Growing up in 80s and 90s India, creative expressions were hobbies, not something to pursue as a career. Especially in middle class families like mine, you had to become a doctor, engineer or do an MBA so that you can be successful.
I was never studious and loved the extra curricular activities in school. I was the one participating in all the dramas, debates, music and dance competitions but they were less of an expression and more of a release from studies.
When I started college, the pressure to succeed remained. But I started realising that I needed to enhance and explore my creative side to be happy. So I continued with the extra curricular while also putting my effort into getting a degree.
And then I got married and life kicked in with full force. We moved countries and in the struggle to settle and build a life, I forgot all about my creative side. It would be years before I restarted my singing and dancing and started my blog.
My blog has given me a platform to write and express on the topics that are close to my heart. It has also helped me go on a journey of self discovery as I write more and more about me and my life. It has helped me embrace my vulnerability and become stronger as a person.
As I am growing older, my creative expressions are helping me have a zest for life and explore and discover facets that I did not existed.