The Roads She Paved…
March is here, and with it comes the celebration of women & their spirit. As we observe International Women’s Day, I’m reminded of a remarkable encounter that left an indelible mark on me.
Amidst the city’s bustle, I hailed an auto-rickshaw. The driver—a woman—navigated the streets with quiet confidence. It was a rare sight in a space where men far outnumber women. Curious, I struck up a conversation.
Her name was Valarmathi. Warm and open, she shared her journey. Before driving an auto, she juggled two shifts as a delivery person, surviving on just three hours of sleep. “It wasn’t good for me or my kids,” she admitted. “So, auto it was.” With her husband struggling with alcoholism, she had to step up—to support her family and her children’s education.
“What was your first day like?” I asked.
She smiled, amusement and determination flickering in her eyes. “Challenging,” she said. “The men… their looks weren’t kind. So, I did what I had to do. I shaved my head. I wanted them to see me as a driver, not just a woman.”
Two years later, she still faces challenges, but they no longer define her. With every fare she picks up, with every turn of the wheel, she’s carving a path—not just for herself, but for others who dare to step beyond society’s expectations. And through it all, her smile remains—radiant, unwavering, powerful.
As we neared my stop, I asked, “And when you’re not carrying the world on your shoulders, what do you do just for yourself?”
“As a kid, I loved making kolams (intricate rice-flour patterns at the entrance of homes) with Amma. Even now, I wake up early to draw one outside my house. It clears my mind.”
Sitting in that auto, I was struck by her resilience. My worries felt minuscule compared to the burdens she carried with such grace. This tiny, seemingly frail woman possessed the strength of a titan.
As I stepped out, I told her how happy I was to have met her. She smiled. “I’m happy too, madam. I once questioned if I could do this, but somewhere along the way, I found myself.”
Everyday heroes like Valarmathi remind us that strength isn’t about physical power—it’s about an unshaken spirit that rises above adversity.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Maya Angelou
Let’s Learn:
I recently learned the right way to meditate. But don’t worry, I’m not here to make you meditate (unless you want to). Instead, here’s a fun way to clear your mind—I call it the Scribble Dribble.
1. Grab a pen and paper.
2. Set a 5-minute timer.
3. Doodle—no rules, no overthinking. Just let your pen wander.
Your mind will try to distract you. (even better, try it with your non-dominant hand). That’s okay—just focus on the movement of your pen. By the time the timer’s up, you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and maybe even a little creative.
Want more fun? Check out @ezzshow on Instagram for some mental workout, I find them to be a real good stress buster! 🎉
A Thought to Reflect On
Arrange Your Shoes Neatly.
Yes, you read that right. The way you place your shoes mirrors your mindset. Aligning them brings mindfulness, respect, and a touch of order to life.
Try it this month—let me know if it helped!
