A Celebration of Growth and Connection - Embracing Change

It was a special day, my friend’s 25th wedding anniversary! Everyone was so excited and full of joy. To make the day extra special, we all decided to cook something delicious and dress up in her favorite color, orange. The house was buzzing with activity from the morning as my friends worked hard to decorate it beautifully. The place looked magical, adorned with flowers and traditional Indian decorations, and the air was filled with a sweet, festive fragrance.

As the evening approached, friends started arriving one by one, all dressed in stunning Indian attire. Some wore elegant Sarees, others chose colorful Lehengas, and a few wore stylish Kurtas. It was such a vibrant and lively sight! Each of us brought along a thoughtful gift for our dear friend to celebrate her special day and show her how much we cared.

We all gathered in the backyard, which was beautifully lit and cozy. Everyone was laughing, chatting, and sharing stories. It was a heartwarming celebration filled with love, friendship, and happiness, a day to remember forever.

Uma and I were catching up after a long time. She greeted me with a warm smile, "Hi Chetna, how are you?"

"Hi Uma, I’m doing well! How about you?" I replied cheerfully.

Uma looked at me curiously and said, "Chetna, what a change! You look so fresh and different. Did you make any changes to your lifestyle recently?"

I couldn’t help but smile. "Yes, Uma, I’ve been making some changes. I spend at least 30 minutes every day either doing weight lifting or yoga. Plus, I’ve changed my diet too. These days, I eat more protein, vegetables, and fruits."

"I can tell!" Uma said with admiration. "You’ve lost weight, and your face looks so stress-free. What’s your secret?"

"Well," I said, "I’ve started meditating and practicing breathing exercises. It really helps me feel calm and centered."

Uma’s curiosity only grew. "Tell me more about your diet plan, Chetna."

"Sure," I replied. "I eat two meals a day, and each meal includes some kind of protein like lentils or beans, along with vegetables like broccoli, mixed veggies, or leafy greens. For snacks, I keep it simple with fruits like grapes and berries."

"That sounds so healthy!" Uma exclaimed. "What kind of exercises do you do every day?"

"I mix it up," I said. “I do weight lifting exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and plank holds. On alternate days, I add yoga to my routine to keep things balanced."

"Wow," Uma said, clearly impressed. "Do you do anything else for self-care?"

"Yes," I nodded. "I meditate for 10 to 15 minutes daily. It’s such a small habit but makes a big difference."

"Anything else?" Uma asked with a grin.

"Actually, yes," I laughed. "I read for at least 30 minutes every day and spend 15 to 20 minutes journaling. It’s my way of reflecting and staying grounded."

Uma’s eyes lit up. "What kind of books have you been reading lately?"

"Mostly personal development books," I shared. "Recently, I read The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Start With Why by Simon Sinek, Be a People Person by John C. Maxwell, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma, and Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. Sometimes I enjoy memoirs too, like Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, and The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama."

I paused for a moment and added with a smile, "And I’ve been spending more time with my kids and husband. It brings me so much joy, and I’m grateful for that."

Then I turned to her and asked, "So, Uma, what have you been up to lately? You haven’t told me much about yourself."

Uma sighed deeply. "Chetna, my job has been incredibly hectic and stressful. I barely have time for anything else. Honestly, I’m thinking about changing jobs."

I looked at her with concern as she continued, "I might even quit altogether. I just need a break from this chaotic lifestyle."

"I’m so sorry to hear that," I said gently. "I really hope you find a change soon, something that allows you to focus on your health and spend more time with your family."

Uma gave me a grateful smile. "Thanks, Chetna. Talking to you always makes me feel better." 

And just like that, our conversation reminded me how important it is to stay connected with friends, sharing joys, struggles, and everything in between.

We had such a wonderful time together! After enjoying a delicious dinner and chatting endlessly with all our friends, we pitched in to help clean up. Then came the best part, dancing to our favorite Indian songs! It was so much fun, filled with laughter and joy. We even captured some lovely group pictures to remember this beautiful evening. It truly was a heartwarming and unforgettable get-together!