Akshata Shanbhag

Stop Comparing: A Gentle Note to Self

As kids, we were often compared—grades, behavior, achievements. Now as adults, we find ourselves doing the same. We compare jobs, homes, vacations, and even our children.   Why? Why can’t we just be happy with what we have?   Comparison doesn’t inspire; it exhausts. It makes us forget that our journey is unique, our pace …

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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 …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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