Akshata Shanbhag

You Don’t Need Their Permission

  Why do we crave validation?   Because we were raised on praise. Because doubt shouts louder than truth. Because rejection stings like failure.   But here’s the reminder: Validation is not a permission slip. You’re allowed to believe in yourself without applause.   Waiting for approval only delays action. Start now. Start messy. Start …

You Don’t Need Their Permission Read More »

Are Emotions Contagious?

Have you ever felt happy just because someone else was smiling? Or felt sad or stressed after talking to someone upset? That’s not a coincidence. It’s something called emotional contagion — and yes, emotions are contagious. A baby starts crying after hearing another baby cry. One person’s stress at work can affect the whole team. …

Are Emotions Contagious? Read More »

One Week Notice

Meera, an IT professional in her early 30s, lived her life on a neatly coded schedule — early mornings, late nights, tight deadlines, and minimal social contact. A proud introvert, she cherished her solitude like a rare vintage wine. So, when she finally decided to take a well-deserved week off from work, her plan was …

One Week Notice Read More »

Copy-Paste Kids

“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.” – W.E.B. Du Bois   Children are like sponges—soaking in not just the words they hear, but the emotions and behaviors that surround them. From their earliest years, they learn how to speak, react, and relate to the world by observing the people around …

Copy-Paste Kids Read More »

Zero Expectations

Emotional attachment can feel beautiful, but if not handled carefully, it can lead to hidden disappointments. It’s important to love and care for others, but expecting too much from anyone often sets us up for hurt. When you place someone too high on a pedestal, even a small unmet expectation can feel like a huge …

Zero Expectations Read More »

YOLO

The phrase “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) inspires many to take risks, try new things, and live life to the fullest. While this mindset can be exciting and liberating, it sometimes leads to impulsive actions we later regret. We’ve all had moments where we said something harsh in anger, believing we were just being honest …

YOLO Read More »

X- Mas

Isn’t Christmas the most magical time of the year? December carries with it a certain warmth and charm—it’s the holiday season, the last chapter of the year, and a time when festive vibes fill the air. Having studied in a convent school, I fondly remember how December always meant Christmas celebrations followed by joyful vacations. …

X- Mas Read More »

Why Are We Like This?

Strange Human Habits We Never Question   Have you ever caught yourself re-reading a message you just sent, as if the words might magically rearrange themselves? Or maybe you’ve opened the fridge for the fifth time in ten minutes, knowing very well that nothing new has appeared. These tiny, often unnoticed habits are oddly comforting, …

Why Are We Like This? Read More »

Voices That Don’t Define Me

“Hey you, blogger… You call yourself a writer? A blogger? I seriously wonder who even reads your posts. Even a 6th grader could write better than you. Do you think you’re Shashi Tharoor or someone famous? Go ahead, publish your work and sell it—maybe you’ll make some money or get royalties.”   Yes, these were …

Voices That Don’t Define Me Read More »