Oct 13 2021: Life, one day at a time
A year ago to today: Body keeps score - it's really true ...
I can’t believe its been a year since the incident - my blackout, fall and scar on my face. The day I had to rethink what’s really important for me and pay attention to the signs my body was giving me.
For starts, I haven’t had a blackout in a year so that’s good right? I am doing what I love and living life one day at a time. And guess what, a year has passed by. And the scar has healed in its own way with time. I don’t notice it anymore, but its there in a subtle way to remind me right when I need it.
Oct 13, 2021 -- Sharing my story with the world!
As I look back in the past year, it seems like a story in a fairytale, how my life is right where it needs to be. Yes, I am a huge disney fan - I wonder if there is subconscious levels of thinking happening without my knowledge?
Today, I am a mentor, author and explorer - all 3 in 1, with explorer being my wild card - exploring the world around the corner and trying new things as I go.
Mentor
Who knew mentoring would make me feel alive every time. I love when I can help folks be their best and I am blessed to have mentoring opportunities since 2020.
Product Marketing Alliance - 50+ hours, 20+ mentees (June 2020 - Oct 2021)
What started in June 2020 as a “let’s try mentoring” became the best thing in my life. And now I can add teaching to the mix.
I recently started to teach product marketing at the PMA in March 2022 and I can’t find the right words to express my joy in sharing my PMM learning and experiences with product marketers around the world - North America, Europe and Australasia. 10+ cohorts, 200+ students - thanks PMA for this opportunity!ADPList - 🚀 2,520 mins | 75+ sessions | 6 countries (Dec 2021 - Oct 2022)
GrowthMentor - 8 sessions | 4 videos (Feb - Oct 2022)
DraperU - 4 cohorts | 20+ mentees (Jan, Apr 2022 | Jun 2021 | Oct 2020)
and many more - folks connecting via LinkedIn or Email. I always have time for my mentees, now that I am not locked into a 9 to 5 full time job. It’s refreshing to say the least. I love how our conversations are diverse - from stories of anxiety to product marketing to leadership and everything in between. I am an observer for good as my friend says - a keen eye to the details and the non-verbal cues.
Author
In this past one year, I was able to self-publish 4 books and 2 more in the noodling phase at this moment. And each book is unique in its own way - stress and anxiety, authentic leadership, writing and self-publishing, and product marketing.
I guess these books are my reflection in the mirror of who I am. I am many things in one as I uncover my identity - my true authentic self and learning to be a voice that matters in this world.
I had a lovely conversation with my dear writing friend, and I am so glad we connected via Lunchclub - the best of our worlds coming together even though we are literally 1000s of miles apart now in different continents. She inspires me to continue on my writing journey and I shared my new exploration into converting these books into audiobook, one book at a time. (to be continued…)
It’s amazing how the universe works. I got a little nudge last week from a narrator who reached out via LinkedIn and gave me the first clue into the world of audiobook creation: ACX - Audible Creator Exchange. As I learn more about audiobook narration, editing and publishing on Audible as an author, I will share a blog in the future. Stay tuned.
Nov 2022 - And First audiobook is ready :)
[Audiobook] A Broken Teacup - Filling the Cracks with Mindfulness, Essentialism and Self-care
I smiled today when I created an account on ACX and this showed up - Audible searched for my name and found my books on Amazon for me to claim. My heart skipped a beat. Can’t believe this is all happening in just a year.
My love for reading continues with Goodreads and I am exploring books I would never have read in the past. For my first time in my life, I read a book in one day - Jhumpa Lahiri - the Namesake. A big thanks to Reading Room Calicut, San Francisco Public library and Wake County Public Library for feeding my soul. Mucho gracias.
And here are a few books I picked from my sister’s community library today to read and find new voices in me.
Explorer
Even though I am not traveling as before, I am continuing to travel virtually and meet folks around the world, appreciate nature and capture moments - one moment at a time. Connected with folks in Nigeria, Taiwan, South Africa, Finland and more …
As a mentor, my Oct 13, 2022 conversations around the world -
Lisbon, Portugal → Sydney, Australia → Bratislava, Slovakia →
Philadelphia, PA → Liverpool, UK → San Francisco, CA …
A world tour indeed :)
As Fall is here, I miss the fall colors and my friends are sharing pics and the joy with me. I am lucky to have experienced Fall in Raleigh, NC in 2021 - so much appreciation for the seasons of a lifetime.
Fall colors 2021 - Unsplash | Div Manickam
I found red dragon fruit, blueberry, avocado here in Calicut, Kerala, India and amazed how food can trasport you to your favorite moments in life. Who knew Driscoll’s Blueberry (from Peru) could be found in the Fruit stall 15 minutes from Calicut home.
And did I tell you about the passion fruit plant/vine in my parent’s garden that is growing on our plumeria tree that keeps on giving atleast one fruit a day. Pure bliss.
My love for Food and signature recipes from my mom (hope to preserve them in some way) is one of my ideas for the next book that my mind is noodling on - One meal at a time. It’s true food breaks barriers of culture and I love to explore different cuisines and find simple ways to make food my own - a dash of lavender or cardamom can change food flavors for life. Baked lavender cookies with my niece and that was pure joy.
And I am determined to continue to do what I love - mentor, write and teach along the way and see what the road less travelled looks like ahead.
Ciao! Adios amigos!
Live your life to the fullest. It’s totally worth it!