Tag: happy

Week 1 Meal Recipes

Week 1 Meal Recipes

Here are all the recipes I used for my first week of meal prep, with exact measurements and protein content. These gave me everything I needed to eat well throughout the week while hitting my protein goal of about 90-100g per day and staying within my daily calorie target of about 1400-1500 calories.

My daily breakdown goal was roughly:
– Breakfast: 300-350 calories, 20-25g protein
– Lunch: 400-450 calories, 25-30g protein
– Dinner: 350-400 calories, 20-25g protein
– Snacks: 300-350 calories, 20-25g protein

This gave me the structure I needed while still having flexibility to mix and match recipes based on what I was craving each day.

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Breakfast Recipes

Masala Egg Muffins (Makes 12 muffins, 6 servings)

I was very skeptical when I tried this recipe for the first time, as I never liked eggs any other way – either hot omelette or boiled eggs. But these tasted like masala omelettes when reheated and they freeze very well too. I used a silicone muffin tin which made it easier to cleanly pull out the egg muffins.

Ingredients

  • 8 whole eggs + 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4-6 green chilies, finely chopped (I like it spicy. Please reduce to 1-2 based on your spice levels)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2-1 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooking spray for muffin tin

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Spray silicone muffin tin with cooking spray
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and egg whites
  4. Add all chopped vegetables and spices, mix well
  5. Divide mixture evenly among 12 muffin cups
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until eggs are set and lightly golden
  7. Cool completely before storing

Storage: Refrigerate 6 muffins for Days 1-2, freeze remaining 6 muffins

Protein per serving (2 muffins): 14 grams

Oatmeal Base Mix (5 servings)

Perfect for quick hot breakfasts throughout the week.

To serve: Add 3/4 cup unsweetened original almond milk, microwave 1.5-2 minutes, stir and enjoy.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

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Lunch Recipes

Dal Tadka (4 servings)

My comfort food! This protein-packed lentil curry is soul-warming.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow lentils (masoor dal), washed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 medium onion, chopped into big pieces
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 4-6 green chilies, slit lengthwise
  • 1 tbsp finely cut ginger
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • a pinch of asafoetida (optional)
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook lentils with onions, tomatoes, ginger, green chilies, water, turmeric, salt until soft in Instant Pot (manual mode – 7 minutes – release naturally)
  2. Mash lightly and set aside
  3. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin and let it splutter
  4. When they splutter, add asafoetida
  5. Add to cooked dal
  6. Add juice of a lemon and stir
  7. Garnish with cilantro

Note: For variety, you can substitute the onions and tomatoes with bottle gourd or zucchini, or add a mix of vegetables like carrots and green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storage: Freezes beautifully

Protein per serving (3/4 cup): 18 grams

Brown Rice Base (5 servings)

The perfect foundation for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups brown rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse rice until water runs clear
  2. Combine rice, water, and salt in pot
  3. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low
  4. Cover and simmer 45 minutes
  5. Let stand 10 minutes, then fluff with fork
  6. Cool completely before storing

Storage: Refrigerate in individual portions

Protein per serving (2/3 cup cooked): 3 grams

Mixed Vegetable Curry (4 servings)

Colorful, nutritious, and pairs perfectly with dal and rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1/2 tsp – chilli powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in large pan or pot
  2. Add cumin seeds, let splutter
  3. Add onions, cook until translucent
  4. Add ginger, garlic and cook 1 minute
  5. Add tomatoes and all spices
  6. Add harder vegetables first (sweet potatoes, carrots)
  7. Cook 5 minutes, then add remaining vegetables
  8. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes until tender
  9. Squeeze lemon for taste
  10. Garnish with cilantro

Storage: Great for meal prep

Protein per serving (1 cup): 4 grams

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Dinner Recipes

Paneer Bhurji (3 servings)

Rich in protein and so satisfying!

