My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

High 5 on a Friday!

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Oh man, what a week!  There’s a reason why I haven’t blogged in a while.

While things were pretty up and down for the past 10 days or so, I’m happy to report that everything is fine now.

So with that, let’s get to my five things for this week…

ONE – I’ll begin with the one that didn’t start out on a high note.  I mentioned in this IG post that I was experiencing a rash/hives of some sort.  I experienced something similar last April, so I knew what this could lead to which forced me to go to doctor sooner than later.  To make a long story short, I ended up having to go on steroids for this random episode of hives because none of the over the counter stuff was helping…at all.  After lots of itchiness and two major ‘attacks,’ I’m happy to report that it looks like this gross (you should’ve seen my skin!) episode is over.  I’m not thrilled about having to take steroids but am thankful to have found something that works for me.  I’m very well aware of the side effects and am definitely monitoring my state of mind, emotional responses to things, and my hunger levels.

You’re probably what the heck caused this.  Well, the short answer is we don’t know.  We couldn’t pinpoint an exact cause last April, and I don’t think we’ll know with certainty what brought on this episode either.  Vishnu and I think it’s our detergent, but again, that’s just an educated guess.  I’ve done the full panel allergy testing, and nothing out of the ordinary showed up.  My doctor thinks I may be one of those people who randomly breaks out in hives every so often. Yay.  I’m going to take the extra step and do a little more follow-up with my doctor before the end of the year because there’s a slim chance this could be more serious.  Here’s the hopefully getting some concrete answers!

Also, I should mention that while all of this was annoying to deal with, I feel very lucky that it was something we could deal with. #silverlinings

TWO – Moving on to happier things.  My in laws visited us this past weekend, and it was a blast!  Kaiden really enjoyed getting in person one-on-one time with his Achacha (grandpa) and Ammama (grandma).  The minute we opened the door and let them into the apartment, he was standing there swaying and smiling!  My FIL attended a conference Thursday-Sunday, which meant his time at home was a little more limited, but overall we got to squeeze in a few fun things and are really looking forward to getting some time together over the holidays when we’re in Atlanta!

THREE – You guys!  I think Kaiden’s going through a major development/growth spurt.  For one, he’s been a little moodier than usual, which usually means something.  But more importantly, he’s talking in full sentences now (for the most part!).  It’s insane.  Every time he puts a subject and verb together with the words a or the, my mind is blown! How is my baby old enough to be doing this already!?

K will also be moving on to the older two’s classroom at the end of the month, and that means he’ll be with older kids (2.5-3 yo).  I’m hoping this continues to help him grow, learn, and develop!

FOUR – The most exciting update I have today is that we leave for Cabo tomorrow!  YAY!  I can’t wait to spend 5 whole days with my family relaxing and reconnecting!  I’ll be sure to do a full recap post for anyone who’s interested (and so I can selfishly relive this vacation for years to come).  Kaiden is super excited about going on an airplane again and going to the beach (his first time!).  Now if I could just get a magic packing fairy to come pack for me!  😊

FIVE – A few days after we get back from Cabo, I leave for London (for another 5 nights).  But before I go, we are getting together with a few of my Chicago friends, their hubbies, and their babies to celebrate Diwali!  More than anything, I’m so thankful for the good friends I have in my life right now.  The friends that just get it and don’t judge.  These ‘normal’ friendships are everything right now, and I’m so thankful that Kaiden and Vishnu also get their own little crews as well. 

Well, you guys, that’s all I have for this week!  Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more behind the scenes type stuff over the next few weeks.  I’ll probably be more active on there. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

How I Integrate Life, Work, and Blogging

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A while back, I asked my Instagram followers about the things they want me to share more about.  A couple of people asked about how I balance blogging/IG with work and life.  Great question, and I finally have an answer.

Before I give you a taste of my secret sauce, let me share a bit of background information for anyone who’s new around here…

I’m a full-time working mom to a two-year-old little boy who’s the light of my life.  I’m married to the love of my life, and the three of us live in Chicago.  I work for a global professional services firm on the Global People and Culture team as a senior project manager (in a nutshell).  I’ve been with my current organization for over seven years and have worked in Miami, St. Petersburg (100% from home), and now Chicago.

In terms of this blog, I started it in January 2011 kind of on a whim.  I had been reading healthy living blogs for a year leading up to this point and finally decided to start my own when my best friend posed the question, “Why not you?” 

MIS started as a healthy living blogpodge (lol!).  It’s definitely evolved over the years as my life has changed.  I’d now characterize it as a motherhood lifestyle blog that covers all my passions and interests.  Vague?  Sure, but that’s part of my secret sauce!

