It's been really hard to wake up with a peaceful mind as of late. If you're like me, the first thing you do when you wake up is scroll through all your social media apps. Social media is a wonderful way of connecting with others, share your voice on larger scale and learn from those that inspire you.
But these days, at least here in the US, the combination of the hostile political climate as elections near, combined with living through a pandemic and dealing with the constant debate on what's best for us makes it hard to brush off how incredibly polarizing it can become.
That's why sometimes it's best to take a breath and assess whether you are using it to spread love and enlightenment in a positive way, or using it to excessively vent your frustrations or mock others who may not share the same views as you. Social media consumes us whole and that's what it's designed to do, but it's up to us HOW we use it. There is always a way to use it respectfully, instead of showing outward disgust towards others and making it personal.
So my lesson to myself for the day is to be more mindful and practice what I preach when it comes to the expectation I have of others in my social circle and community to be open minded and respectful. I will always be utmost authentic with everything I share, and today I reflected on how I can better myself. We can teach and share in more productive ways than resort to criticizing. It's okay to realize when you slip up, and course correct.
This continues to be a rough year for all of us, wherever you are. That's had an impact on our thoughts, behaviors and drained every last ounce of our spirits as we long for carefree socializing moments with our friends. Safety is a priority for us, but we miss our families and friends dearly!
So don't beat yourself up if you were rude to someone inadvertently and felt terrible later. Or someone told you that you have room for improvement. Take criticism constructively, forgive yourself and just focus on being a better you the next day. And that's my journal entry for the day 😉
#forgiveness #mindset #positivevibes #inspiration #selflove #selfcare #growth
It’s been really hard to wake up with a peaceful mind as of late. If you’re like me, the first thing you do when you wake up is scroll through all your social media apps. Social media is a wonderful way of connecting with others, share your voice on larger scale and learn from those that inspire you.
But these days, at least here in the US, the combination of the hostile political climate as elections near, combined with living through a pandemic and dealing with the constant debate on what’s best for us makes it hard to brush off how incredibly polarizing it can become.
That’s why sometimes it’s best to take a breath and assess whether you are using it to spread love and enlightenment in a positive way, or using it to excessively vent your frustrations or mock others who may not share the same views as you. Social media consumes us whole and that’s what it’s designed to do, but it’s up to us HOW we use it. There is always a way to use it respectfully, instead of showing outward disgust towards others and making it personal.
So my lesson to myself for the day is to be more mindful and practice what I preach when it comes to the expectation I have of others in my social circle and community to be open minded and respectful. I will always be utmost authentic with everything I share, and today I reflected on how I can better myself. We can teach and share in more productive ways than resort to criticizing. It’s okay to realize when you slip up, and course correct.
This continues to be a rough year for all of us, wherever you are. That’s had an impact on our thoughts, behaviors and drained every last ounce of our spirits as we long for carefree socializing moments with our friends. Safety is a priority for us, but we miss our families and friends dearly!
So don’t beat yourself up if you were rude to someone inadvertently and felt terrible later. Or someone told you that you have room for improvement. Take criticism constructively, forgive yourself and just focus on being a better you the next day. And that’s my journal entry for the day 😉
#forgiveness #mindset #positivevibes #inspiration #selflove #selfcare #growth
Society puts so much pressure on us to accomplish and achieve a certain number of things by a certain age or “stage” in life. To have everything figured out well before we are in our 30s. To have this credential, that degree, this job, that salary.
We let all the “should haves” dictate what we are meant to do at any given time. We invariably compare ourselves to others in our age groups or fields and allow someone else’s success to get into our heads and get us down because maybe we haven’t made as much money, had as big of an impact or have as many followers as So-and-so.
But here’s the thing. Everyone is at a different part of their journey than you are on yours. Comparison is the thief of joy. Instead of comparing yourself to a friend or family member who has “done so much”, use that as a source of inspiration. Uplift those who earned their success. Criticizing and badmouthing is the most negative and unproductive way to go about anything. Let it empower you to find your calling, and then do the work to go after it. And remember that elevating someone else doesn’t take away from what YOU have to offer the world.
Self discovery is a journey. Purpose is not found under a rock. You evolve, which means it’s OKAY to let your dreams and goals evolve too.✨
Living life according to my terms has worked out for me pretty well so far- through the ups and downs, successes and failures. Remember that you don’t need anyone else’s validation.
