven’t worn in a year.

ü  üWrite three thank you notes.

ü  üTurn on music, drive slowly even if you are late, because complaining/ crying/ rushing etc. etc. will not make the timer go slow or smoothen the traffic that you are stuck in. So just relax and move on with the situation as-is.

ü  üComplain Less

“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.” — Tom Wilson

There are numerous benefits to complaining less. It shifts our focus to the positive. It allows gratitude to take root. And cheerfulness can be an excellent beautifier.

ü  Remove any glasses, dishes, silverware, serving dishes or cooking utensils from the kitchen that you haven’t used in the last 6 months. If you miss something, go get it. If not, donate it.

ü  Open any email that you didn’t sign up for, or signed up for but don’t need/ want/ like anymore, scroll to the bottom of the email and click “unsubscribe”. Also delete the emails that are just lying in your inbox without being of any use to you.

ü  Bring two small bags to your car. Fill one with trash and the other with anything that doesn’t belong in the car. Like I removed all the slips I got while getting the car refueled, all the trash including chips’ empty packets, toffee rappers etc. (thanks to my kids), all the disposable spoons that we collected in the car while taking take aways and much more….. The idea is to just clear the place and remove all the unwanted things that don’t belong there.

ü  Dump the contents of your junk drawer or desk drawers that you don’t open frequently into a paper bag. Close the bag. If you don’t need anything in the bag in 30 days … get rid of the bag and everything in it. If you do need something in the bag, remove it and put it where it belongs.

ü  üBring a box into your bathroom and fill it with anything that has expired or that you don’t use.

ü  üDonate all your formal occasion dresses that you haven’t worn more than once. Yes, all those dresses that you bought for something fancy and justified the purchase by saying, “I’ll be able to wear this again.”

ü  üClear as many counter tops as you can while still taking the time to put things where they belong. Have a donation box close by in case that is where they belong.

ü  üRemove all expired, stale, unwanted items from your pantry and refrigerator.

ü  Start walking for only 5 minutes if you aren’t walking at all.

ü  Be Beautifully Human:

“There is some kind of a sweet innocence in being human – in not having to be just happy or just sad – in the nature of being able to be both broken and whole, at the same time.”
— C. JoyBell C.

Just be OK with not being OK all the time.

ü  üSkip the guilt-dwelling, soul-sucking process of focusing on everything you didn’t do, or how far you still have to go.

·       If your closet is a disaster but your kitchen counters are free of clutter, celebrate that.

·       If your morning was stressful and hectic, but you were able to sit quietly for 20 minutes after lunch, celebrate that.

Turn your focus to the ways you’ve made progress on your simplicity journey and use the momentum of how that makes you feel to tackle the next thing.

Happy Living!

And

Thank you for reading…

A reminder to my 40+ years self

We are worthy because we exist

I often find myself tying my self-worth to achievements, approval, or external validation, forgetting that simply existing is a profound gift. From the moment I was born, I was enough. My experiences, growth, and presence add meaning to the world. I don’t need to prove myself or reach some ideal to deserve respect, love, or kindness. I embrace my worth, not because of what I’ve done, but because I exist—beautifully, powerfully, and undeniably.

To be OK no matter what

Being OK no matter what means embracing challenges with grace and trusting that I have the strength to navigate through them. It's not about avoiding hardship but cultivating inner peace, knowing my worth isn’t defined by what happens outside of me. Life is full of ups and downs, but the key to resilience is finding contentment in who I am, regardless of what I face.

Evolve or devolve, but don’t stay constant

Growth is essential. Stagnation isn’t an option. Either I move forward, expanding my mind, developing new skills, and becoming a better version of myself, or I risk falling into complacency. Life is a constant flow of change, and resisting it denies me the opportunities that come with it. The only true failure is in standing still. I will keep moving, keep growing, and never settle for staying the same.

Don’t care what people think

Caring less about what people think is liberating. I used to let the opinions of others dictate my choices and self-worth, but I’ve realized that no one else is walking in my shoes. Only I know what’s best for me. When I stop seeking validation, I free myself to pursue my passions, take risks, and make decisions that align with my true desires. I am the author of my story—no one else holds the pen.

No one has the power over me

I am the master of my own life, capable of making decisions, setting boundaries, and choosing my path. Others may try to influence or control me, but my worth and power come from within. Once I recognize that no external force can take away my sense of self, I become unstoppable.