Ingredients

  • 200g paneer, crumbled
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat
  2. Add cumin seeds, let them splutter
  3. Add onions, cook until golden
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook 1 minute
  5. Add tomatoes and all spices, cook until tomatoes break down
  6. Add bell pepper, cook 2-3 minutes
  7. Add crumbled paneer, mix gently
  8. Cook 3-4 minutes until heated through
  9. Garnish with cilantro

Storage: Freezes beautifully, portions well

Protein per serving (3/4 cup): 14 grams

Vegetable Soup Base (3 servings)

Comforting and light, perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Quinoa addition (cooked separately):

  • 1/2 cup dry quinoa (makes about 1.5 cups cooked)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté onions until translucent
  2. Add carrots and celery, cook 5 minutes
  3. Add tomatoes, herbs, and bay leaf
  4. Add broth, bring to boil
  5. Reduce heat, simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender
  6. Season with salt and pepper
  7. Remove bay leaf before serving

To serve: Add 1/2 cup cooked quinoa to each bowl

Storage: Soup freezes well in individual portions, store quinoa separately

Protein per serving: 3g (soup only), 5.5g (with quinoa)

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Snack Recipes

Personal Note: I personally like to eat tofu as is to avoid oil plus I like the taste of raw tofu, but you can spice it up however you would like without much oil.

Protein Energy Balls (Makes 10 balls)

These actually taste better after being frozen!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/2 cup mixed raw nuts (almonds and walnuts)
  • 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, pulse dates until they form a paste
  2. Add nuts, pulse until roughly chopped
  3. Add protein powder, flaxseed, cocoa, and salt
  4. Process until mixture holds together when pressed
  5. Roll into 10 equal balls
  6. Refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up

Storage: Keep 3-4 balls in fridge, freeze the rest

Protein per ball: 3 grams

Greek Yogurt Portions (5 servings)

Simple but essential for hitting protein goals.

Ingredients

  • 750g container plain Greek yogurt (0% fat)
  • Toppings (add fresh): berries, cinnamon, honey, chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Divide yogurt into 5 small containers (150g each)
  2. Add toppings just before eating to maintain texture

Storage: Keep refrigerated, use within 5-7 days

Protein per serving (150g): 15 grams

Veggie Sticks (5 servings)

Perfect for mindless snacking!

Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers
  • 3 bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 5 large carrots

Instructions

  1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly
  2. Cut into uniform sticks
  3. Divide equally into 5 containers
  4. Place a damp paper towel in each container to maintain crispness

Storage: Keep refrigerated, stays fresh for 5-6 days

Protein per serving: Less than 1 gram

Super-Firm Tofu Snack Prep (3 servings)

Great plant-based protein option. I like to have mine plain without any seasonings.

Ingredients

  • 1 block (12oz) super-firm tofu
  • Seasoning options: lemon pepper, chili lime seasoning, or herb mix

Instructions

  1. Drain tofu and pat dry
  2. Cut into 3 equal portions (4oz each)
  3. Store each portion with different seasonings
  4. Eat cold or lightly pan-fry before eating

Storage: Keep refrigerated, use within 5 days

Protein per serving (4oz): 9 grams

Recipe Notes & Tips

Spice Adjustments: All spice levels can be adjusted to your preference. I love heat, so I use 6 green chilies in my dal!

Meal Prep Success: Cook components to 80% doneness — they’ll finish cooking when reheated.

Protein Tracking: Each recipe includes protein content to help you build balanced meals throughout the week.

Storage Labels: Always label containers with contents and protein amounts — you’ll thank yourself later!

Flexibility: These are building blocks — mix and match based on what you’re craving each day.

Next week, I’ll share exactly how I combined these components into daily meals and my honest review of how Week 1 actually went. Spoiler alert: I lost 4 pounds and never felt deprived!

Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear about your meal prep experiments!

The Awakening: A Personal Ode to Spring

Spring

After winter’s grip, when darkness falls at four,
And cold restricts my breath, my walks, and more,
Boredom and laziness creep like frost across my mind,
As sinus troubles leave me slow, confined.
Headaches plague me when I dare to step outside,
Despite layers double-covering me, head to toe, I hide.

But March arrives with warming, gentle rays,
Inviting me to venture out with confidence these days.
Without the fear of sinus pain and strife,
I breathe fresh air that reinvigorates my life.

