Happiness is an Inside Job.. Hello, lovely people, I know it’s been… | by Parika Bhatli

Hello, lovely people, I know it’s been long since I’ve written anything or been on social media. I’ve been busy with life in general and spending time introspecting, trying to accept who I am — as a survivor, an individual, and in all the roles I play, like being someone’s daughter, sister, colleague, friend, etc. I really don’t know how to portray this, but I’ve started realizing a weird calmness amidst the chaos. I’m not always able to decipher my moods, but I’m learning to embrace them and let them go. I haven’t mastered the art of it yet, but I’m learning. The idea that being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health is something I’m trying to embrace wholeheartedly. I’ve learned to rest instead of quit.

It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart. Unfortunately, I’ve done this again and again, and there are days when I just sit and cry my heart out, reflecting on how far I’ve come. There are days when I still question why I always have to be strong, but then I realize everyone is trying in their own ways. Battles and situations might be different, but each individual is fighting their own battle.

It’s all about embracing the fact that happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. Only you know how to keep going and when to seek help—just don’t give up. If you find yourself in a bad place, there’s no point in staying there. You need to keep going—literally and figuratively—to get out.

Life doesn’t always go as planned; sometimes, it can feel like you’re stuck in a rough patch. But no matter how tough things get, remember that you have the power to keep going. It’s not always fun, but pushing through is far better than giving up. You can choose to cling to the pain or hold onto faith, putting one foot in front of the other, knowing that these tough times won’t last forever. There will be ups and downs, no matter how positive the overall trend might be. Highs and lows are a natural part of the journey.

Expecting a life without challenges is setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, focus on learning how to thrive, even when things aren’t perfect. Difficult moments can be the most rewarding, teaching you resilience and helping you grow in ways you never expected. Embrace the struggle as part of the process, knowing that it’s shaping you into a stronger, more capable version of yourself. The bad times won’t last, but the lessons you learn from them will stay with you forever.

There are days when I feel so low that all I can do is cry, and I’m overwhelmed by the urge to do nothing at all. But in those moments, I remind myself that it’s just one day, and it will pass. Nothing lasts forever — not happiness, not sadness. Life moves in cycles, and each good or bad phase eventually fades. We all experience these emotional ebbs and flows, and what matters most is believing in ourselves. Quiet, a persistent voice within us whispers, “Don’t give up.” Always listen to that voice, especially when things feel tough. Accepting our flaws and continuing to move forward is what keeps us going.

Life is about navigating these emotional waves, trusting brighter days ahead. Even when the storm feels relentless, we must keep sailing, knowing that every phase has its end. Through this self-belief and perseverance, we find the strength to carry on, no matter how rough the waters may seem. One of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves is the responsibility for our happiness.

I guess I’m still learning that life is a series of falls and rises. Each time I stumble, it feels like the ground is giving way beneath me, but I’m reminded of my strength. With every rise, the truth is that falling isn’t failing; it’s a part of growing. Every scar and bruise reminds me that I’ve been through something challenging and came out a little stronger and wiser on the other side. I’m learning to embrace these moments, to see the falls as opportunities to grow, and to celebrate the rises, no matter how small they may seem. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about never falling; it’s about getting up every single time with more grace and resilience. I guess I’m still on that journey, learning to honour each rise and each fall, knowing they’re all a part of becoming who I’m meant to be.

I’ll end with a quote from one of my favourite authors:

“You are the sky. Everything else — it’s just the weather.” — Pema Chödrön

Sending you lots of hope, love, and strength. See you next time ❤