Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you had a lovely Christmas Eve and are looking forward to celebrating Christmas.

I have a few drafts sitting unfinished. I kept wondering whether I should post them now, but I think I will save them for next year. Before moving ahead, though, I found myself pausing and looking back at how this year actually went.

There were many changes — I like to say I am growing up. With that came a lot of new thoughts. One thing I realised while reflecting is that I barely recognise the person I was at the start of the year. And if you feel the same — that before the year ends, you have grown — I think it’s okay to own that. I don’t see anything wrong in it.

At the beginning of the year, you might have had a list of things you wanted to achieve. Some worked out. Some didn’t. And some never even got started. I’ve started believing that the things that didn’t work out might make sense a year or two from now. Sometimes the universe doesn’t explain itself immediately.

Now comes the question everyone asks — what’s your New Year’s Eve plan?

Some people have fancy plans, and that’s great. But if you don’t, here’s a simple one. I’m following this myself.

The last days of the year:

• Day 1: Take care of yourself — skincare, rest, slowing down.
• Day 2: Watch the movies you saved for “later.” Maybe two of them.
• Day 3: Check in on your friends. A reel, a message, something small. We like our shells, but does our dopamine always agree?
• Day 4: New Year’s Eve — have your favourite food. For me, it’s hot chocolate with instant noodles and quietly saying, here we are.

And if New Year’s Eve feels overhyped, you’re not alone. A date changes, a year changes, and everything else stays the same.

But maybe try one small thing this time — a vision board. Pick four things you like, make a small collage, and save it on your phone. Will it work? No clue. But what is there to lose?

If you are wondering where last week’s blog went — December in Europe has been distracting in the best way. Christmas markets everywhere, something new to see each weekend. I have been stepping out, roaming around, and making small memories. I am in Edinburgh, sipping my coffee while writing the last bit for this year, and let me tell you — it feels amazing. With one weekend still left, I plan to enjoy it while quietly thinking about what I want next year to feel like.

If you are wondering where last week’s blog went — December in Europe has been distracting in the best way. Christmas markets everywhere, something new to see each weekend. I have been stepping out, roaming around, and making small memories. I am in Edinburgh, sipping my coffee while writing the last bit for this year, and let me tell you — it feels amazing. With few days still left, I plan to enjoy it while quietly thinking about what I want next year to feel like.

For now, I am signing off for the year, hoping for good weather before flying back to Dublin. Putting these thoughts down, stepping away from drafts, and letting myself enjoy what I’ve achieved — even if most of it lives in my notes app for now.

I will be back next year with new thoughts. If you’d like, drop your reflections for this year or tell me what you want to read next.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and a wonderful year ahead.

Well, well, well… look at us. Standing just three weeks away from the New Year.

If you have New Year’s Eve plans — I am excited for you.
Sincerely. Go enjoy your glitter, champagne, and overpriced entry fees.

If you don’t — relax.
A couch + blanket + Netflix + snacks is honestly the most elite plan ever invented.
Zero drama, drunk episodes and crowded areas. Bliss.

Now… about these sales.

Everywhere I look it’s:
“UP TO 70% OFF!”
“LIMITED TIME ONLY!”
And honestly? I am crying. Not buying.

Tell me you feel this too.

Back in India, we had sales too. Sure.
But I was never that girl hopping from one store to another like it was a treasure hunt.
I had my comfort-zone stores. I entered, bought what I needed, exited like a ninja.

Maybe it was cultural conditioning.
Maybe it was the men around me who acted allergic to shopping.
Maybe it was me being financially aware and emotionally exhausted.

It was more like —
“Luxury brands will take half your soul, your dignity, and maybe your left kidney. Stay away.”

And honestly, showing off? Never my personality.
If I ever flexed anything growing up, it was probably my calligraphy skills… yeah it was a skill at that time!

But Ireland… oh Ireland has changed something in me.

Not the showing-off part — don’t worry, I am still humble. (Sometimes I do show up but come on a designer bag, your fav shoes and Oh that diamond shine why won’t you like it?)
But the accessibility? The variety?
The sheer “Oh wait… this is actually in my budget???” feeling?

Wild.