The journey is the destination

I often get fixated on the result, thinking that happiness lies in the destination. But I’ve learned that it’s the experiences, lessons, and growth I encounter along the way that shape me. When I focus on enjoying the journey itself, rather than obsessing over what’s at the end, I unlock the richness of life. Each moment holds value, and when I embrace the present, I realize the destination reflects the path I've already walked.

I can have everything I want right now

The truth is, everything I desire is already within my reach. What often holds me back is the belief that I must wait for the "perfect moment" or some external change. But I don’t have to wait. When I embrace my worth and my ability to manifest my desires, I realize that everything I want is already mine—now, in this very moment.

Life: A Garden

 

Your life is like a garden that you continually nurture and care for. The different parts of your life are like the plants in your garden — each one unique and requiring its own attention. Some areas need a little less effort, while others might require more focus and care.

It’s all about where you choose to place your priorities. Maybe your emotional wellbeing needs more of your attention right now. Or perhaps your social connections are calling for more of your time. You might feel the need to keep your home organized, or maybe you’re currently dedicating more energy to your career.

Whatever it is, every aspect of your life needs nurturing, and that takes time and effort. Your time, energy, and focus are your most valuable resources, and how you choose to invest them will shape your life.

When you focus on something, it thrives. If you neglect it, it can start to fade. So, life is about making choices and knowing where to focus your attention, so you can nurture what matters most to you.

And I would appreciate it if you could spare some extra time to rate my poetic attempt to the same thought, which goes like this...

Your life is a garden, ever-changing, ever-growing,
A place where seeds of your dreams are sown.
Each part of you—your heart, your mind, your soul—
Is a unique blossom, with a different role.

Some flowers need sunlight, others need shade,
Some thrive with little; others must be lovingly made.
It’s about knowing what each needs to thrive,
And where your focus will truly come alive.

Perhaps your heart craves tender care,
While your friendships bloom with time to spare.
Maybe your home calls for warmth and order,
Or your work is your garden’s main border.

All areas of life need attention, it’s true,
But the key is balance, knowing what to do.
Your time, your energy, your love—
Are the water, the light, the wind from above.

So, choose your focus with wisdom and grace,
For what you nurture will grow in its place.
Tend to what matters, let the rest find its way,
And your garden will bloom in a beautiful display

My way of starting simpler

 

Whilst many people completely understand the concept of minimalism, appreciate the lack of clutter in their lives, and understand that life is about experiences not things, and then there are few, like me, who really struggle with how to start.

I struggle almost every day convincing myself that de-cluttering is possible. Not only physically, like decluttering home, office space, wardrobe, kitchen etc. but also mind. That the result of being able to focus on what’s important, really can be a reality.

To help myself and to those on the journey, those some way through, and those who just need another tip that perhaps they’ve missed, I’ve drawn up the following list of some of the most popular steps that I read in the recent past and have adopted.

It’s worth noting that there is no set order for these steps, just try any or all of them, however you wish. Let me know how you get on in the comments perhaps.

1) Start Small

Decluttering your life and working towards ‘being simple’ is not a small task. You are changing your life by doing so, allowing you the clutter free space to concentrate on the important things.

As with any large task, it can seem overwhelming. A mountain to climb.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your life become clutter free overnight.

Take small steps, removing one item, tackling one space, one room. Pick up one more thing, clear just one surface. Whatever that small thing is, it’s enough to start. Rest easy that night knowing there’s one less thing to worry about, one less thing in your cluttered life and one more step forward.

Small steps applied consistently will reach the goal.

2) There is no ‘Magic Number’ of things

Thankfully there are no rules, it’s not about the number, it’s about removing clutter and distraction from your life so you have time and space to concentrate on what’s important to you. Keeping things simple, just to know that thing we hold dearly really is important to us. Thats why there is no magic number of things to own. It’s an individual choice, a number unique to you.

3) One in – One Out

A simple way to stay on top of the stuff and clutter in your home is to gate-keep the items coming into your home. Simply, for every item that comes in, another item must go out. This is particularly useful for clothes, books, and things you may end up with.

So, if you bring a new thing into your home, which item is going out?

4) The 15 Minute Daily Declutter

To keep on top of things I try to spend at least 10-15 minutes every day on the ritual de clutter/ organization. This generally means wandering around the house and knowing that there is place for everything, and everything should be in that place. This makes it easy to productively utilize the space as well as things and time.

5) Do I want this, or need this?