The birds return, their songs fill morning skies,
Virginia’s Warbler notes so crisp and clear,
The Towhee’s gentle mew, a sweet surprise,
Grosbeak’s calls that make each pathway dear,
Titmouse chatters as the sun does rise,
While Sapsucker’s odd voice brings springtime near.

Their symphony, a healing music so sweet,
As daylight stretches, winter’s grip retreats.
My dog bounds joyful on our lengthened walks,
Smelling gleefully the fresh grass wet from night’s rain.
While nature silently, yet deeply talks
Through tender buds and leaflets, bright and new,
And cherry blossoms, pink in morning dew.

My body freshens with the vitamin D,
As sunlight bathes and sets my spirit free.
The people, too, emerge with brightened face,
With random chats and smiles in every place.
The elderly venture out to feel the sun,
Acknowledging that spring has now begun.

This season celebrates renewal’s power,
As hibernation ends with every flower.
My hibernation’s physical souvenirs
Dissolve with steps that banish winter’s hold,
As longer trails and warmer days unlock
The energy that winter had suppressed,
My limbs feel lighter, spirit less distressed.

Spring whispers promises of life reborn,
As butterflies and honeybees swarm blooms just formed.
Tulips unfurl in vibrant celebration,
Virginia Bluebells carpet forest floors with blue elation.
Bloodroot – lovely and delicate – dots leaf-covered ground,
Where Shenandoah trails with spring’s treasures abound.

My balcony awaits its freshly potted flowers,
A tradition kept through countless springtime hours,
Each year to nurseries with my son I go,
A cherished ritual since he was five years old.
We carefully choose blooms, his picks and mine,
Our balcony transformed to my happy shrine.

This special place where hours slip away,
As I watch sky and trees throughout the day.
I meditate and listen to the birds,
Their evening murmuration needs no words,
Inspiring me to write, my journaling, poems and stories.

Happy, cheerful, fresh – the words that fill my heart,
When spring approaches and winter’s clouds depart.
My inner landscape mirrors spring’s release,
Each blossom bringing undoubted peace.

The Chennai Diaries – Lessons in Kindness and Leadership

In Chennai’s sweltering summer months, apartment complexes stand like their own little villages – multiple buildings rising at least 5 floors high, connected by common walkways and shared spaces. Krishna’s home sits in one such building, on the third floor, where life begins well before dawn.

By 5:30 am, the first wave of household help arrives. Women like Valli make their way through the security gate, heading to different apartments across the complex. Each building houses families on different floors, and these women have mastered the art of managing multiple households in carefully planned shifts.

A typical day for these household workers follows an unwritten but well-understood schedule. Valli, a tall and dusky woman with a warm smile, arrives early in the morning at Krishna’s home. Dressed in a simple polyester saree, her hair neatly braided, Valli handles essential morning tasks – preparing morning coffee, mopping the floors, washing clothes and tidying the kitchen. She then moves between three or four houses within the same complex, their timings synchronized with different families’ routines. Valli arrives again in the afternoon, when cooking is all done, and cleans the kitchen.

Despite working in multiple homes, these women form unique bonds with each household. In Krishna’s home, Valli found more than just employment – she found understanding, care, respect and a friend. While she dusted and mopped the floors, washed clothes, and tended to daily chores, Krishna ensured the relationship transcended the typical employer-employee dynamic.

Krishna on the left, Valli on the right
Krishna on the left, Valli on the right

What strikes you first when you enter Krishna’s home isn’t just her booming voice or infectious laugh – it’s how the traditional hierarchy of ‘madam and maid’ dissolves at her doorstep. Her loud, cheerful ‘Good morning!’ echoes through the apartment as Valli arrives, making it clear this isn’t just another workplace.

In Chennai, where household help often moves silently through homes like shadows, Krishna’s approach stands refreshingly different. Her kitchen was just not a place where her maids had work to do but a place where dignity is served alongside meals. ‘Have you eaten properly?’ she’d ask Valli, not as a casual question but with genuine concern, understanding that a day of working across multiple homes demands energy and strength.

The transformation is visible in Valli’s demeanor. Despite her exhausting schedule – arriving at 5:30 AM after an hour’s journey, having already cooked for her own family – her tired face lights up in Krishna’s home. Here, she isn’t just someone who cleans and does chores; she’s a person whose well-being matters.