Suddenly the girl inside me is like:
“Beauty products? Yes. Shoes? Absolutely. Jewellery? Don’t even ask. Clothes? Add to cart.” She’s alive. She’s excited. She’s dangerous.

(PS: Diamonds are women’s best friends. There is no debate. If anyone wants to argue, I am happy to hear their TED Talk.)

So now when I walk into Brown Thomas or Arnotts, I am suddenly in the middle of a luxury universe:

Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Guess, Coach, YSL, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury and Benefit

And I am standing there like a confused person thinking:
“Who among you is actually worth my money, and who is just pretty packaging with commitment issues?”

I have read all the blogs.
All the “Top 10 things to buy on sale.”
All the “What’s worth it and what’s not.”
And yet… confusion.

Like sneakers.
I want a new pair.
But Nike? Adidas? Jordan? Puma?

And if Nike — WHICH Nike?
Air Max?
Air Force?
Dunk?
Some limited-edition mystery pair that vanished before I even saw it?

Available in JD? Schuh? Footlocker?
Or some secret sneaker dungeon I don’t know exists?

Why do I need a PhD to buy ONE pair of shoes?

And look, this isn’t just a girl problem.
Boys pretend to be simple. “Just buy any.”
But they’re the same people watching 127 YouTube reviews from guys explaining shoes like its rocket science.

More options = more confusion. End of story.

People say, “Ask the specialists!”
But specialists always give the same answer:
“Go with what you like.”

Okay… that is the WHOLE problem.
If I knew what I liked, I would not be here standing in aisle 7 having an identity crisis.

Thank God for friends and instincts — the only reason I ever end up buying anything.

Especially perfumes.
Choosing between Valentino, Zara, M&S, Victoria’s Secret…
It genuinely felt like judging toppers in a class where everyone got 95%.
All brilliant. All different.
And the problem is not the price — it’s choosing just ONE.

Eventually, I just went with the philosophy:
Buy what feels right.
If it stops feeling right later — congratulations, you now have an excuse to buy another.

Trial and error, baby.

Honestly, I have become a huge fan of asking random women around me:
“Hey, that looks amazing on you — where did you get it?”
Women helping women.
And copying their choices saves me so. much. stress.

Let me know what you think.
And if you have any magical shopping wisdom — drop it in the comments.
One girl’s trauma is another girl’s survival guide.

PS: Not promoting any brands — these are just the ones my confused soul recognises. Please don’t quote me.

Another day, another night, another week… and here I am with my blog.
How was Thanksgiving for you all?
Hopefully the cold weather was killed by the warm people around you.
And hopefully the same warmth shows up ahead, as we move into Christmas and the end of 2025.

You know what has been happening lately?
When I see someone’s real colours, I don’t get surprised anymore. It’s a strange feeling.

People disappoint you? Seen it.
People act nice because they need something? Been there.
You give your heart, and they act like it was nothing? Done that.
I don’t even get angry now. It’s more like… “Okay cool, noted.”

People Change Like Weather

I have watched people change as quickly as the weather.
I have heard promises made because it was easier to lie than to have a difficult conversation.
I have sat at tables that started as friendships and ended like I was dining with enemies.

You might say, “Oh, is that so?”
But trust me — nothing is new. Everyone has faced this in some form.

But the real plot twist happens when you start to see yourself.

I now trust my gut more than anyone’s words.
Call it overthinking, intuition, analytical skills, trauma response — pick your label.
But every time my stomach whispers, “This is going to end badly.” …it usually does.

A few weekends ago, I was on a late-night call with my best friend.
You know the ones — where your whole life story comes up after midnight,
and suddenly every “maybe” and “what if” wants attention.
She talked about her world, and I found myself saying,
“Yeah… same.” Seen it. Been there. Done that.

The Fitting-In Era

For a long time, I tried to fit into boxes.
Friendships, relationships…
That thought of:
“If I am less of myself, maybe they will accept me more.”
WRONG.
Spoiler:
That never works.
If you have to dim your light to stay in someone’s space, it’s not your space.

On this road of life — where I still am — I have made many mistakes.
Some childish, some knowingly, some expensive. I paid with time, peace, and money.

But when I look back now, I see how much healing those mistakes forced me into.
They were a learning curve — preparation for the storms I never knew were coming.

