Beautiful article. I think at times, people are unnerved when they see a lady by herself, looking happy or seemingly comfortable or even relaxing in public place say with a book or a coffee without frills of other people.
Agreed. It's time we made that sight a new normal, generations of girls coming after need to know that is a valid choice too. Thank you for reading, Veena. ✨
Beautiful writing, one that resonates with me! Defying norms is not an easy task. I am a single mom who has been overwhelmed by taking important life decisions that will not just affect me but my kid as well! But the one way is through and it’s glorious, albeit terrifying at times! More power to you my friend!
Thank you for reading my friend, more strength to you too! Our unconventional paths, as different they may be, will make it easier for those who come after us to make those choices.
Thoroughly loved reading this my friend! You’re such a cool calm character dealing with these complexities of a life between Aotearoa and India (and frankly life in general!) with such class. All power to the cats and the women who love them ✊🏾❤️.
I often look around me at the people I know for examples of those whose lives are like mine. Alone, unattached and bothered just with my own brain and heart. Opened Substack this morning to find it many miles away but on a phone screen. Thank you!
So good! It’s amazing how so many of us connect with the dreams of our Ajjees! These women who couldn’t break out inspired our bravery. Lovely writing.
Absolutely - there are many older women I know whose everyday braveries continue to inspire, more stories waiting to be told! Thank you for reading, Mukta!
Beautifully written. You have captured so eloquently the art of rebellious single living weaving it with a wonderful ode to your Nani. Ajji is so proud of you, Sai and you are paving way for the females in your family who will come after you. ❤️
Love this Sai, missed your writing. But this is more powerful than usual. You’ve gathered more courage and a clear strong writing voice. Thank you for this inspiring piece. ♥️🌻
What a wonderful testimony to victory beyond fear. All on your own! May not be for all, and may not have been so, but for some difficult choices that had to be made but so glad to have found my very own Sai bai, first of her name, on this particular path. May you continue to light the way for yourself and many other men, women and children to learn and get inspired from! Lots of love and power to you. Now and always!
I am the archetypal society good girl mostly- and I envy you, root for you and more women like you and am so so happy that you have the courage to do it and the words to tell your story. Go girl!!
Thank you, Charulatha! 💛 From one archetypical ‘good girl’ to another, taking the first step outside that image is the hardest. There’s no looking back after that.
This is a heroic tale, Sai! I am so proud of you!!! Owning one's own house is such a huge milestone and to do it all by yourself is tremendous! And I can't wait to see the cat ladies coming together to defeat Trump!
What an amazing testament to radical acceptance. To the power of odd cats. To the spirit of Ajji guiding you to channelize her love and power to meet your unique needs.
Beautiful article. I think at times, people are unnerved when they see a lady by herself, looking happy or seemingly comfortable or even relaxing in public place say with a book or a coffee without frills of other people.
Agreed. It's time we made that sight a new normal, generations of girls coming after need to know that is a valid choice too. Thank you for reading, Veena. ✨
Beautiful writing, one that resonates with me! Defying norms is not an easy task. I am a single mom who has been overwhelmed by taking important life decisions that will not just affect me but my kid as well! But the one way is through and it’s glorious, albeit terrifying at times! More power to you my friend!
Thank you for reading my friend, more strength to you too! Our unconventional paths, as different they may be, will make it easier for those who come after us to make those choices.
Thoroughly loved reading this my friend! You’re such a cool calm character dealing with these complexities of a life between Aotearoa and India (and frankly life in general!) with such class. All power to the cats and the women who love them ✊🏾❤️.
Thank you, my friend. I am so inspired by how FEARLESSLY you do life! 💛✊🏾
I often look around me at the people I know for examples of those whose lives are like mine. Alone, unattached and bothered just with my own brain and heart. Opened Substack this morning to find it many miles away but on a phone screen. Thank you!
And may our tribe find each other in community! Thank you for reading, Shreya!
Such a beautiful life story, Sai!
And the first line and the last line and all the lines in between. ❤️
Pleased to see the story resonate with you and others. Thank you for reading, Suruchi!
So good! It’s amazing how so many of us connect with the dreams of our Ajjees! These women who couldn’t break out inspired our bravery. Lovely writing.
Absolutely - there are many older women I know whose everyday braveries continue to inspire, more stories waiting to be told! Thank you for reading, Mukta!
Beautifully written. You have captured so eloquently the art of rebellious single living weaving it with a wonderful ode to your Nani. Ajji is so proud of you, Sai and you are paving way for the females in your family who will come after you. ❤️
Thank you, yaar, my comrade in arms! Yes, we become the role model we didn’t have. 💛
Love this Sai, missed your writing. But this is more powerful than usual. You’ve gathered more courage and a clear strong writing voice. Thank you for this inspiring piece. ♥️🌻
Thank you, Raju. That's music to my ears. 💛🌻
Wonderful wonderful writing!
What a wonderful testimony to victory beyond fear. All on your own! May not be for all, and may not have been so, but for some difficult choices that had to be made but so glad to have found my very own Sai bai, first of her name, on this particular path. May you continue to light the way for yourself and many other men, women and children to learn and get inspired from! Lots of love and power to you. Now and always!
Thank you, Sana the wise, right back at you! Did we only meet a year ago?! 💛
More power to you, Sai! May the tribe grow.
I am the archetypal society good girl mostly- and I envy you, root for you and more women like you and am so so happy that you have the courage to do it and the words to tell your story. Go girl!!
Thank you, Charulatha! 💛 From one archetypical ‘good girl’ to another, taking the first step outside that image is the hardest. There’s no looking back after that.
This is a heroic tale, Sai! I am so proud of you!!! Owning one's own house is such a huge milestone and to do it all by yourself is tremendous! And I can't wait to see the cat ladies coming together to defeat Trump!
Inshallah! More power to the cat ladies :-)
Thank you, Karthik.
Sai 💜
What an amazing testament to radical acceptance. To the power of odd cats. To the spirit of Ajji guiding you to channelize her love and power to meet your unique needs.
Natasha! 💛
Thank you, it feels just like that. Ajji channelling her love and power through me indeed.