Krishna’s teasing banter, her way of checking if Valli had her morning coffee, her insistence on proper meals – these small acts show immense love, kindness and respect often missing in such relationships. When Valli developed tennis elbow, Krishna’s response wasn’t of an employer inconvenienced, but of someone genuinely worried about a person she cared for. While others might have simply reduced her workload, Krishna took action. She personally accompanied Valli to her trusted doctor, ensuring proper treatment and follow-up care. This wasn’t just about maintaining a household helper’s health – it was about caring for someone who had become part of her extended family.

During my visits, watching this dynamic unfold became a daily source of joy and learning. Seeing Valli’s warm smile, the way she moved comfortably in the space, the gentle assertiveness with which she could voice her needs – it spoke volumes about the environment Krishna had created. Despite life’s challenges, this had become Valli’s happy place, where her dignity remained intact, and her work was valued beyond the tasks she performed.

This is what makes Krishna special – her ability to transform what could be a mere transactional relationship into one of mutual respect and genuine care. In a society where class divisions often create invisible barriers, she shows how simple acts of kindness and respect can build bridges instead of walls. Krishna’s approach to treating household help with dignity isn’t limited to Valli alone; each person who works in her home finds the same warmth and respect.

This same depth of care extends to her furry family. Krishna’s love for animals manifests in remarkable ways. Her apartment, surrounded by stray cats, became a sanctuary when her son brought home Kai, a rescued kitten. This grey and white striped Bengal-like cat, with striking green big eyes, arrived traumatized but found healing in Krishna’s patient love. Even now, though Kai fears strangers and loud sounds, she finds comfort sleeping in Krishna’s arms at night.

Then there’s Rocky, the rescued Labrador with severe allergies. Krishna didn’t hesitate to adopt this 8-year-old dog, despite his medical challenges. She transformed her home to accommodate him – special bedding with multiple-layered, soft cotton blankets for his sensitive skin, specific dietary arrangements, and careful management of his interactions with the resident cats.

Despite her own health challenges, Krishna’s capacity for care seems limitless. Her personality might fill a room – loud, loving, and electric – but it’s her quiet, consistent kindness that truly defines her. Whether it’s a frightened cat, an ailing housekeeper, or a struggling dog, Krishna’s response is always the same: unwavering support and practical help.

In an age where corporate leadership often struggles to balance humanity with hierarchy, Krishna’s approach offers a simple yet profound lesson. While companies invest in leadership workshops and employee engagement programs, my sister naturally demonstrates what authentic leadership looks like in practice. Her method isn’t drawn from management textbooks but from a basic understanding: that treating people who work for us with genuine respect and care creates an environment where loyalty and dedication flourish naturally.

Each time I leave my sister’s home, I carry with me not just memories of her legendary hospitality, but profound lessons in human centered leadership. Through her, I learned that the most effective management style isn’t about power dynamics or formal protocols – it’s about acknowledging the dignity in every person who crosses our threshold. In the end, leadership isn’t about titles or power. It’s about the quiet, daily choices – choosing kindness over indifference, respect over hierarchy, and love over obligation.

The Storyteller in My Life – Celebrating Appa

Some people have a natural gift for turning ordinary moments into memorable stories. In Appa, my husband’s father, I discovered a masterful storyteller, a passionate sports enthusiast, and a grandfather whose eyes light up at the sight of his grandchildren.

Our relationship defied traditional labels. In Appa, I found something rare and unexpected – a friendship that transcended conventional family bonds. When I first met Appa, his laughter filled the room, breaking the formalities. Over time, his quiet strength and open-heartedness turned our relationship into something deeper – built on respect and affection.

Appa stands as the pillar of warmth and wisdom in our family. His jovial demeanor and thoughtful ways have been a quiet anchor for our whole family.

As in any relationship, ours has weathered its storms. There have been disagreements and difficult moments – as natural in any family dynamic. Yet what stands out is not the challenges but how we’ve moved through them. The deep respect and love we share has only grown stronger through these tests, showing that true family bonds aren’t about perfect harmony but about choosing to understand and cherish each other despite our differences.

