Chandni Akhenia

In a world that glorifies being busy, saying "no" can feel like an act of rebellion. We're conditioned to say "yes" to every opportunity, favor, or invitation, believing that agreeing to everything is the mark of a kind, capable, and successful person. But while saying "yes" might open doors, it can also leave you overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from your true priorities. The art of saying "no" is not about shutting out the world; it's about protecting your mental space so you can show up fully for what truly matters. Imagine your mental energy as a jar of marbles. Each commitment, whether big or small, costs a few marbles. If you keep giving them away without replenishing the jar, you’ll eventually run out—leaving you drained and unable to care for yourself or others. Saying "no" is like keeping some of those marbles for yourself, ensuring your energy and focus remain intact. It’s a radical form of self-care that allow...

In a world where productivity often takes precedence over well-being, mental health can sometimes feel like a luxury instead of a necessity. We live in a society that celebrates hustle culture—ticking off endless to-do lists, meeting impossible deadlines, and sacrificing sleep for success. But at what cost? Imagine a thriving garden that is never watered or nurtured. Over time, it wilts, no matter how beautiful it once was. Our mental health is much the same; it requires care, attention, and, above all, prioritization. Your mental health is the foundation for everything in your life: your work, relationships, creativity, and even your physical health. When your mind is calm and cared for, you are better equipped to navigate life's storms. But neglecting it can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical illnesses. The mind and body are deeply interconnected, yet we often forget to tend to the mind while rushing to meet external expectations. Think of it this way: You w...

Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown. Whether it's your first session or you’ve been in therapy for a while, you might find yourself wondering if you're doing it "right." Thoughts like, "Why can't I say what I’m feeling?" or "Is it weird that I’m crying?" are incredibly common. But here’s the truth: therapy isn’t about perfection. It’s about exploration, vulnerability, and progress – all of which can be messy, and that’s okay. In fact, the things that make you feel uncomfortable or uncertain in therapy are often the most powerful parts of the process. Let’s dive into some of the experiences that are perfectly normal in a therapy session. One of the most common experiences is crying, and it can come without warning. Sometimes, emotions you've been holding in for weeks, months, or even years surface in the therapy room. Tears may flow as you talk about something painful, or they might surprise you even when you’re unsure w...

"I have myself before I have anybody else" These simple yet profound words encapsulate a truth that resonates deeply within each of us. In a world where we are often encouraged to prioritize the needs and expectations of others, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of self-love and self-care. However, understanding and embracing this concept can be the key to unlocking true happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Think about the last time you boarded a plane. Before takeoff, the flight attendants always instruct passengers to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting others. This analogy beautifully illustrates the essence of the quote. Just as we must take care of ourselves first in an emergency situation, we must also prioritize our own well-being and happiness in our day-to-day lives. But what does it really mean to have ourselves before anybody else? It's not about being selfish or self-absorbed; rather, it's about recognizing our own worth and nurtu...

Closure is like stitching up a wound in your heart. It's about finishing what was left undone, letting go of the "could haves," "should haves," and "would haves," and finding peace within yourself. Sometimes, we carry around baggage from the past, burdens that weigh us down and keep us from moving forward. But closure is the key to unlocking the chains that bind us to our pain. One of the hardest parts of the closure is facing the things we wish we had done differently. We all have regrets, moments we wish we could go back and change. But dwelling on the past only keeps us stuck in a cycle of guilt and shame. Closure means accepting that we can't change the past, but we can learn from it. It's about forgiving ourselves for our mistakes and understanding that we did the best we could with what we knew at the time. Closure is also about rebuilding bonds that may have been broken along the way. Relationships can be complicated, and sometimes they ...

Heart: You know, Mind, love is often described as something simple and pure – "love is love," they say. But deep down, I wonder, is it really that simple? Are we complicating something that should come naturally? Mind: Ah, Heart, you bring up a fascinating point. Love is a complex emotion, a blend of feelings that can stir us to our core. And yes, while the idea of "love is love" sounds straightforward, our interpretations and experiences can certainly complicate matters. Heart: That’s true. It's like there's this hidden cheat code to love, something that could make it easier to navigate. But does such a code really exist? Mind: Well, Heart, I believe that while there's no magic formula, there are certain indicators that guide us toward recognizing true love. Take, for instance, the difference between love and simply liking someone. Heart: Absolutely. Liking someone is great, but love goes deeper. It's about being entirely comfortable with wh...

  Overthinking is like a Torture overpassing. It's hell to be stuck with a constant series of discomforting thoughts in your head. Over-thinking is like a slow poison. The brain is complicated; you have to think of not thinking about something in an attempt to think about something, to avoid thinking about it. It is desperate. We are overthinking since we are desperate creatures chasing answers. We like certitude and we like to be in charge. Don't worry its tactical aspect of human existence.   At any specific stage in life our thoughts can be driven in such a way that our view of the same set of circumstances changes from bright sunny to gloomy and thundery. And then, as we slip the sly  slope  of overthinking, our minds are overflowing with attacks like that. I’ve never thought about this," you probably might say this to yourself. So let me get this straight: You’re constantly thinking, but you're never thinking of how much time your feelings sound like an addictio...