I believe I am 'work-in-progress.'

I play several roles: Doctor. Writer. Hands-on Mother. Reader. Counsellor. Entrepreneur. Poet. Student.

However, none of these roles completely define me as a person. These are different facets of my existence: the duties I perform, the things I love to do and the things which keep me happy.
Each aspect is incomplete without another extension.

I believe the purpose of life is to figure out your Ikigai (the Japanese concept defining 'the reason to live' and 'a reason to jump out of bed every day'), something that keeps your cup full and gives meaning to your life... and once you achieve that, then help others do so, as well.

Writing: It not only fills my cup and gives me peace, it has also been a trusted friend, a 'comfort-zone' through all phases of life, good and bad, alike. Messages and emails from the readers telling me how my stories have created a significant impact on them make my day more beautiful. Nothing can compare to the high I feel when realise that someone out there connects with me, relates to what I write, smiles with it, and sometimes feels motivated and inspired to go on.

Medical practice: My work keeps me sane and grounded. As a doctor, every single day, I feel honored and grateful to be chosen for this noble field. Every smile and every 'thank you' from my patients is worth all the hard work and the long hours of toiling that are devoted to this profession.

Counselling: I dedicate a significant part of my week, talking to adolescents, especially teenagers, about their prejudices, doubts, myths on social media and their confusions about - skincare, chronic itchy dermatitis, acne and acneiform eruptions, and skin damage due to excessive use of skincare products and make-up. (Previously, I talked to and heard women/young girls going through tough times. For this, I used my platform - The Guiding Light, but presently I have discontinued it.)

When I get time off, I love to read. I also enjoy cooking, paint in watercolours, and travel.

I love coffee, dark chocolates, and I collect stationery - my desk and shelves are brimming with diaries, pens, colours, highlighters, paper clips, note-pads, and more. This is probably the only area where I haven't been able to master minimalism 🙂

If you are still here, thank you so much for reading through the entire monologue.

It means a lot to me 😀