Some of you may also follow me on Instagram where I share stories, ideas, etc. as well.  That’s another platform that I love sharing, connecting, and engaging on.  I’ve had an account since 2012 but started using it a little differently about two years ago when I became a mom.

Ok, so that’s that!  Now for my secret sauce.

  1. First and foremost, writing, connecting, engaging, and building a community is something I’m VERY passionate about.  It’s the sole reason why I’ve been able to keep going for so long.  If you’re not deeply passionate about what you’re sharing, if you don’t believe in what you’re saying/sharing, if you’re not authentic about it, you won’t be able to stick to it long term.  Period.  With that being said, sometimes this means that you write and share about a variety of topics (MIS is truly a blogpodge!).  I know they say that to succeed with blogging, you have to have a niche, but I know myself, and if I only focused on one area of my life, MIS would’ve died a slow death years ago.  Do YOU!
  2. If you’re not motivated or are lacking passion, don’t write.  People can tell when you’re half-assing it.  Also, giving yourself the gift of time and living your life usually helps increase creativity. 
  3. I used to have a detailed content calendar.  Then I became a mom.  I know this works really well for some people, but not for me (at least not right now).  Now, I try to plan my content out a week at a time…if that.  Sometimes it’s just an idea that comes up and I write about it.  Sometimes it’s something I’ve deliberately plugged in for the week.
  4. Capture your ideas as they come to you.  I have random blog ideas in my blogging notebook, my notes app, and my email.  This helps make time for the actual content creation/writing. 
  5. I use a lot of my ‘free’ time to draft posts.  Early morning, lunchtime, nap time, nights, etc.  Thankfully, after nine years, the ideas and words come to me fairly quickly/easily.  I formulate all of my posts in my head, capture as much as I can when I can, and then edit and share.
  6. 80% good is good enough for me.  For example, some people focus on pictures.  For me, I focus on my words and the depth of my content.  Some people do both well, but that’s not me.  I know this and don’t beat myself up for it and then procrastinate because my pictures aren’t great.  This ultimately gives me more time to focus on what’s important to me…writing and engaging.
  7. And finally, have boundaries.  Family/life will always come first for me.  Then work and then blogging.  This can be all consuming, especially when you love the blogging/IG world, but I constantly remind myself that this blog is a very special hobby.  Absolutely nothing will not fall apart if I don’t share or keep up with this space!

I hope this answers the question that was posed.  There’s no perfect formula or way to balance the things that you love and are passionate about.  At the end of the day, you just have to do and be you.  😊

Your turn – how do you integrate life and your passions (doesn’t have to be blogging)?

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High 5 on a Friday

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How is it the end of the week already? Not sure why, but in general, September is flying by. Next week it’s October, people! How?

Anyways, this was another good week. Nothing spectacular, but nice because we got some family time in last weekend and over the course of the week. Kaiden finally seems to be conquering the art of independent play at home (KNOCKING ON ALL THE WOOD!). All good stuff!

With that, here are my 5 random things…

ONE – I made Piping Pot Curry’s Instant Pot Chole Masala, and you guys, it’s delicious! I didn’t even have all the ingredients, but I improvised, and it still turned out great. A definite must make!

I also made these banana oat blender muffins after trying the ones my friend Pankti made. Honestly…these are some of the easiest and tastiest muffins I’ve made to date! Vishnu, K, and I all loved them. So much so that I think I’ll have to make two batches the next time around!

TWO – Let’s talk about Fall TV! Did you guys catch the season premieres of This is Us and A Million Little Things? I don’t want to give anything away, but man oh man, am I excited!!! I love these shows because not only are they human and real, but there are so many layers…

Vishnu and I are still watching the Americans. We just started season 4! Another great show, and thankfully one that doesn’t make me cry!

THREE – It’s time for me to pick a new book or two to take me through the end of the year and all my travels! I just finished How Toddlers Thrive (loved it by the way) but am now in the mood for some good fiction. I’ve heard good things about American Royals, Things You Save in a Fire, and My Friend Anna, and The Silent Patient.

What are you reading right now?

FOUR – It’s been a while since I’ve watched a movie by myself. My sister told me she recently watched Home Again and liked it, so I made that last Friday’s movie. Who doesn’t love Reese Witherspoon in a rom-com?!

I thought it was a good movie. Nothing spectacular but a nice feel good kind of movie. A solid 3.8 stars! 🙂

FIVE – I’m having an off week this week because one of my favorite coworkers put in her resignation. I’m SO SO SO happy for her, but so so so sad for me! HA!

Also, to add to that emotional mess, one of my favorite instructors at the gym is moving. I literally teared up when saying bye to her!

