A Journey of Healing and Connection

It was a warm and sunny summer, and we were all set for an exciting trip to India! The airports were bustling with people, and though the 22 hour journey felt long, it was worth every moment. As soon as we landed at New Delhi airport, my heart filled with joy seeing my brother and his family waiting to welcome us. The air carried a familiar sweetness, the roads were alive with the hum of cars and motorcycles, and it felt like the motherland.

After spending a few lovely days with my brother, we headed to Aligarh, the city where I was born. It was such a nostalgic moment to return to the place that held so many memories. To make it even more special, one of my childhood friends came to meet me. It felt as though time had stood still, and we picked up right where we left off. What a beautiful start to our trip!

Hi Asha, how are you? It’s been so long since we met! Can you believe it’s been 20 years since your wedding?  

Asha sighed, “I’m not doing well, Chetna.”

I leaned closer, concerned. “What happened, Asha? Tell me.”

She looked down and said softly, “I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety for the past few years. Nothing seems to help.”

I gave her a reassuring smile. “Asha, I’m here. Please share more with me.”

She hesitated but then opened up. “I don’t cry much, but inside, I feel so low. I don’t like myself. I feel unworthy, like I’m not enough. It feels like no one understands me, and there’s always this fear that something bad is about to happen.”

I took her hand gently. “Asha, why do you feel unworthy? What makes you feel like this?”

She sighed again. “People always look down on me. They insult me, and it makes me feel so small.”

I shook my head firmly. “Asha, listen to me. If people belittle or insult you, that doesn’t define your worth. You are not small because of their words. God has given you everything you need to be enough and to be worthy. You just need to believe it yourself.”

Her eyes softened a little as she listened. “But how can I start believing in myself?”

I nodded, understanding her question. “To build your confidence, Asha, start by working on your well-being: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and even financial well-being.”

She looked curious now. “You’re right, Chetna. I’ve never thought about well-being like that. How do I improve my physical well-being?”

“For physical well-being,” I explained, “try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. It could be walking, yoga, or anything you enjoy.”

“And mental and emotional well-being?” she asked eagerly.

“For mental and emotional well-being,” I said, “do yoga and practice mindfulness. Mindfulness means being fully present in the moment, accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You can also start journaling. It helps you feel calmer and more grounded.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “And spiritual well-being? How do I work on that?”

“Spiritual well-being,” I said with a smile, “comes from practicing love, kindness, humility, gratitude, generosity, and grace in your daily life. Try to see the good in people and trust God to guide you. He is always there for us.”

Asha looked at me with a wrinkly brow. "Chetna, I feel so lost. How do I improve my social well-being?"

I smiled reassuringly. "Asha, start by surrounding yourself with uplifting people who inspire you to grow."

Asha seemed to relax a little as she listened. Then she asked, “What about financial well-being? My husband earns well, so we’re okay financially.”

“That’s great,” I said. “But it’s still important for both of you to know about your finances, how much you spend and save. It’s always good to be aware.”

She nodded slowly. Then she asked hesitantly, “Chetna, what should I do when people don’t understand me?”

I smiled gently. “Asha, to be understood, we must first try to understand others. Start by listening to them and seeing things from their perspective.”

She frowned a little. “But what if my own family, my in-laws, my husband, or even my kids don’t understand me?”

“Understanding often starts with us,” I said softly. “Be the example, show understanding first. Over time, they’ll notice and respond.”

Her voice trembled as she asked her next question. “And what if they insult me?”

I paused before answering. “Sometimes people hurt others because they are hurting themselves or don’t know better. If their behavior comes from something they can’t change, offer them love and compassion. If it’s something they can heal from, help them heal with patience and kindness. And if it’s ignorance, educate them gently.”

She looked thoughtful but then asked one more question. “What about my anxiety? This feeling that something bad is going to happen, it’s so overwhelming.”

“Asha,” I said kindly, “remember that we have control over our thoughts. When negative thoughts come, replace them with positive ones. Focus on what’s good in your life instead of worrying about what might go wrong.”

I paused and added gently, “Lord Krishna said something beautiful: ‘You came into this world alone; you will leave this world alone. You came empty-handed; you will leave empty-handed.’ So why worry about things beyond our control? Focus on what you can control, your thoughts, and the anxiety will begin to fade.”

Asha smiled faintly for the first time that day. “Thank you, Chetna. I’ll try to follow your advice.”

Our trip to India was truly unforgettable, filled with beautiful memories and experiences. After three weeks of exploring, bonding, and enjoying every moment, we returned home. Now, life has settled back into its usual rhythm with the kids back in school and us immersed in work. While the trip has ended, the cherished memories will stay with us forever.

Two months later, Asha called me with excitement in her voice. “Chetna! I feel so much better now! My family is happier too, it’s like everything has changed!”

I felt a wave of happiness for her. “That’s wonderful news, Asha! A happy family truly begins with a happy wife and mother. I’m so proud of you!”

“Thank you,” she said warmly. And as we ended the call, I couldn’t help but smile knowing she had found her way toward healing and joy.

It was such an amazing experience because I got to help someone feel better and bring happiness into their life. Being part of her healing and joy journey made me feel so grateful and connected. It’s a moment I’ll always treasure!