Forget the “shoulds”. Don’t let someone else decide how you should live YOUR life. You’re not “behind” in life. There’s no timeline we all must follow. 7 billion people can’t do everything in the same order. It’s YOUR life, YOUR schedule and everything is right on time. Cheers!🍷
#followyourdream #dreambig #dreamer #believer #attitude #followyourpassion #empower #inspire #encourage #motivation #empowerment #support #selfcare #strength #positivity #inspiration #happiness #loveyourself #selflove #passion #success #goals#empoweringwomen #destiny #livewithpurpose #liveinthepresent #dreamchaser #portland #oregon #winery
2020 moods so far, as accurately depicted through scenes from my movies! 📽️
This challenge made me take a moment to appreciate the variety of roles I had the opportunity to play throughout my short and sweet film career. I tried to play roles that would allow me to show my versatility, to avoid being typecast into one kind of role. 🎭
I made my debut in the Telugu film Leader, where I played the role of a news correspondent and love interest of @ranadaggubati . Archana was strong-willed, intelligent, independent with a soft and vulnerable side and the outpouring of love I received for that role was what propelled me into a full fledged career in Telugu and Tamil films. 🎬
I went on to playing the innocent, sweet and simple Vinamra (Mirapakaay), then an unsuspecting-at-first, possessed/horror role with Gowri (Nagavalli), Neduvalli, a village belle (Osthe), a trendy, modern but cultured NRI, Manasa (Mirchi), Madhu in a Bengali film (Bikram Singha), a fictitious Vasudha (Sarocharu), Radhika (Bhai) and and the most impactful and unforgettable one of them all, the strong and unconditionally supportive wife, Yamini (Mayakkam Enna), who experiences utmost trauma, perseveres and epitomizes what it means to be an “iron woman”.
Of the nine roles I played, Yamini and Archana were my favorite, not only because they are most similar to who I am in real life, but because these strong woman characters were written and brought to life by two of the most genius directors of our time in the South Indian film industry, @kammula.sekhar and @selvaraghavan . 🎥🙏🏼
If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing 🙂 (would have loved to do an action-packed role though!) 😜
#movies #filmlife #versatileactor #BTS #2020moods #accurate #covidmoods #southindianfilms #indianfilmindustry #mirchi #leader #uglycrying #actress
Challenge accepted. #womensupportingwomen
Empowered women empower women. 💗
Grateful to all the wonderful women and dynamite friends with solid foundations that lift me up and inspire me daily. To all the women who are learning to fight back and stand tall. 💪🏼
There’s no limit to what women can do, especially when we support one another. ✨
Tagging some women who inspire me
@hk_brains
@msmariahonfire
@anniesuri1
@klchrisman612
@jmhunt196
@sumasupernova
@aasheekaa
@upasnagautam
@shella_got_her_groove_back
@debkwright
#blackandwhitechallenge #womenempowerment
Well hello! Guess I ended up taking a longer-than-intended social media break (15 days ish), and I CAN NOT even tell you guys how good it felt. To give my mind a break from constantly consuming and responding to everything I saw/read, as it related to the coronavirus, our President, what’s been happening in Portland (and now other cities), horrific reality TV shows (read: Indian Matchmaking), Bollywood controversy, and so much more. Couldn’t keep up. 🤯
I didn’t disconnect completely from the world, but just unplugged from the social media scene for a bit. No obligation to post on a “regular schedule”, respond to people’s opinions (and often, trolling comments), react to negativity or reshare relatable but possibly divisive content etc. It was honestly therapeutic to get back to some hobbies I started in the early days of covid (painting/refinishing furniture, gardening, reading, organizing etc.), which quickly got neglected the more sucked in I got into social media, especially Instagram, which…I’ve only been on for a few months! 🤭
So every once in a while, do the #socialmediadetox. No one is going anywhere, no one will judge you for being “absent”, and I promise you, you will just feel SO.MUCH.BETTER. It’ll remind you of the “good old days”, i.e. before the world fell apart, pre-covid. 😅
How did I do it? I just deleted my social media apps from my phone! If that’s too extreme for you, then just delete the icons from your homescreen temporarily, so you’re not tempted to mindlessly scroll.
Happy to know I have the ability to #switchoff for the sake of my mental health! 🧘🏻♀️ Remember to be kind to yourself ❤️.
