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  • Pregnancy Survival Guide: Second-Trimester Checklist

    Pregnancy Survival Guide: Second-Trimester Checklist

    Last week, I shared the first-trimester checklist with you. Continuing this week is again, Henna’s second-trimester checklist and why this was her favourite part of the pregnancy.

    Here goes…

    The second trimester was my favourite part of being pregnant.

    The horrendous nausea of the first trimester has passed, and the vastness of the third trimester is yet to come. This is the glowy part.

    Your hair looks amazing, the skin is glowing, you can feel the baby move, and you float around on the bliss of making a new person. I was beaming, glowing, all things awesome. 

     Keeping that in mind, this second-trimester checklist has got you and your little one covered: 

    1) Find Out the Gender: As the days passed by, I just knew it in my heart; it was a boy. My husband, Vic, was sure it was going to be a girl. I was right (mamas know the best). He is now over the moon about having a basketball buddy for life.

    2) Go for a 20-week anatomy scan: One of the highlights for my pregnancy was this scan. For the very first time, we could see the tiny arms and legs, hands and feet and everything else of the baby. To experience our little jelly bean, grow from a peanut to full human with bones melted our hearts.

    3) Plan the gender reveal: Due to COVID, we planned a virtual gender reveal over video call to our friends and family. It wasn’t exactly the way we had hoped it would be. Regardless, we can’t wait to meet our BABY BOY!!!

    4) Buy a pregnancy pillow: My little one was growing so big so fast as the days passed. I found it increasingly difficult to walk or sleep comfortably. To that, my friend recommended me a pregnancy pillow. Luckily, I had soft cushiony pillows at home, so I didn’t need to buy any special ones. However, my friend swears by this pregnancy pillow.

    5) Buy nursing bras:  As my pregnancy progressed, so did my discomfort for anything underwire. My friend has been using this comfortable nursing bra. I found these bras to be reasonably priced as well as insanely comfortable and supportive. Definitely, worth it.

    6) Daily Stretches/Prenatal Yoga: My doctor recommended me prenatal yoga as he rightly predicted that it would help ease my pelvic pain that women very commonly tend to experience as the baby grows. Prenatal yoga also helped me a great deal to stay calm and relaxed throughout my pregnancy.

    7) Get Started on the Nursery: From nursery themes to decor ideas, a lot went into getting my nursery ready. By my third trimester, I had very little to no energy. Having started this early was a pretty good idea.

    8) Sign up for a breastfeeding course: Many breastfeeding mamas swear by Milkology. This site includes a massive FREE library that includes checklists, guides, cheatsheets and high-quality breastfeeding courses.

    9) Switch to natural cleaning methods: I switched to these and have been loving them. Stock up!!

    Henna’s final tip on the second trimester is, “do as much as you can during the first two trimesters of your pregnancy. That way, you can ease and relax during the third trimester, which can be extremely uncomfortable.”

    What pregnancy tips would you share? Any cravings? Anything that made you feel better?

    xx

    Yachna

  • Five Best Wines To Cool You Down For Summer.

    Five Best Wines To Cool You Down For Summer.

    The sun-kissed afternoons, the crisp fresh air, the laughter of your closest friends, ice-cream dates, the light warm breeze and endless fun. I am referring to the joy that comes with summer. However, these hot days are incomplete without a drink to cool you down. Now, I present to you five best wines to upgrade your summer. Here goes:

    1) True Colours Cava

    Rich results on google's SERP when searching for ''wine recommendations for summer"

    True Colours Cava, is a lot more wine with a dramatic bottle. This dry sparkling wine supports the “social movements for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) communities.” “Love is Sparkling…and Social!”

    What it tastes like:  

    Subtle richness, bread dough, nose tickling bubbles, fresh and fruity. Hints of pear, apple and soft notes of lemon and orange without being too sweet. The perfect amount of yeast and bubble. A pleasant sipper! Goes down a little too easy! Perfect for a hot summer day.

    Pairs well with: 

    Appetizers and snacks, aperitif, cured meat, lean fish and shellfish. 

    2) Piquette Rose

    A 2019 bestseller, this wine is a perfect summer afternoon banger. One of the best wines to cool you down this summer.