You don’t wake up wise one morning.
You get dragged, heartbroken, humiliated… and then you learn.

So you might be thinking,
“Okay, but what now?”

Here’s the answer:
Every disappointment teaches you something — if you are willing to listen.

People say I am guarded now, I don’t socialise much, I have boundaries too high, I don’t let everyone in.
They say “you have changed.” I call it self-preservation.

These aren’t excuses — they’re safety nets.
The brain remembers who hurt it.
Trauma responses? Maybe.
But they are also the first line of defence.

Whatever you have seen, wherever you have been, whatever you have already lived through —
don’t shrink because of it. Don’t go quiet on yourself.
Let your sparkle stay alive, even if it annoys a few people.

If you are reading this,
maybe this year broke you a bit.
Maybe people used you.
Maybe you tried your absolute best and got nothing in return.

Trust me — you are never alone in this journey.

But surviving, learning, and still becoming something? That’s the flex nobody can steal from you.

And if you have lived something like this,
tell me someday.
Not so I can fix it,
not so we can compare scars —
just so we both remember we are not the only messy humans figuring life out.

The year is closing soon.
Hopefully this cozy weather makes you feel warm and nice and prepares you to hit the gym 30 days from today.
Do one thing for yourself:
Stay strong enough to face tomorrow, and smart enough to remember yesterday.

So when someone says,
“You’re acting from past experience,”
you can reply:
“My analysis of life is on point. I am just a reader.”
Count your losses as lessons — and flaunt them next time.

While the night settles in and my late–night thoughts kick open the door, here I am again — thinking of the one thing that scares every human more than ghosts, heartbreaks, and even WhatsApp last-seen updates… greed.

What really happens when greed hits you?
When you know you can make money, achieve something big, or get what you want… but the path to it feels wrong? How far can you go from your own eyes just to win?

I am not naïve — I know the world has bad people, shortcuts, and tricks. Things don’t always work the way we wish. But one thing I have always believed in, deeply, stubbornly, is karma.

And not the “someone hurt me so let me hurt them back” kind.
That’s not karma — that’s ego wearing a mask.

Karma doesn’t need your help.
Karma doesn’t need your revenge.
Karma simply holds everyone accountable in its own time.

Sometimes you don’t see someone’s downfall publicly because people hide their pain behind pride, family, reputation, or fear. You never really know what someone is going through behind closed doors. So thinking “they got away with it” is never the full truth.

I am not saying lose your fire or your ambition. Dream big. Work hard. Want more for yourself.
But wanting more and becoming greedy are not the same thing.

Achieving 80% with a calm heart is better than achieving 100% by hurting people — and living with that stain forever. I’ve grown up hearing one line from elders: “Collect blessings, not curses.”

And honestly, it’s true.
You will be the villain in someone’s story someday — I am too.
But how many stories? How many times? And for what reasons? That matters.

The world says, “People are not good anymore,” but whenever I have lost direction, someone always shows up to help me. Whenever I have felt hopeless, something shifts the next morning. Whenever I think “I can’t,” somehow I manage.
There’s a power — call it God, universe, energy, anything — that holds me when I fall, guides me when I am lost, and feels my pain louder than I do.

So maybe I won’t earn 100%. Maybe I’ll just earn 80%.
But if that 80% lets me look myself in the mirror and feel peace, maybe that’s exactly my purpose.

Because greed can take you places — but it can’t keep you happy there.
And unkindness might get you the win — but it won’t let you sleep at night.

I don’t know how life works fully… but one thing I am certain about:
Greed doesn’t end in a happy ending. Kindness usually does.

I have been trying to write something for a week now. Every time I start, I scribble, delete, re-write, and then finally give up and start scrolling.
And while scrolling — of course — I came across that Vogue article that has been doing laps around the internet: “Having a Boyfriend Is Embarrassing.”

More clicks than the writer probably expected. And honestly? It made me stop.
Not because I fully agreed, but because I felt something I wasn’t expecting: recognition.

Later, I ended up chatting with my girl-friend about it.
I asked her, “Be honest… is it really embarrassing to say you’re dating a guy?”
Her counter question was: “Have you ever been embarrassed dating someone?”