#socialmedia #takeabreather #breathe #unplug #toxic #politics #socialmediadetox #selfcare #mindfulness #mentalhealth #wellbeing #digitaladdiction #recharge #digitaldetox Oregon Coast
Today marks 31 years since my family immigrated to the United States. At 3 years of age, I had my first overseas trip- and vividly remember telling my parents, in a sing-songy voice, “Amra Amrika jaaachchi!”, which in Bengali means “We’re going to America!”. Of course, I had no idea what “America” was, then. I didn’t even realize I was going over the big Atlantic to get there. I just remember going from living in a flat in Coimbatore, barely speaking Tamil with our neighbors and watching Mahabharat, to a new apartment on the Carnegie Mellon Campus, in the Shadyside neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I thought the name of the apartment building we lived in was, in fact, America 😆.
After my dad completed his undergrad at IIT Kanpur and worked in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he made the big decision to take our family abroad, in pursuit of his PhD at CMU. My mom did her Masters from Duquesne University, and I was happily adjusting to my new life, climate, food, friends and kindergarten while being raised with two languages- Bengali and English, and two cultures- Indian and American. Though I didn’t think so at the time, today I know the value of being lucky enough to have grown up bilingual and raised with a multicultural upbringing. 🌎💟
We moved to Michigan when I was 7, and it wasn’t till I was 15 years old that we became U.S. citizens. We have evolved so much over the last 31 years…(for me, 5 of those years were spent living in India), but I’m lucky to have been able to grow up Indian American- a unique cultural experience that has allowed me to absorb and reflect the best of both the cultures, and integrate both vs. assimilate to one or the other. I am just as rooted in my Indian culture, traditions and customs as I am with my American ones. I’m able to speak my native tongue with my family back in India with ease, while having the ability to easily code-switch my accent depending on who I’m speaking with. I can be patriotic for both my homeland and my motherland. And I love that my husband loves learning and immersing himself in everything my Indian culture has to offer!
Happy 31st US immigration anniversary to us 🇮🇳🇺🇲
Today marks 31 years since my family immigrated to the United States. At 3 years of age, I had my first overseas trip- and vividly remember telling my parents, in a sing-songy voice, “Amra Amrika jaaachchi!”, which in Bengali means “We’re going to America!”. Of course, I had no idea what “America” was, then. I didn’t even realize I was going over the big Atlantic to get there. I just remember going from living in a flat in Coimbatore, barely speaking Tamil with our neighbors and watching Mahabharat, to a new apartment on the Carnegie Mellon Campus, in the Shadyside neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I thought the name of the apartment building we lived in was, in fact, America 😆.
After my dad completed his undergrad at IIT Kanpur and worked in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he made the big decision to take our family abroad, in pursuit of his PhD at CMU. My mom did her Masters from Duquesne University, and I was happily adjusting to my new life, climate, food, friends and kindergarten while being raised with two languages- Bengali and English, and two cultures- Indian and American. Though I didn’t think so at the time, today I know the value of being lucky enough to have grown up bilingual and raised with a multicultural upbringing. 🌎💟
We moved to Michigan when I was 7, and it wasn’t till I was 15 years old that we became U.S. citizens. We have evolved so much over the last 31 years…(for me, 5 of those years were spent living in India), but I’m lucky to have been able to grow up Indian American- a unique cultural experience that has allowed me to absorb and reflect the best of both the cultures, and integrate both vs. assimilate to one or the other. I am just as rooted in my Indian culture, traditions and customs as I am with my American ones. I’m able to speak my native tongue with my family back in India with ease, while having the ability to easily code-switch my accent depending on who I’m speaking with. I can be patriotic for both my homeland and my motherland. And I love that my husband loves learning and immersing himself in everything my Indian culture has to offer!
Happy 31st US immigration anniversary to us 🇮🇳🇺🇲
Today marks 31 years since my family immigrated to the United States. At 3 years of age, I had my first overseas trip- and vividly remember telling my parents, in a sing-songy voice, “Amra Amrika jaaachchi!”, which in Bengali means “We’re going to America!”. Of course, I had no idea what “America” was, then. I didn’t even realize I was going over the big Atlantic to get there. I just remember going from living in a flat in Coimbatore, barely speaking Tamil with our neighbors and watching Mahabharat, to a new apartment on the Carnegie Mellon Campus, in the Shadyside neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I thought the name of the apartment building we lived in was, in fact, America 😆.