With that, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Authenticity in Motherhood (Blogging)

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Authenticity in motherhood – what a heavy topic.  But this is something that’s been on my mind for a while, so let’s just delve right in.

While I don’t share every single aspect of my life via this blog or on Instagram, whatever I do share is 100% real and 100% me.  Good, bad, whatever – you get what you see on MIS!

This is us.

Now, I have no way of knowing whether or not other people operate with the same mindset.  Maybe there are people out there who truly live the perfectly curated lives they depict.  Or maybe some people only choose to share the good stuff, which doesn’t mean the bad doesn’t exist. 

Whatever the case may be, you do you, boo!  I’m not here to judge.  We all have the right to tell our story however we please.

However, what I do take issue with is people creating fake online personas.  I’ve read countless articles about moms renting houses to capture the perfect picture or having their kids pose by the pool only to pack up and leave immediately afterwards.  One article I read even talked about how some moms create the ‘perfect mess’ to showcase. 

People have time to actually create messes!?

Again, you do you, boo.  But at least be honest about it.

I am no longer influenced by pictures of perfect moms with their perfect bodies and their perfect homes and their perfect kids.  I’m only half joking here!  What I’m trying to say is that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that no one’s life is perfect despite what we may see online. 

But I think a lot more people are influenced by this so-called perfection than they let on.  Otherwise, how could mommy blogging be something like an $11 million industry?! 

No perfection here. Just a mama and her baby sitting in the lobby of their building because baby didn’t want to be in the apartment!

This is again one of those babbling posts, but the point I’m trying to make is this.  I wish, with my whole heart, that alongside some of those beautiful pictures, more people shared the whole truth – bloggers or not.  The truth about how motherhood is one of the most beautiful and raw journeys you will ever go on, and this means you are riding big waves for the rest of your life.  Some days/moments, you’ll be that experienced surfer who owns the wave she’s about the ride, and some days/moments, you’ll crash and go under.  But you’ll always rise, no matter what.  Because that’s how powerful motherhood is!

I think if we can get to a place of true authenticity, where we talk about the ups AND the downs and share our real homes and real messes (!!), more people (both moms and dads) will feel comfortable sharing their stories.  And if nothing else, less parents will feel alone. 

Thanks for reading!  Let me know what you think in the comments below or via IG or email (myinnershakti@gmail.com).  Clearly, this is a topic I’m super passionate about!

High 5 on a Friday!

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Another week in the books! And it was a good one. I got a big project out the door for work while kicking off another one. Kaiden just seemed to be extra happy this week. And we have Vishnu back. A simple yet good week!

With that, let’s dive into my 5 things!

I didn’t have any other pictures that went with this post! Even though you can’t see his face, isn’t he the cutest? Look at his little foot!

ONE – Ok, I have a water bottle rec for all my moms out there. Kaiden’s never been a big water drinker, but ever since we got this bottle, he’s drinking H2O like crazy! It’s not completely leak proof, but it does the trick. I’ve been looking for good straw bottle for a while and am so thankful I found this one!

TWO – My friend Shelly started a company to help pass on the Indian culture to her kids. It’s called Khyalo Toys. She sent me her first product, a Diwali book, and guys, it’s incredible! The storytelling, the illustrations, everything. And did I mention that Shelly is a lawyer, a mom of 2, and a wife (#marriedtomedicine). Remind of this when I start making excuses! I’m going to be sharing more about Shelly and Khaylo Toys in future posts and on my IG page, but wanted to share now so you can check out her book!

THREE – Our weekend plans consist of a Friday night movie (for me!) because Vishnu has to work an overnight shift; errands/library on Saturday morning and a play date in the afternoon with a good friend of mine and her son (we’re thinking of letting the dads take over and heading out for dinner and wine because we haven’t had a chance to catch up in a LONG time); and a Sunday morning play date with another friend who has kids around K’s age. Love it when this stuff aligns!

FOUR – I took a strength based gym class this week and decided to up my weights and really push myself. Holy moly! My arms and upper back were so sore the next day. So much so that the next day I walked all the way to the gym for another class but turned around as soon as I got there. Ha! My gut was telling me to rest even though I wanted to push through. But then I had Vishnu’s voice in my head telling me to take it easy and not hurt myself. So treadmill intervals at the apartment gym it was!

FIVE – You guys, bath time in our house has recently gone from fun and easy to chaotic and crazy. It’s hard to convince K to get in the tub, and it’s also hard to convince him to get out. We can’t win!

That’s all I’ve got, guys! I hope you have a fun weekend.

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Starting a Family in Your 30s

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I want to start this post by saying one thing.  There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to starting a family.  These are purely my thoughts, as my husband and I did choose to start in our 30s.