And let me tell you — the answer is YES.
Not in a dramatic, movie-level way. But that little ick where the guy is cute, sweet, nice, but something inside you still goes: “Umm… I don’t think I want to tell my friends about him.”
Not because he’s bad — but because something doesn’t qualify. Something doesn’t align. And yes, let the record show: this is not gender-biased before anyone comes running at me with opinions.

But the truth is, people — men and women — do feel embarrassed sometimes.
And I don’t even think it’s a new concept. I think we are just finally saying it out loud.

Honestly, in my head, if someone is embarrassed of you, it means they are not sure about you.
When something feels right, embarrassment has no place.
(And God knows how many times I have typed the word embarrassed already.)

If you have read my recent blog Red Flags & Green Passport, you will see the connection.
There I was talking about dating issues.
Here I am again — except I am not even dating anyone right now.

Even when I try, it ends like this:

• “Let’s see.”
• “You’re too bold.”
• “Please don’t put me in your blog.”
  (Omg relax, what makes you think you are that important?)

So yes — being single is daunting.
But being in a relationship? Also daunting.
Where exactly are we supposed to go?

It’s like that old saying:
If you don’t have the sweet, you feel bad. If you eat the sweet, you still feel bad.
Modern dating is just… that sweet.

And honestly, nothing happening today is new.
It’s just finally being spoken about instead of whispered.

Meanwhile, after all this deep thinking, I will still open Instagram, watch another couple get engaged, married, announce a baby — and I will be like:
“Anyway, let me go search the recipe for the food I’m craving right now.”

Ending up lonely isn’t the plan.
But ending up with someone I feel ashamed of?
Definitely not in my cards.

So here I am — unsure whether the “next one” or the “right one” will ever appear.
But hopefully someday, none of us will feel embarrassed about the person we are dating — whether it’s labelled, unlabeled, a situationship, half-baked talking stage, or whatever new term invents tomorrow.

If this ick hit you at some point, tell me. I swear these things become the best stories later or feel free to comment below!

We are nearly to end of 2025 that means cold breeze, darker evenings and time to be cozy on your couch. There’s something about quiet evenings and warm drinks that makes me start overthinking life (and love). I am not sure if it’s the hot chocolate or the chill, but here’s me unpacking some thoughts on dating, being single, and why solo flights feel a lot less lonely lately.

One thing that keeps tingling in my mind lately is this — if you’re in your late 20s like me, you have probably noticed people around you getting engaged or married. Some younger than you, some older. While I am genuinely happy for them (congratulations to all!), my kind of planning looks a bit different. While some plan their next date, I am usually checking where I will travel next — which flight is cheaper, if there are any summer or winter discounts, and what new place I can explore next.

Don’t get me wrong — I absolutely believe there’s nothing wrong with wanting a partner, holding hands, or daydreaming about all that cute stuff. It’s just that my fantasies look a bit different — like wondering if I will ever cover all my saved travel locations, do a proper outfit fit check, enjoy a meal, and, well… be able to poop the next day (you know what I mean ).

And no, there’s nothing wrong with me! If you relate to any of this, you are definitely not alone. And if you are happily married — I don’t envy you. Because what I have truly learned is that your own grass can be green too, and you will be absolutely fine right where you are.

Would I like to be in a relationship someday? Maybe. But I have also realised happiness doesn’t only come from companionship. Until I find someone who fits into my story, I will be chasing sunsets and eating exotic food around the world — one flight at a time.

When we were teenagers, we all had a list of what our “ideal partner” should be like — their looks, their qualities, how they had make us feel. But after a few failed dating experiences (mine and my friends’), I have come to accept that it’s never the same for everyone. Love can be exciting and magical, sure — but how comfortable are you just being with yourself? Listening to your own thoughts without running away from them?

Sometimes I wonder — has society made us desperate to find someone, or is it really our own desire? Is having a partner truly a choice, or just a box society tells us to tick to feel “complete”? I’ll leave you with those questions…

Till then, I will be collecting passport stamps instead of red flags.
So tell me, are you team date-night or team solo-flight?

After celebrating Navratri — one of my favorite festivals — I am now back in Dublin. It honestly feels like I blinked twice, and the days just flew by. Between unpacking my bags, adjusting to the cloudy weather, and trying not to exhaust myself, I am already preparing for another celebration — Diwali, the festival of lights, love, and laughter.