After my dad completed his undergrad at IIT Kanpur and worked in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he made the big decision to take our family abroad, in pursuit of his PhD at CMU. My mom did her Masters from Duquesne University, and I was happily adjusting to my new life, climate, food, friends and kindergarten while being raised with two languages- Bengali and English, and two cultures- Indian and American. Though I didn’t think so at the time, today I know the value of being lucky enough to have grown up bilingual and raised with a multicultural upbringing. 🌎💟
We moved to Michigan when I was 7, and it wasn’t till I was 15 years old that we became U.S. citizens. We have evolved so much over the last 31 years…(for me, 5 of those years were spent living in India), but I’m lucky to have been able to grow up Indian American- a unique cultural experience that has allowed me to absorb and reflect the best of both the cultures, and integrate both vs. assimilate to one or the other. I am just as rooted in my Indian culture, traditions and customs as I am with my American ones. I’m able to speak my native tongue with my family back in India with ease, while having the ability to easily code-switch my accent depending on who I’m speaking with. I can be patriotic for both my homeland and my motherland. And I love that my husband loves learning and immersing himself in everything my Indian culture has to offer!
Happy 31st US immigration anniversary to us 🇮🇳🇺🇲
Today marks 31 years since my family immigrated to the United States. At 3 years of age, I had my first overseas trip- and vividly remember telling my parents, in a sing-songy voice, “Amra Amrika jaaachchi!”, which in Bengali means “We’re going to America!”. Of course, I had no idea what “America” was, then. I didn’t even realize I was going over the big Atlantic to get there. I just remember going from living in a flat in Coimbatore, barely speaking Tamil with our neighbors and watching Mahabharat, to a new apartment on the Carnegie Mellon Campus, in the Shadyside neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I thought the name of the apartment building we lived in was, in fact, America 😆.
After my dad completed his undergrad at IIT Kanpur and worked in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he made the big decision to take our family abroad, in pursuit of his PhD at CMU. My mom did her Masters from Duquesne University, and I was happily adjusting to my new life, climate, food, friends and kindergarten while being raised with two languages- Bengali and English, and two cultures- Indian and American. Though I didn’t think so at the time, today I know the value of being lucky enough to have grown up bilingual and raised with a multicultural upbringing. 🌎💟
We moved to Michigan when I was 7, and it wasn’t till I was 15 years old that we became U.S. citizens. We have evolved so much over the last 31 years…(for me, 5 of those years were spent living in India), but I’m lucky to have been able to grow up Indian American- a unique cultural experience that has allowed me to absorb and reflect the best of both the cultures, and integrate both vs. assimilate to one or the other. I am just as rooted in my Indian culture, traditions and customs as I am with my American ones. I’m able to speak my native tongue with my family back in India with ease, while having the ability to easily code-switch my accent depending on who I’m speaking with. I can be patriotic for both my homeland and my motherland. And I love that my husband loves learning and immersing himself in everything my Indian culture has to offer!
Happy 31st US immigration anniversary to us 🇮🇳🇺🇲
Today marks 31 years since my family immigrated to the United States. At 3 years of age, I had my first overseas trip- and vividly remember telling my parents, in a sing-songy voice, “Amra Amrika jaaachchi!”, which in Bengali means “We’re going to America!”. Of course, I had no idea what “America” was, then. I didn’t even realize I was going over the big Atlantic to get there. I just remember going from living in a flat in Coimbatore, barely speaking Tamil with our neighbors and watching Mahabharat, to a new apartment on the Carnegie Mellon Campus, in the Shadyside neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I thought the name of the apartment building we lived in was, in fact, America 😆.
After my dad completed his undergrad at IIT Kanpur and worked in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he made the big decision to take our family abroad, in pursuit of his PhD at CMU. My mom did her Masters from Duquesne University, and I was happily adjusting to my new life, climate, food, friends and kindergarten while being raised with two languages- Bengali and English, and two cultures- Indian and American. Though I didn’t think so at the time, today I know the value of being lucky enough to have grown up bilingual and raised with a multicultural upbringing. 🌎💟
We moved to Michigan when I was 7, and it wasn’t till I was 15 years old that we became U.S. citizens. We have evolved so much over the last 31 years…(for me, 5 of those years were spent living in India), but I’m lucky to have been able to grow up Indian American- a unique cultural experience that has allowed me to absorb and reflect the best of both the cultures, and integrate both vs. assimilate to one or the other. I am just as rooted in my Indian culture, traditions and customs as I am with my American ones. I’m able to speak my native tongue with my family back in India with ease, while having the ability to easily code-switch my accent depending on who I’m speaking with. I can be patriotic for both my homeland and my motherland. And I love that my husband loves learning and immersing himself in everything my Indian culture has to offer!