What strikes me most about Appa is how effortlessly he turns ordinary moments into meaningful connections. Whether sharing his written stories, organizing family gatherings, or simply being present, he weaves our family closer with each interaction. His ease in engaging anyone – regardless of age or background – reflects a deep, genuine interest in people that I deeply admire. Here is a man who wears his happiness openly, making every conversation feel like a celebration.

It’s fascinating how some people naturally turn strangers into friends. Wherever he went, Appa’s buoyant personality shone through – his cheerful eye contact and genuine smile greeting others came straight from his heart.

But Appa’s gift for connection wasn’t limited to conversations – it extended into the stories he told. His ability to draw people in, to make them feel part of something bigger, truly shone when he began to weave tales, especially for his grandchildren.

Appa has always been a man of many worlds – a storyteller, a strategist, and a quiet force of energy. Even in his 80s, his mind remains sharp, always searching for the next story to tell or game to play.

Creativity isn’t something Appa switches on and off – it’s simply a part of who he is. Whether through his vivid writing or animated conversations, his stories light up the room, turning simple moments into lively, memorable experiences. Whether it’s a tale from his childhood or a recent family anecdote, Appa has a way of painting pictures with his humor. His stories come alive with carefully chosen details, perfectly timed pauses, and that characteristic twinkle in his eye that signals a humorous turn ahead. Even stories I’ve heard before feel fresh with his skillful delivery – adding a new detail here, a different perspective there, making each retelling an adventure of its own.

Nothing captures Appa’s playful creativity better than his tale of Kaa, the clever crow – a story he told countless times to entertain his grandchildren during dinner. Yet, with every telling, he added new twists, turning it into a fresh adventure each time.

Once upon a time, high in the branches of a grand banyan tree, lived a clever crow named Kaa. His feathers shimmered like polished charcoal in the sunlight, and his sharp, black beak gleamed as he surveyed the world below. Kaa lived happily with his beloved wife, Mei, whose glossy feathers caught his eye the very first time he saw her. They built a cozy nest together and soon welcomed six lively chicks – four who looked just like Kaa and two who mirrored Mei’s graceful form.

The banyan tree echoed with the sound of their laughter and songs. Kaa loved to entertain his chicks with playful dances, while Mei patiently taught them how to flap their tiny wings and spot tasty bugs hiding in the bark.

One scorching afternoon, Kaa set off on his daily hunt, searching for the juicy worms his babies loved, and the crunchy beetles Mei favored. But no matter how hard he tried, the ground was dry and bare. Weary and parched, Kaa perched on a wooden fence, his wings drooping.

“Oh, how I wish for just a drop of water,” he sighed

 Just then, something caught his eye – a clay jug sitting on a wooden table on a house’s deck. His heart leapt with gratitude! Kaa flapped over eagerly, only to peer inside and find the water far out of reach. His slender beak couldn’t dip low enough to reach even a sip.

But Kaa wasn’t one to give up easily.

Scanning the yard, he noticed small pebbles scattered across the ground. A clever idea sparked in his mind. Picking up a pebble in his beak, he dropped it into the jug. Plop! Then another. Plop! Slowly, he watched in amazement as the water began to rise.

Plop… plop… plop!

Finally, the water reached the brim. Kaa took long sips, feeling the strength return to his wings. As if by magic, right there in the garden, he spotted plump worms wriggling and shiny beetles crawling under leaves. With his beak full of treats, he soared back home, his heart light and joyful.

Back in the nest, the chicks chirped excitedly, and Mei smiled warmly. Kaa proudly shared his feast, and the family spent the rest of the day singing and dancing among the banyan leaves.

My children’s eyes would widen at each twist, their small hands holding their spoons mimicking the crow’s flight and every now and then be reminded by Appa to take the next bite as he proceeded through the story.

Appa’s voice would dip low as he described Kaa’s thirst and rise with excitement as Kaa discovered the jug and discovering the worms, and break into a triumphant tone for the journey home. My children would lean forward, completely absorbed in his theatrical narration. With his voice modulations, dramatic pauses and facial expressions – he presented a masterclass in keeping his audience engaged.

