The moment you read the title, I am sure many of you would have thought – Oh! this is going to be one of the complaining depressing articles about losing everything you have, whatever you are… The truth is .. in case you thought so, you are not completely wrong.

She woke up every morning with one fear – the fear of not being herself and lived a determined life to ensure she did not cross paths with anyone who could take herself away from her.

When she was growing up, she would stand in front of the mirror with her Dad and say I love you to herself. “You always need to remember one thing” – Her father said – You are unique and you are perfect the way you are. You have a purpose and you are made exactly for that… “Yes, Dad” – It was so ingrained in her that she almost grew up thinking she did not need any tweaks or change in her personality. While it helped her be strong, it also ensured that she lost all the opportunities of improving herself till she was about 16 years old when she realised that she did not feel good about certain things about herself and she did need to change. By this time she had a few friends who she could confide in – so she did – To her surprise, they agreed with her on her faults and also suggested some changes.

“I do not like the way you are stubborn about everything,” said her best friend. When she became more and more self-aware is when she figured out that being open to learn and change when required is not being stubborn but being accepting. She learnt that adapting to someone’s likes, something that makes her a better person is not a compromise but being the best version of herself.

She is now a learner for life. She is aware of who and what she is. But, she never loses sight of the opportunities to know new things- she travels to meet new people, keep her mind open, keep her eyes open and keep her heart full of compassion. She has now learnt to accept that there are no stereotypes, no labelling, her religion is love, her country is this planet and her word is compassion.

She was flying with one wing , seeking the sky, the stars and the moon – now she has learnt to use both the wings- she is not scared to fly far from her nest- she knows she is protected.

It is very important to know yourself but it is very important to keep an open mind and heart- speak up about the things you dont like and fight to make it right. Talk to friends and close ones – they are like mirrors you can see your true reflection in.

#mentalhealthawareness