Ok, first things first.  I didn’t always want to start in my 30s.  In fact, I had a very detailed plan when I was 17 that was all about how I would be done having babies by the time I was 30.  HA!

But then I met Vishnu, went to grad school, started a job that had me moving around the country for two years, got married, and supported my husband on his medical school and residency (and soon-to-be fellowship) journey.  In all fairness, there was no way we could’ve juggled a kid with all that we had going on for the first 4-5 years of our marriage. 

I like to think that while I once wanted kids in my 20s, Kaiden came to us at the perfect time.  I was 33 when I had K, and Vishnu was 32. 

And when I say right time, I don’t just mean age.  I mean financially, I mean in terms of my career and Vishnu’s, I mean in terms of who we are as people now vs. in our 20s, etc.

With that being said, I do think there are some benefits to starting earlier if you want and your situation allows it.  You have more energy in your 20s (and trust me kids require lots of energy).  You also have time if there are complications in getting pregnant.  There are probably more pros for this that I’m not thinking of.

But personally, since we started in our 30s, I can look back and be comforted by the fact that (FOR US!) it’s a good thing we had K when we did.  I’m so much more patient now than I was a decade ago.  I also have more control over my career and am making more money than I was in my 20s (which is helpful because daycare costs in Chicago are astronomical!).  I also feel like with Vishnu’s career being more final in a way (with med school being over and done with), it’s one thing we don’t have to think about too much.  This helps us keep the focus on K versus other career-related worries.  Vishnu and I are also much more grounded in our relationship now than ever before.  And I didn’t know it until we had Kaiden, but this is so important when you have kids. 

And not that it matters what everyone else is doing, but the majority of my friends started their families in their 30s.  Some sooner, some later, but because they put their educations and careers first, it just worked out this way.  It’s kind of cool because now our kids are all around the same age.  In fact, four of my close girlfriends and I had kids with 6-8 months of each other. 

I should also share that I have a lot of friends whose siblings had kids into their early 40s.  I know this isn’t possible for everyone, but if you’re not quite there yet with the whole idea of having kids, if you’re still trying, if you’re having trouble, please know that not all is lost at 35 like some people like to remind you. 

I know this is sort of a rambling post, but I wanted to share because I think it’s important to talk about these kinds of things.  It’s easy to think that you’re the only one experiencing something or the only one who doesn’t have everything figured out, but trust me, you’re not! 

The decision to have kids is a HUGE one (at any age!), and while it’s true that no time is the perfect time, I think it’s totally ok to start when you and your partner feel ready. 

Stepping off my soap box!  Have a great day.

P.S. Trust me, I know that some people want to start in their 20s, but because of complications and infertility aren’t able to. My heart goes out to those people, and please know I’m not in any way downplaying that. Again, just sharing my experiences with the hope that by doing so I’m helping someone.

High Five on a Friday!

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This week’s been a good one overall.  I was a little nervous about solo parenting (Vishnu’s in Germany for a bachelor party), but I think we’re managing ok.  It’s the anticipation that gets me to be honest.  If I can manage that, I’m a-okay.

Anyways, let’s get right to it…

ONE – I could not get over Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Twitter war with Trump.  For so many reasons.  And then came Chrissy’s interview on Ellen.  I love her!

TWO – Other than solo parenting going ok, I do have to say it’s been, dare I say, easier than I thought it would be.  Especially now that K’s older and understands more.  Don’t get me wrong, we still have our moments, but it’s honestly fine.  I also took matters into my own hands and made several plans for us over the weekend. Some for me and most for both of us!  Ha!  I figured it’s better to have things lined up than risk him going stir crazy at home.  Cross your fingers for us!

THREE – My grandparents left my parents’ house this week and are now back in California with my masi (aunt).  They took a ton of pics before leaving for the airport, and every single one brought me to tears!  I know how much my parents loved having them around, so it broke my heart that they were already leaving. ~8 weeks went by fast!

FOUR – Toddlers and food.  Enough said!  Overall, K is a pretty good eater, especially at school.  I wouldn’t call him picky by any means.  But when it comes to eating dinner at home, it’s so freaking hit or miss, regardless of how routine our routine is (if you know what I mean).  For example, some days he eats everything + more, and other days, he eats a bite or two and then says he’s done.  I’ve even tried pushing dinner time back, but that doesn’t make much of a difference.  Thank goodness for daycare because at least he eats there! 

FIVE – I don’t know why I steer away from the methods that work for me, but lately, I haven’t been as diligent with my list making.  This week, I started writing everything down again, and it helped soothe my stress SO MUCH!  I felt productive and like I had an actual plan.  So now I’m going back to the basics and writing down EVERYTHING!  Stress begone!

Happy Friday and weekend!  Make it a great one.

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