Just as he crafted stories with flair, Appa approached games and sports with the same creativity and passion. Whether through words or play, he found joy in engaging minds.

Games were never just games with Appa. Whether it was a tense chess match or a lighthearted round of cards, he played with a strategist’s mind and a child’s enthusiasm. In his younger years, he was quick on his feet with badminton, cricket and other sports, and today, he’s just as quick-witted in online chess. His love for play wasn’t just recreation – it was a way of thinking, one that his children and grandchildren carry forward.

Card games with Appa have always been more than just games – they’re chapters in our family story, blending strategy, laughter, and life lessons. Hours would slip by as cards shuffled and stories unfolded, often stretching from post-lunch into dinner during my early marriage years.

Through countless deals and shuffles, our relationship evolved from formal in-law status to something more genuine and comfortable. His systematic approach to the game – methodically arranging cards, planning moves ahead – reflected his larger approach to life and family.

Our card game sessions are like well-orchestrated performances. Appa deals with practiced precision, his fingers expertly shuffling the deck while he hums softly with a mischievous smile. Between hands, stories flow as naturally as the cards – tales of his youth, wisdom wrapped in wit, and observations that make everyone laugh.

What’s remarkable is how this playful spirit didn’t stop with him. Watching my children plot their next move in a board game or invent whimsical stories, I realize how deeply they’ve inherited Appa’s love for thinking differently and embracing challenges.

What has always left me in awe of Appa is his boundless energy and spontaneous spirit. He embraced life fully, treating every moment as a gift to be savored. Whether offering a heartfelt compliment to young or old or sharing his unfiltered thoughts, Appa has an extraordinary ability to make people feel truly seen. With him, what you saw was exactly who he was—authentic and unapologetically himself.

Even when faced with health challenges, Appa’s mind never rested. He found joy in staying engaged – whether through a game of online chess or penning down his thoughts. His unwavering integrity and commitment to his principles has guided him through life. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, and his words always carried weight because they came from a place of honesty and courage.

That same fearless authenticity is what drew me closer to him. It wasn’t just his stories or games that left an impression; it was how he lived – boldly, sincerely, and without pretense. It’s a trait I see reflected in his children: the courage to be themselves and the joy of embracing life fully.

Appa’s life is a vibrant example of living with purpose, staying true to oneself, and finding joy in every chapter. His energy, integrity, and spontaneity continue to inspire me and remind me that life, with all its twists and turns, is best lived with honesty and a full heart.

The Mist Between Worlds

Jasmine

As the laptop screen dims on another workday, Annie feels the familiar call of her evening ritual – that sacred pause between who she needs to be and who she truly is. The shower beckons, promising its daily transformation. She has learnt to trust these shower routines as her daily alchemy, transforming work-worn moments into peace.

Disconnecting from outside chaos, she steps into her bathroom leaving her phone behind. Her bare feet touching the bathroom floor, she is aware of each step. She looks at herself in the mirror, loosens her neck, and takes a deep breath. She brings herself to the moment before turning the shower on.

Steam begins to rise, creating a dreamy veil in the bathroom. A lavender candle flickers in the corner, its gentle aroma mixing with the rising mist. She steps into the shower, letting hot water stream over her like a waterfall of mercy, each drop washing away the digital echoes of the day. The bathroom slowly fills with fog, creating her own peaceful sanctuary.

A variety of soaps wait for her to be picked up, each fragrance in her collection speaks to her differently – lavender whispers calm like a twilight, rose calls for a walk in a lovely garden, jasmine carries echoes of childhood summers when fresh blooms adorned her hair, and citrus sings morning freshness. She holds each bar as if reading a story through her palms, letting the day’s need guide her choice.

Today her hands reach for the rose soap, which melts between her warming palms like a flower opening to morning sun. Each bubble carries memories of garden walks, each fragrant swirl a gentle reminder of beauty in simplicity. She watches the lather trace patterns on her skin, letting the water’s rhythm wash away the digital static of her day.