Happy 31st US immigration anniversary to us 🇮🇳🇺🇲
Today marks 31 years since my family immigrated to the United States. At 3 years of age, I had my first overseas trip- and vividly remember telling my parents, in a sing-songy voice, “Amra Amrika jaaachchi!”, which in Bengali means “We’re going to America!”. Of course, I had no idea what “America” was, then. I didn’t even realize I was going over the big Atlantic to get there. I just remember going from living in a flat in Coimbatore, barely speaking Tamil with our neighbors and watching Mahabharat, to a new apartment on the Carnegie Mellon Campus, in the Shadyside neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I thought the name of the apartment building we lived in was, in fact, America 😆.
After my dad completed his undergrad at IIT Kanpur and worked in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he made the big decision to take our family abroad, in pursuit of his PhD at CMU. My mom did her Masters from Duquesne University, and I was happily adjusting to my new life, climate, food, friends and kindergarten while being raised with two languages- Bengali and English, and two cultures- Indian and American. Though I didn’t think so at the time, today I know the value of being lucky enough to have grown up bilingual and raised with a multicultural upbringing. 🌎💟
We moved to Michigan when I was 7, and it wasn’t till I was 15 years old that we became U.S. citizens. We have evolved so much over the last 31 years…(for me, 5 of those years were spent living in India), but I’m lucky to have been able to grow up Indian American- a unique cultural experience that has allowed me to absorb and reflect the best of both the cultures, and integrate both vs. assimilate to one or the other. I am just as rooted in my Indian culture, traditions and customs as I am with my American ones. I’m able to speak my native tongue with my family back in India with ease, while having the ability to easily code-switch my accent depending on who I’m speaking with. I can be patriotic for both my homeland and my motherland. And I love that my husband loves learning and immersing himself in everything my Indian culture has to offer!
Happy 31st US immigration anniversary to us 🇮🇳🇺🇲
Is it safe to come out yet? 👀
Remembering my trip to Spain a couple years ago and missing exploring new cultures and cuisines in faraway lands. Wondering what social-distancing travel will be like!🧳
Although rules have relaxed a bit and it’s tempting to travel abroad for leisure, we need to continue our new normal for a little bit longer. If it’s non-essential, probably not the best idea to travel internationally right now. It’s up to us to cooperate in order to help those who are suffering more than us. Keep wearing your masks! 😷
At least there’s no limit to daydreaming! I guess I’ll have to reminisce on past trips, watch travel documentaries and stick to scrolling on Pinterest for a little while longer… and of course, there is plenty to see and explore right within our own borders. ⛰️👍🏼
“Baba”- Dad in Bengali- was my first word. I may have grown up, but I’m still his baby. Most people would agree, that I am my Baba’s mini-me in terms of our identical features, but also personality traits! 👨👧
He is the epitome of humility; despite everything he’s achieved in life. He radiates positivity and a sense of calm, making it easy for anyone to strike up a conversation and stick around for hours and hours. He is a walking encyclopedia…at least to me, there is nothing he doesn’t know, and has almost this child-like wonder when it comes to learning new things.🤓
He is the most patient human being I have ever met (though I’ve tested that many times growing up), and his ability to infuse gentle humor into every situation makes him the most approachable person in any environment. There is not a single person that meets him that doesn’t love him!💖
He taught me what it meant to stay grounded, no matter how far you go in life. He also taught me that it’s not the end of the world if I fail. Baba deals with my mood swings better than anyone, and is also somehow effortlessly able to ingrain values, lessons and new perspectives that guide me through life…probably without even realizing it.😊
He is and will always be that stable force that I know I can always count on, the person I can always run to, or call without hesitation to talk about anything and everything.🥰
Hope covid gets over soon so we can resume travel and I can see him again, soon! <3 Love you Baba!