There are so many festivals throughout the year, but Diwali has always been the most special to me.

Once we leave home to chase our dreams, one thing that always finds its way back — especially during festivals — is homesickness. When everyone back home gathers together, that’s when the feeling hits hardest.

Luckily, for the past three years, I have had a group of friends who have become like family. We come together every Diwali to cook, laugh, and celebrate — making sure none of us feel too lonely. While we all miss our families, sharing this time together truly fills that gap.

This year was no different — lights glowing on the windows, songs playing softly in the background, homemade food, snacks, and lots of sweets. A few sparkerles before goodbyes and, of course, group pictures for Instagram — memories to look back on in 2025 and years ahead. Everyone dressed in traditional clothes, looking absolutely lovely.

As we are just two months away from 2026, I can’t help but feel grateful for the people who have stood by me, been a call away, or simply made me smile when I needed it most. I hope the coming year brings more joy, health, and prosperity to all of us.

BRB — I need one last samosa and maybe a few more sweets before I even think about going back on a diet! Then again, with Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, maybe I’ll just postpone that thought for a while longer. 😅

Still, nothing compares to the Diwali of my childhood — helping my mother clean the house, preparing snacks, buying new clothes, and watching my father struggle (and fail twice!) to hang the lantern before we all burst out laughing. Evenings filled with prayers, colourful rangoli, pocket money from elders, and the joy of a few sparklers — those moments are truly priceless.

While times have changed and everything’s just a click away now, those memories remain eternal. I feel lucky to have lived those days and even luckier to still carry their essence with me.
That’s all for today — wishing you a healthy, safe, and joy-filled Diwali!
May your home be full of light, laughter, and love. 🌸✨ Saal Mubarak! ( Happy New Year)

Hi folks, how are you all doing?
I am back in my home country for two weeks just to enjoy my favorite festival—Navratri. Before flying out, while I was still in Dublin, I joined a Garba workshop. For anyone who may not know, Garba is a traditional folk dance performed during Navratri, usually in big circles with music, clapping, and singing. For me, it is not only about the garba steps, but also about the energy, rhythm, and celebrating together.

To be honest, when me and my friends first enrolled to the workshop, we were not sure what to expect. Some workshops I have seen are more about the instructors showing off their skills rather than teaching. However, this workshop turned out to be very different. Thanks to Vivek Malkan and Parth Parekh , everyone felt included—whether you were a complete beginner or someone like me who has been playing Garba for many years. My friends, who find difficulties in learning the garba steps before, picked it up quickly, and nobody felt left out. That was the best part.The workshop was not just about learning the steps—it was about celebrating the festival together.

I have been dancing Garba for about ten years now, and the funny thing is this: I cannot last two hours in the gym, but four hours of Garba feels like only a warm-up. The workshop helped me polish my moves and reminded me exactly why I love this dance so much. More than just learning, it gave me the energy and excitement I needed before heading home.

As soon as I reached Mumbai, I went straight to see Falguni Pathak, the queen of Garba songs. Imagine this: a 14-hour journey, only 6 hours of sleep, and yet I still managed to dance for five hours non-stop that night. That is the magic of Navratri—it keeps you going no matter how tired you are.

After that, I traveled to Gujarat to watch Aditya Gadhvi perform. His music blends Gujarati folk with a modern style, and the way he sings about the land and its culture feels deeply moving. Dancing under the night sky to his songs was one of those moments where you feel completely connected—to the place, to the people, and to the music itself and cherry on top was being with my best friend.

Honestly, I do not know how I managed to do it all while running on so little sleep. But I think that is exactly what festivals are about—you forget the exhaustion and simply live in the moment.

I am not saying everyone should celebrate Navratri, but I do hope that whatever festival you love makes you feel the same way—joyful, glowing, and truly content.

A big thanks again to Vivek Malkan ( insta id: @longhairguy9) and Parth Parekh
(insta id: @parthparekh1803) for teaching with so much patience and making the workshop so much fun. If you are in Dublin and looking to learn Garba or simply want to see more of what they do, definitely check out their Instagram.

So tell me—which festival makes you feel like it is truly yours?