    What it tastes like:

    Super juicy, light fizz, notes of pineapple, tangerine, grapefruit. Nice crisp acidity that makes this wine super refreshing. Super easy to drink!

    Pairs well with: 

    Charcuterie, fresh salad, soft cheeses, feta, spinach, mint and quinoa tartelettes.

    3) Kindeli

    Kindeli is one of the rare natural wines. Made with organically farmed fruit, sans sulphur makes it one of a kind. All the flavours, blending in perfect harmony, takes you down to a metaphorical tour of a splendid garden.

    What it tastes like:

    This kindeli is easy to drink and perfect for a hot summery day. The raspberry tones and a very earthy wine to drink makes it one of the highly recommended wines from Kindeli. Undoubtedly, one of the best summer wines.

    Pairs well with:  

    beef, lamb, rich fish (salmon and tuna), spicy food and hard cheese. 

    4) Progetto Calcarius Ca 40.08 ‘Nu Litr’ Orange Puglia

    This sparkling fresh and youthful wine is one of the most famous wines amongst the wine fanatics. It has been a consistent best-seller for the past few years.

    What it tastes like:

    It tastes a bit like a melted popsicle. Not as funky as other orange wines, its refreshing taste has medium to low acidity. Very fun, super easy to drink and tastes like orange peels dashed with a hint of salt. With rich aroma of apricot, and hints of peach in it. It is super dry with a bitter ending. Calcarius is a beautiful, refreshing summer packed in a bottle. Now, money does buy happiness.

    Pairs well with: shellfish, crab, lobster and vegetarian meals.

    5) Willamette Valley Syrah

    Willamette Valley Syrah is an all-natural wine. It comes in white, rosé, and red. Made in Dion vineyard, it is made of wild yeast, neutral oak and no additives except for a negligible amount of sulphites. Unfined and unfiltered.

    What it tastes like:

    A party of delicious red fruits. With an extremely vibrant acidity. Crisp and refreshing with a pleasant bouquet and fruity finish. Best ice cold. You don’t want to miss out on this one.

    Pairs well with:

    Pork, shellfish, vegetarian and poultry. Bon appétit!

    Have you tried these before? Do you have any favourites? (If yes, I’d love to know).

    xx

    Yachna

    (Photos and recommendations by 121 JasperLiquor).

  • Pregnancy Survival Guide: First-Trimester Checklist

    Pregnancy Survival Guide: First-Trimester Checklist

    Are any of you pregnant right now? We have talked about dating, ghosting and self-care. Today, I figured I would share a pregnancy survival guide with you, starting off with the first-trimester checklist.

    Henna is due with a baby boy in September. They were over the moon about the good news. This being her first pregnancy, Henna said, “I had no idea what to buy or what we really need or what where even to start.” She was extremely anxious and overwhelmed with the excess information on the topic.

    In the beginning, she would follow her doctor’s advice (moderate-intensity exercise, no wine, get a flu shot, etc). If she had any specific question, she would call her mom or a friend. As her pregnancy progressed, she leaned towards her natural instincts and got more comfortable in deciding for herself.

    Henna did not read any specific book on the topic. Did you find a book that you really loved? If yes, I’d love to hear in the comments below.

    Inspired by my Henna’s super detailed first-trimester pregnancy checklist, I decided it would be a huge disservice to not share the checklist with you. She has put in endless hours of research into this guide so that you never have to. Here it goes…

    First Trimester Checklist:

    1. Take a pregnancy test.
    2. Announce Pregnancy to your partner.
    3. Choose a way to announce the pregnancy.
    4. Calculate the baby’s due date.
    5. Find an OBGYN or a midwife.
    6. Start taking prenatal vitamins. My favourite is Materna.
    7. Make a list of questions for your doctor.
    8. Create a Pinterest board. Here’s mine.
    9. Download a pregnancy app. The app that I have been using is this.
    10. Get a belly oil. This one is my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE.
    11. If you are sick around the clock, and can’t get the sickness and dizziness under control, my friend Janelle recommends eating ginger anything. Chimes Ginger Chews are god sent. You’re welcome.

    What pregnancy tips would you share? Any cravings? Any pregnancy books that you loved? Things that make you feel better?

    P.S.