“Baba”- Dad in Bengali- was my first word. I may have grown up, but I’m still his baby. Most people would agree, that I am my Baba’s mini-me in terms of our identical features, but also personality traits! 👨👧
He is the epitome of humility; despite everything he’s achieved in life. He radiates positivity and a sense of calm, making it easy for anyone to strike up a conversation and stick around for hours and hours. He is a walking encyclopedia…at least to me, there is nothing he doesn’t know, and has almost this child-like wonder when it comes to learning new things.🤓
He is the most patient human being I have ever met (though I’ve tested that many times growing up), and his ability to infuse gentle humor into every situation makes him the most approachable person in any environment. There is not a single person that meets him that doesn’t love him!💖
He taught me what it meant to stay grounded, no matter how far you go in life. He also taught me that it’s not the end of the world if I fail. Baba deals with my mood swings better than anyone, and is also somehow effortlessly able to ingrain values, lessons and new perspectives that guide me through life…probably without even realizing it.😊
He is and will always be that stable force that I know I can always count on, the person I can always run to, or call without hesitation to talk about anything and everything.🥰
Hope covid gets over soon so we can resume travel and I can see him again, soon! <3 Love you Baba!
“Baba”- Dad in Bengali- was my first word. I may have grown up, but I’m still his baby. Most people would agree, that I am my Baba’s mini-me in terms of our identical features, but also personality traits! 👨👧
He is the epitome of humility; despite everything he’s achieved in life. He radiates positivity and a sense of calm, making it easy for anyone to strike up a conversation and stick around for hours and hours. He is a walking encyclopedia…at least to me, there is nothing he doesn’t know, and has almost this child-like wonder when it comes to learning new things.🤓
He is the most patient human being I have ever met (though I’ve tested that many times growing up), and his ability to infuse gentle humor into every situation makes him the most approachable person in any environment. There is not a single person that meets him that doesn’t love him!💖
He taught me what it meant to stay grounded, no matter how far you go in life. He also taught me that it’s not the end of the world if I fail. Baba deals with my mood swings better than anyone, and is also somehow effortlessly able to ingrain values, lessons and new perspectives that guide me through life…probably without even realizing it.😊
He is and will always be that stable force that I know I can always count on, the person I can always run to, or call without hesitation to talk about anything and everything.🥰
Hope covid gets over soon so we can resume travel and I can see him again, soon! <3 Love you Baba!
“Baba”- Dad in Bengali- was my first word. I may have grown up, but I’m still his baby. Most people would agree, that I am my Baba’s mini-me in terms of our identical features, but also personality traits! 👨👧
He is the epitome of humility; despite everything he’s achieved in life. He radiates positivity and a sense of calm, making it easy for anyone to strike up a conversation and stick around for hours and hours. He is a walking encyclopedia…at least to me, there is nothing he doesn’t know, and has almost this child-like wonder when it comes to learning new things.🤓
He is the most patient human being I have ever met (though I’ve tested that many times growing up), and his ability to infuse gentle humor into every situation makes him the most approachable person in any environment. There is not a single person that meets him that doesn’t love him!💖
He taught me what it meant to stay grounded, no matter how far you go in life. He also taught me that it’s not the end of the world if I fail. Baba deals with my mood swings better than anyone, and is also somehow effortlessly able to ingrain values, lessons and new perspectives that guide me through life…probably without even realizing it.😊
He is and will always be that stable force that I know I can always count on, the person I can always run to, or call without hesitation to talk about anything and everything.🥰
Hope covid gets over soon so we can resume travel and I can see him again, soon! <3 Love you Baba!
Reminiscing back on days of fun travels and adventures took me back to my memories from my favorite place in the WORLD, @waltdisneyworld and @unistudios in Orlando, a few years ago. After my 5-year acting stint in India, I jumped full-fledgedly, right back into academics, finishing my undergrad before embarking on my next big chapter: business school. Before starting the 2-year full time MBA program at WashU, my parents and I thought a trip to Disneyworld and Universal Studios would be the perfect getaway, and it was! I turn back into a child whenever I’m there! And yes, of course I made sure the trip was complete with a cliché Mickey Mouse hat 😉.