After the cascading waters release their healing, she envelops her body in a cotton cloud towel, this simple act as a continuation of her evening grace. She walks slowly towards the mirror and meets her reflection with a smile. She opens the drawer and gets a few oils out and carefully places them. She mixes the Vitamin E infused coconut oil with a few drops of lavender oil and rubs them against her palms until warm and gently applies them on her skin passionately feeling every bump. She listens to her skin, her body and what her body tells her. She massages her stomach, legs, hands with oil. Next, she gets her favorite Shea oil and rubs along with a few drops of lavender oil in her palms until warm, and applies on her neck and face in a slow mindful upward circular motion.

Each mindful touch – from trimming nails to brushing teeth – becomes another note in the symphony of self-care. She then gently massages castor oil into her eyebrows and eyelashes.

She pauses and takes a moment to smell the oil from her palms, gazing at herself with gratitude for her body, acknowledging the beauty she is, as she is a child of the Creator Himself.

She wears her sleepwear that her body can breathe in, combs her hair parting sideways, applies her favorite rose scented cologne behind her ears.

Facing the mirror one last time, she sees beyond the reflection to the journey of her evening ritual. The day’s tensions have dissolved like soap bubbles, transformed into something lighter, clearer.

As she winds up in bed to self-reflect with her chamomile tea, she feels restored to herself – not just clean, but renewed. Her gratitude flows as naturally as the evening’s ritual, each word a testament to this daily practice of coming home to herself.

A New Chance Each Dawn

Sunrise

That famous line from the movie, Groundhog Day, has always stayed with me:

“I wake up every day, right here, right in Punxsutawney, and it’s always February 2nd, and there’s nothing I can do about it.“

It’s funny how a lighthearted movie from 1993 would later help me understand something profound about daily life.

Living in our top-floor condo, I’m blessed to witness each sunrise through the glass walls of our home. These morning moments have been sacred – a time to be present with our Creator, to feel gratitude, and to ask guidance to align my actions with His Will. As I practiced living more from the Heart, these sunrises took on a deeper meaning, gently reminding me to pause and connect with what truly matters.

During a phase when I got caught in some patterns that triggered the negativities within, I felt a fleeting sense of hopelessness about myself. But like many difficult moments, this one led to an unexpected gift of understanding.

One morning, while praying and watching the sun rise, I was reminded of Groundhog Day. In the movie, the protagonist wakes every morning to the same day, initially feeling stuck and frustrated. But as he begins to embrace the repetition, he discovers he can make better choices and live from a more meaningful place. I realized that each day offers us the same opportunity. Each morning is a fresh chance to choose our Creator in everything we do.

I began to see every day as a gift – a single day to walk, talk, eat, drink, listen, and interact from the Heart, for our Creator. This perspective led me to start a nightly journaling practice. At the end of each day, I reflect on moments I’m grateful for and areas where I can grow. Then, in prayer, I surrender all my efforts and desires to our Creator, trusting that His Will is far greater than anything I can imagine or understand.

Over time, this practice became like a lighthearted game I play with myself – taking away any heaviness or stress about “doing it right.” Each sunrise becomes a cheerful “here we go again” moment, like the movie, but with playful enthusiasm for the new opportunity ahead. This sense of play makes it easier to be gentle with myself, to approach each day’s choices with curiosity rather than judgment.

This spirit of playfulness extended into every part of my day. Whether responding to work emails, doing household chores, or scrolling through my phone – each moment became another chance to choose our Creator’s love. Even technology, which often pulls us away from presence, became part of this gentle game of staying heart-centered.

Each sunrise reminds me that our Creator gives us a new day, a new chance to choose love. Just as the sun rises fresh each morning, we too can begin again, carrying this lightness into everything we do – from the biggest decisions to the smallest daily tasks. At day’s end, reflecting in my journal helps me notice these moments – both when I remembered to act from the Heart and when I forgot. This isn’t about judging myself, but about gently observing and learning, always with that playful spirit of “let’s try again tomorrow.”

Each day brings this gentle reminder – that like the protagonist in Groundhog Day, we can choose to see repetition not as being stuck, but as a gift of continuous renewal. In this simple practice of greeting each dawn with gratitude, reflecting each evening with humility, and carrying a playful heart through it all has taught me to make each “same day” new again.

Perhaps you too have found your own way of making each day a fresh beginning. I’d love to hear how you approach this daily journey of the heart.