MY STORY: A WAKE-UP CALL FROM MY OWN DINNER TABLE
A few days back, on our wedding anniversary, we celebrated with a quiet dinner at a fine Dinning place near by—just the four of us, My husband, me and our two younger kids, oldest one being in Pune.
In the middle of clinking cutlery and shared laughter, my daughter suggested a fun game: “Let’s say one good thing about each other.”
I smiled. This was my kind of thing—I love expressing appreciation for small, beautiful gestures. So when it was my turn to speak about my husband, I had a list ready:
I told him how much I value his attention to our health—how he hands us our supplements without fail, how he takes care of the tiniest details like getting the car serviced or renewing insurance tags just before my long solo drive in my new car. He handles our finances, reminds us about doctor's appointments… so many little things that make our lives smooth.
Everyone listened. My husband smiled. Then it was his turn to talk about me.
There was a pause. A long one.
He seemed blank.
I know men are often more about gestures than words—but still, after decades of togetherness, after everything I’ve given up and stood strong through in our toughest times in our marriage of 34 years, I wasn’t expecting… this silence.
I tried to keep a forced grin, waiting. Then, he finally said,
"You took good care of my father, better than I ever could." ( my father in law recently passed away and we all are missing and grieving him in our own ways)
And that was it.
I sat there stunned. What about the years I spent nurturing our children, setting aside my career, running to parent-teacher meetings, helping him set up his clinic and practice as doctor, managing difficult relatives who never acknowledged me, making sure the emotional and physical ecosystem of the home was always in place,—so he could focus on his work?
I didn’t say anything. But I think my daughter noticed the flicker in my eyes. She looked at me and said:
"I love your energy, your never-give-up spirit, your passion for your work and Art, your new ventures, your selfless attitude of helping women in your community and how you do everything while still caring for all of us."
That moment stayed with me.
Just like another one from last year...
After our family trip to the UK in june 2024, I had been juggling way too many things—aging parents, the house, restarting my coaching journey, wanting to create artworks I had been postponing. I needed to take a break from responsibilities to create!
Finally, I announced at the dinner table, “I’m going for a staycation to my Gurugram villa cum studio to focus on my work and myself.”
Surprisingly, everyone—my kids and even my husband—said, “Yes, please go! We’ll manage.”
They had a sparkle in their eyes, genuinely happy for me, as well the freedom which comes with me not there!
I wasn’t expecting that. But I get it, sometimes i do get on their nerves- that "perfectionist" persona we all women carry!
But I packed my bags and went. For two weeks, I lived the life I dreamed of: painting, walking in nature, conducting my energy art sessions as per my time, not as per revolving around everyone's timing and schedule and just focusing on myself.
It was an liberating experience which didn't last long!!
I came home back to Delhi to pick up a few things. And chaos greeted me.
The cook was making whatever she wanted. Food was getting wasted. The cleaner, the full-time help—everyone was doing as they pleased. It was a mess!
My daughter finally admitted, “We need you back… we can’t manage it all.”
And that was my second wake-up call.
Two powerful realisations hit me.
1. I had been underestimating my own self-worth.
I often doubted if my role even mattered. All my life i had such low self worth as not being the earning member of the family. I worked all my life but just because I love painting and creativity. But my earnings were mainly to sustain my passions which was told to me many times in different ways.
I never knew my self worth all my life! Untill my transformation journey started.
The truth is—our families flourish because we women hold the fort. We are the Anchors.
Even with all the house helps!!! Managing them itself is a job! Their tantrums, leaves, mood swings, grocery shopping everybody's needs! smooth running of home!
who deals with it all?
We do.
Who takes care of the needs of aging parents, ( inlaws even my own parents sometimes who live in Jaipur whenever they need help) growing children, healthy meals served hot , clean welcoming home etc etc.
So to all the women who say “I’m just a housewife”—please, stop.
You are the CEO of your home.
You matter. You are worthy. You deserve to invest in yourself—be it self-care, personal growth, or pursuing your passions. Do NOT feel guilty !!
2. I also realised that while I am indispensable, I am not irreplaceable.
Yes, the house will run. People will manage.
So why do we think we have to do everything perfectly?
Dear women—outsource where you can. Learn what lights you up.
Travel.
Start something new.
Follow your Passions you once had but forgot all in the choas of life.
Ask for help.
Join a community. Hire a coach. Seek a mentor.
Because schools and colleges don’t teach us how to live a fulfilled life.
Mentors do. Experiences do. Self-love does.
Invest in yourself. Invest in your growth.
You deserve to live and thrive—not just exist.
Today i have found my IKIGAI and the Purpose of my life!! I am living a fulfilled life, helping other women find their IKIGAI, getting unstuck from their own limiting beliefs, becoming Emotionally as well as Financially indepandant !! I have multiple sources of income and a thriving career that too working from the comfort of my home!
Do not hesitate to reach out if that's what you want too from your life! I am there to guide you!!