My favorites were The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and of course, the light and fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle 🏰…the classics! Not sure when I’ll be able to go back there again, but it’s definitely on the top of the Langellas’ list for our next post-covid trip! 🤗
What’s your next destination once it’s safe to travel again? ✈️🧳
#travel #explore #Disneyworld #Mickeymouse #kidatheart #nevergrowingup #orlando #happiestplaceonearth #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #familyvacation #itsasmallworld #disneydreaming #travelmemories Walt Disney World
Reminiscing back on days of fun travels and adventures took me back to my memories from my favorite place in the WORLD, @waltdisneyworld and @unistudios in Orlando, a few years ago. After my 5-year acting stint in India, I jumped full-fledgedly, right back into academics, finishing my undergrad before embarking on my next big chapter: business school. Before starting the 2-year full time MBA program at WashU, my parents and I thought a trip to Disneyworld and Universal Studios would be the perfect getaway, and it was! I turn back into a child whenever I’m there! And yes, of course I made sure the trip was complete with a cliché Mickey Mouse hat 😉.
My favorites were The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and of course, the light and fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle 🏰…the classics! Not sure when I’ll be able to go back there again, but it’s definitely on the top of the Langellas’ list for our next post-covid trip! 🤗
What’s your next destination once it’s safe to travel again? ✈️🧳
#travel #explore #Disneyworld #Mickeymouse #kidatheart #nevergrowingup #orlando #happiestplaceonearth #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #familyvacation #itsasmallworld #disneydreaming #travelmemories Walt Disney World
Reminiscing back on days of fun travels and adventures took me back to my memories from my favorite place in the WORLD, @waltdisneyworld and @unistudios in Orlando, a few years ago. After my 5-year acting stint in India, I jumped full-fledgedly, right back into academics, finishing my undergrad before embarking on my next big chapter: business school. Before starting the 2-year full time MBA program at WashU, my parents and I thought a trip to Disneyworld and Universal Studios would be the perfect getaway, and it was! I turn back into a child whenever I’m there! And yes, of course I made sure the trip was complete with a cliché Mickey Mouse hat 😉.
My favorites were The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and of course, the light and fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle 🏰…the classics! Not sure when I’ll be able to go back there again, but it’s definitely on the top of the Langellas’ list for our next post-covid trip! 🤗
What’s your next destination once it’s safe to travel again? ✈️🧳
#travel #explore #Disneyworld #Mickeymouse #kidatheart #nevergrowingup #orlando #happiestplaceonearth #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #familyvacation #itsasmallworld #disneydreaming #travelmemories Walt Disney World
Reminiscing back on days of fun travels and adventures took me back to my memories from my favorite place in the WORLD, @waltdisneyworld and @unistudios in Orlando, a few years ago. After my 5-year acting stint in India, I jumped full-fledgedly, right back into academics, finishing my undergrad before embarking on my next big chapter: business school. Before starting the 2-year full time MBA program at WashU, my parents and I thought a trip to Disneyworld and Universal Studios would be the perfect getaway, and it was! I turn back into a child whenever I’m there! And yes, of course I made sure the trip was complete with a cliché Mickey Mouse hat 😉.
My favorites were The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and of course, the light and fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle 🏰…the classics! Not sure when I’ll be able to go back there again, but it’s definitely on the top of the Langellas’ list for our next post-covid trip! 🤗
What’s your next destination once it’s safe to travel again? ✈️🧳
#travel #explore #Disneyworld #Mickeymouse #kidatheart #nevergrowingup #orlando #happiestplaceonearth #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #familyvacation #itsasmallworld #disneydreaming #travelmemories Walt Disney World
Reminiscing back on days of fun travels and adventures took me back to my memories from my favorite place in the WORLD, @waltdisneyworld and @unistudios in Orlando, a few years ago. After my 5-year acting stint in India, I jumped full-fledgedly, right back into academics, finishing my undergrad before embarking on my next big chapter: business school. Before starting the 2-year full time MBA program at WashU, my parents and I thought a trip to Disneyworld and Universal Studios would be the perfect getaway, and it was! I turn back into a child whenever I’m there! And yes, of course I made sure the trip was complete with a cliché Mickey Mouse hat 😉.