I have had conversations that linger long after they’re over. One question I hear often is: “With three degrees and a background in finance, what are your real thoughts on money?”
Here’s the thing – money is tricky. Keep it and it rusts. Invest it and it risks. Somewhere between those two extremes is where most of us live — trying to figure out what actually makes sense.

I am not a financial influencer. My work touches money, yes, but I am not here with formulas or get-rich schemes. What I have learned is this: finance isn’t always about numbers. Sometimes it’s about perspective.

I saw this when I was cribbing to my engineer friend while learning Python. She told me, “You’ve just started — of course it feels like gibberish. It’s not rocket science, but until the basics click, it won’t make sense.” Later, when she asked me about finance, the roles reversed — and she felt the same way.

The Big Question: What Do I Do With My Money?

We all face it. You have saved some funds — now what?

• Put it in stocks and hope it doubles?
• Leave it at home so you can “see” it?
• Buy gold because your grandmother swore by it?

None of these choices are risk-free. Stocks crash. Cash at home loses value. Even gold — yes, prices rise, but what about liquidity? If you suddenly need money tomorrow, can you get it easily? And let’s not forget scams.

Risk vs. Rust

To me, keeping money idle is like letting it rust. But investing means facing risk. And without some risk, building anything meaningful is tough.
So we sit between two worlds: the older generation urging “buy gold, keep it safe,” and the younger crowd saying “invest, spend, live for today.” Both have a point — but neither is complete.

No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Here’s what I know for sure:

• Don’t blindly follow your cousin, parent, or some flashy influencer.
• Don’t ignore your money either — leaving it untouched isn’t a plan.
• Be open, keep learning, and experiment responsibly.

Whether you save, invest, or spend, do it intentionally. If you choose safety, own that choice. If you choose growth, remember it takes time and patience.
Because money, at the end of the day, isn’t just about where you put it. It’s about why you put it there.

Final Word

Finance isn’t rocket science, but it can feel like gibberish until the basics click. The real lesson? Don’t look for a one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, find the balance between risk and rust that makes sense for you.

Two weeks of not writing. Two weeks of soaking up the sun, wandering through parks, and letting summer pull me away from the keyboard. It was blissful—until I caught myself saying out loud: “I miss writing.”

My friend I was with replied, “But you don’t have to write all the time.”
And I replied back, “True. But I want to.”

That one word—want—hit me like a wake-up call.

When Life Feels Like a Checklist

There was a time when my days were ruled by have to:

• I have to finish this project.
• I have to post a blog.
• I have to hit the gym.
• I have to save money.

Even though nobody was standing over me with a whip, I still felt weighed down. My goals, my choices—but framed as obligations, they became burdens.

The Moment It Shifted

One evening while journaling, I caught myself writing: “I have to write a blog.” Then I paused. Do I really have to? Who’s keeping score here? Who’s going to scold me if I skip it?
No one.
So I crossed it out and rewrote: “I want to write a blog.” Instant shift. The heaviness dropped. Suddenly it wasn’t pressure—it was passion. That’s when I realised: the words we choose carry the weight we feel.

Everyday Rewrites

Since then, I’ve been testing this tiny language swap in my daily life:

• Not “I have to work out” → “I want to move my body.”
• Not “I have to save” → “I want to build a secure future.”
• Not “I have to call home” → “I want to hear my mom’s voice.”

Even with travel—the thing I love most—I used to think: “I have to plan a trip this year.” Now I say: “I want to travel because it makes me feel alive, I want to see more places, enjoy my life fullest.”
The action doesn’t change. The energy does.

Why It Matters

Here’s what I’ve learned: I don’t thrive under “have to.” It feels like someone else is holding the pen of my life.
But “want to”? That’s freedom. That’s me choosing.
This shift keeps me writing because I want to share. It keeps me saving because I want a future I’m proud of. It keeps me kind to myself because I want growth, not guilt.

Try It Yourself

This week, catch yourself. Notice when you say, “I have to.” Swap it for “I want to.”
At first it may feel like a lie. But keep at it. Watch how your energy around the task changes—even if the task itself stays the same.

Final Words

Life already throws deadlines and obligations at us. Why pile on more by turning our own choices into chores?
I’m learning to live by this simple rule:
From “I have to” → “I want to.”
It makes everything feel lighter. Freer. And, most importantly—mine.