This is often a difficult area to cover. Our minds play trick on us. That combined with those troublesome marketeers, and we believe we’ll simply be unable to function without the latest this, that, or the other. For some reason the needs remain, but the wants seem to have a fleeting nature about them, with each passing day. The needs this minute remain the same every minute latter (if not fulfilled) but with time, wants seems to lose all sense of urgency. Perhaps it’s the same as sometimes buying things, only to then regret it a few days later.  So, give some time to your decisions on having them. The wants may disappear/ fade away but the needs will remain.

 6) How Long?

I was reminded of this one, even today. How long was it since you last used that thing ? When it was last worn, read, viewed, played with, and all other actions you do with things? If it was more than a year, then admit it. You no longer have use for it. I say a year, because some things are seasonal based and may come in use only after that period.

7) Unsubscribe to Ads and Newsletters

We can’t buy what we don’t know about/ wat we don’t need/ what is used by the influencers.

Cancel your subscriptions, unsubscribe from them and don’t watch them using/ buying. They serve just one purpose. They want you to buy. No other reason. They can make buying more stuff just so tempting. Yes, thats exactly the feeling they want you to experience. The only way is to turn the other way, don’t look. Click the button at the end of their very tempting newsletter/ video/ profile. The one marked ‘Unsubscribe’

8) Bargains and freebies 

There’s no such thing as free. Free stuff, buy one get one free, free trial, free with your next purchase. They all come at a price, generally the price you just paid to get the free thing. Even if it really was free, why on earth would you suddenly need it? Someone else is trying to get rid of it by giving it away. Beware of the bargain, don’t be fooled by the free.

9) You are not the sum of your stuff 

Every single person on the planet is different from all the other people, by nature, experience, genes, culture and a whole host of other things. Yet we seem to invest so much time comparing ourselves to others, and what’s worse, buying stuff other people have, just because they have it. Shallow isn’t it. Life is not about stuff, it’s about experiences. It’s about passion and, love and excitement, and joy and tears and all of those wonderful emotions that make us feel alive.

10) Identify What’s important in your life, then consider removing all that is not

This is more a reminder of why you considered adopting a simpler life. Why do you feel you need to get rid of this stuff, what is it you need the mental or physical space for? What was it that made you start? What really is important to you? As I started removing the stuff from my life, I gained space to think, to write, to pursue what I was passionate about. There was a weight lifted from my shoulders every time I got rid of something. When we understand what’s important in life, without all this clutter and distraction, we give ourselves the time, space and perhaps permission to pursue this important activity.

I hope these few tips were useful, if you have suggestions of your own, why not share them in the comments. I’d love to broaden my horizons and improve my pace of moving towards simpler life.

Because Enough is a decision and not an amount...

 

As we step into the new year, may it be a perfect opportunity to begin anew, embracing simplicity in every moment. Let this fresh start remind us of the power of simplicity—simplifying our thoughts, actions, and goals that can lead to greater clarity and peace. To help guide this journey, I have compiled a collection of quotes that have inspired me, and I hope they can motivate and encourage you as well. Let these words ignite your spirit, offering wisdom and strength as we embark on another chapter of growth and possibility together.

15 Simplicity Quotes to Encourage a Simpler New Year

1.    Big change is the result of hundreds of tiny steps (and they all count).

2.    Instead of adding things for more happiness, try subtracting them.

3.    When you are overwhelmed, the best plan for managing everything is to reduce everything. Less stuff = less managing.

4.   You can remove a significant amount of stress from your life simply by reducing the number of items in your closet.

5.    Doing more things doesn’t make you a better person. It makes you a tired person. Owning less = cleaning less.

6.   When decluttering, don’t create space for more stuff. Make space for more life.

7.    I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you are allowed to say no even when you aren’t busy.

8.   If you don’t have time for what matters, stop doing things that don’t.

9.   Our homes aren’t containers for stuff but rather a place for love and connection. Let’s make room for more of that.

10. I don’t say ‘no’ because I am so busy. I say ‘no’ because I don’t want to be so busy.

11.  In our lives, there are times that call for slow, gentle change, and then there are times when you just have to let that shit go.

12. That moment, when you think you don’t have time to take care of yourself, is the exact moment you must take care of yourself.

13.  When you are overwhelmed, tired and stressed the answer is almost always… less. Get rid of something. Lots of somethings.

14. Decluttering is one part dealing with your stuff and three parts dealing with your heart.

15.  If you want to enjoy your favorite things, only own your favorite things.