My favorites were The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and of course, the light and fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle 🏰…the classics! Not sure when I’ll be able to go back there again, but it’s definitely on the top of the Langellas’ list for our next post-covid trip! 🤗
What’s your next destination once it’s safe to travel again? ✈️🧳
#travel #explore #Disneyworld #Mickeymouse #kidatheart #nevergrowingup #orlando #happiestplaceonearth #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #familyvacation #itsasmallworld #disneydreaming #travelmemories Walt Disney World
Reminiscing back on days of fun travels and adventures took me back to my memories from my favorite place in the WORLD, @waltdisneyworld and @unistudios in Orlando, a few years ago. After my 5-year acting stint in India, I jumped full-fledgedly, right back into academics, finishing my undergrad before embarking on my next big chapter: business school. Before starting the 2-year full time MBA program at WashU, my parents and I thought a trip to Disneyworld and Universal Studios would be the perfect getaway, and it was! I turn back into a child whenever I’m there! And yes, of course I made sure the trip was complete with a cliché Mickey Mouse hat 😉.
My favorites were The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and of course, the light and fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle 🏰…the classics! Not sure when I’ll be able to go back there again, but it’s definitely on the top of the Langellas’ list for our next post-covid trip! 🤗
What’s your next destination once it’s safe to travel again? ✈️🧳
#travel #explore #Disneyworld #Mickeymouse #kidatheart #nevergrowingup #orlando #happiestplaceonearth #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #familyvacation #itsasmallworld #disneydreaming #travelmemories Walt Disney World
The world is messed up. You might be overwhelmed dealing with one negative incident coming to the surface after another. If you’re an empath, like myself, you might be someone who senses and feels emotions as if they are part of your own experience.
🙏🏼Take time for yourself, friend.
It’s okay to grieve, be angry, to disconnect. It’s especially hard to keep up with the pressures of the social media world- where you are damned if you do, damned if you don’t address a certain issue. You don’t have to bear the world’s burdens. The constant consumption of social media makes it hard for us to leave…and while there are benefits to social media, it can also become toxic real fast. It’s a slippery slope. Always remember that what you see on social media isn’t the full story and it can get extremely polarizing and isolating if you can’t learn to detach from it. Don’t let it become all consuming.👀
🙏🏼Take care of your mind, first.
If you are advocating for change through your involvement in various efforts, great. But if you are not, it doesn’t mean you aren’t passionate, are selfish or don’t care about issues going on in the world. Social media makes it hard to keep up, the constant expectations are exhausting to deal with and can deplete all your emotional, mental and physical energy staring at your screen and scrolling to no end.👀🤳
Just remember that you can’t fully dedicate your time and energy towards structural change if you don’t focus on investing time in keeping yourself healthy, first.✨
Take breaks every now and then. Don’t feel guilty for needing to unplug from technology, even if it’s for a few hours. Surround yourself with positive affirmations and remember that amidst all the cruelty in the world right now, there IS good happening too. I’m not saying put blinders on and ignore what is happening around you, but it’s also OKAY to disconnect and reset.
🧘🏻♀️🧘🏽♂️🧘🏼🧘🏿♀️🧘🏻♂️🧘🏽🧘🏿♂️
🙏🏼Your mind and soul need it more than you know.
Here is a picture of a cute succulent (that Joe bought for me bc he’s the best and knows they’re my favorite!) that hopefully brings a litttttle bitty sense of calm to your mind 💕.
I received a couple of responses from Lululemon regarding acknowledging the inappropriate use of the word “Namaste” on their underwear products.
While recognizing the mistake is a good first step, we hope they actually implement the change and walk the walk, sooner than later.
Large companies like this need to work on upping their diversity efforts from within.
As @vaani.kc pointed out (where I learned about this first), the fact that not a single person thought there was a problem through multiple stages of review-through creation, design, marketing or sales- is a clear indication that the wider issue that needs to be addressed is the lack of diversity. It really shouldn’t be up to the general public to expend their energy to call out such things to protect their cultural identities. It would save a lot of time and energy if employees at these companies recognized cultural appropriation and offensive use of foreign words to stop such things from happening in its tracks in the initial stages. This goes for all cultures as well, not just my own.
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@lululemon , thank you for taking the first step by acknowledging your oversight. I, along with 1.3 billion other Indians, would appreciate your prompt response through your actions. Going forward, we expect you to thoroughly research the history and significance of words and ideas borrowed from other cultures before labeling your products. We need to be prioritizing people’s feelings and respecting cultural sensitivities, not just think about what might be considered “trendy”. Thank you.
#mycultureisnotatrend #culturalapproproation #knowbetterdobetter #namaste
