1. Your blog www.simplyathought.com has readers across cultures and countries and as per Trip Advisor your account @trikhas has over 70,000 readers! What has inspired you to write?

 

I have always been in love with words! Reading, speaking and writing. There is just so much to learn and share. The beauty of being able to make my readers laugh, feel supported, entertained or assist fellow travelers as they explore the world - be it through my blog (www.simplyathought.com) or instagram pages (@simplyathought / @simplyatravel) is an extremely enriching experience for me. Writing has infused positivity in my life and helped me evolve as a person.

 

2. What do you most enjoy about what you do?

 

Courtesy the internet, the world has become a village in terms of quick and easy connectivity. Through my instagram accounts @simplyathought (for written pieces of work) and @simplyatravel (for travel related updates) i can now instantly connect with people across places, cultures, language and time zones. Seeing the readership of the blog grow, reading the wonderful thank you messages of travelers through Trip Advisor, being a part of the ever growing Instagram family is all very rewarding. 

 

3. What difficulties have you endured to make the choices of what you do today?

 

The first stumbling block while making choices is almost always doubting oneself. For all of us, stepping out of our comfort zones can be difficult. It was for me too! There were good days and not so good days in terms of writing flow. I would be able to pen down a thousand words in a flash one day and then have the 'writers block' for weeks! There are times when one is simply in the mood to postpone or just be lazy and then there are days when the mind is too tired to think and hence write. The trick here is to pick up the pen and write even if it's two sentences.

 

 

4. You are involved in a number of Community Initiatives. What motivates you?

 

Dubai offers its residents a chance to be a part of many beautiful community welfare opportunities. For me it has been a privilege to contribute to Community Kitchens, Children Education Programs and Labour Welfare Initiatives run by various outstanding organisations in Dubai. Being a volunteer has brought me immense personal happiness and fulfilment. As I see my husband and son join me in these causes the joy has doubled. 

 

5. What advice do you have for women who are in pursuit of their dreams?

 

It has taken me a while to discover what I truly enjoy. I started my career as a banker and I am pretty sure I will end up as an author! The process of self discovery, believing in yourself and taking each day one at a time is very important. There will be moments when you feel challenged, overwhelmed or discouraged but it's important to remember that these are just moments and that they too shall pass.

 

6. What life lessons have you learnt from Covid-19 that you would like to share with other aspiring women?

 

Women have, since time immemorial, been the fulcrum of their homes. More so during COVID, everyone looks towards the woman, in her role as a mother, wife or daughter for courage, joy and positivity. This has further added to the pressure and responsibilities of women across the world.

 

I am now learning that one needs to care for oneself to be able to effectively take care of your loved ones. Taking time out for yourself during the day, to REST - REJUVENATE - RESTART is important for all women .

 

7. What is your greatest strength and weakness?

 

I am an extremely 'in the moment' kind of woman. My actions, relationships, conversations are all very real and spontaneous. There is an unfiltered, natural flow of energy and that I feel is my biggest strength and at times a weakness as well!

 

8. If you had a choice to have a superpower, what would it be?

 

If i had a superpower, it would be the ability to spread the magic dust of calm and hope around the world!

 

We are all under some kind of pressure which can be extremely stressful. A sense of calm for the mind and the light of hope for the heart. Would love to have the Super Power of Sprinkling Health (Calm) and Happiness (Hope)!