    Up next: What to register for your new baby, second-trimester and third-trimester checklist.

    xx

    Yachna

    Picture by thorson_photography

  • Do You Take Yourself On Dates?

    Do You Take Yourself On Dates?

    I am going to give you the best dating advice. Before you date someone else, consider taking yourself out on dates.

    When I first moved to Edmonton, I felt very lonely and sad. I deeply missed my old life-family, friends and everything in between. 

    Having no friends, in my free time, I would go for long walks. During those walks, I would stumble upon parks, cafes and art galleries. The daily ritual of going for long walks and exploring the city soon turned into a beautiful necessity I looked forward to. 

    I look back now and am grateful – in enacting that small ritual, through it, I was saying, “yes, I matter,” even when I felt tiny in that stage of my life. 

    Fast forward to the present, I have realized that when we start dating someone, we want to know everything about the person we are dating. We go on several dates with that person. We have such keen curiosity about learning everything about our partner’s likes, dislikes, hobbies and passion.

    But how often do we look within with the same curiosity? Today, I want you to plan your most ideal date: a hike, a gourmet meal or a wine tasting. As for me, it’s usually one the following:

    1) Live Theatre:

     In my very first semester of university, I had an assignment- to write an analysis of Shakespeare’s Hamlet- a live theatre performance. Not having been to a live theatre show, I was beyond excited. I remember being mesmerized with the whole experience. I had never experienced anything like it. Up next on my list are Les Miserables, The Lion King and Moulin Rouge. 

    2) A City Gateway 

    A few years ago, I had a layover in Dallas for a few hours, which later extended for 12 hours. Staying at the airport for that long just seemed like a drag. So, I decided to get a train pass to Dallas city. I took a train to the downtown, went to the Dallas Museum Of Art. Followed by lunch at this nice pizza place and then some chocolate ice cream for dessert. 

    Had it not been for the delay in my flight, I don’t think I would have made the deliberate effort to explore Dallas. Since then, I have taken mini trips to different cities. I also just really love something about feeling anonymous in a new city. 

    3) A Picnic

    One of the downfalls of living in Edmonton is that we rarely have sunshine here. So, during summers I love to pack a picnic with my favourite snacks, drinks and a book in a local park. And, just soak in all the sun I can. I usually go home after sunset. Easily one of my favourite solo dates. After every picnic, I always say to myself, “I need to do this more often.”

    4) Cocktail and Dessert

    Last year, my friend and I planned a girl’s date night at a local lounge. It was a beautiful Saturday night, and I pulled out my favourite dress and my best shoes. Soon after I got to the bar, my friend cancelled due to a last-minute emergency. 

    Having already been sitting at the bar for 10 odd minutes, it seemed silly to not order a drink. The thing is, I had never been to a bar by myself. So, I felt very awkward sitting there by myself. But, one drink turned into several paired with a chocolate mousse. That night I thought to myself, “why haven’t I done this before?” Honestly, it was such a sanity-saving, luxurious evening, and even just remembering it brings a smile on my face. It’s one of the best dates I’ve ever had.

    5) Home Cooked Candle Night Dinner

     Sometimes the best nights you will spend are the ones that you spend with yourself in the warmth and comfort of your home. Treat yourself to a home-cooked candlelight gourmet meal with a glass of wine and just enjoy the night. I think it’s essential to cook that beautiful meal, even if it’s just you. After all, the most important and significant relationship you have is the one with yourself. 

    6) Movie & Dinner

    When I was in high school, my brother would often go for afternoon movie matinees solo. I found it unusual and weird at the same time. I had never seen anyone go for a movie alone. It was always a social thing. He would never wait around for his friends to go for movies; he would just do it if he felt like it. Following his footsteps, I started going for movies solo, followed by dinner. A perfect date that you could never go wrong with.

    What are some of your solo date night ideas? I would love to know.

    P.S.

    You are your soul mate.

    xx

    Yachna

  • What Advice Would You Give To Your Younger Self?

    What Advice Would You Give To Your Younger Self?

    Recently, I came across a question, ‘What advice would you give to your younger self?’. The question got me pondering on all my life choices. There are numerous things I would tell my younger self some of them being:

    Find joy in small things.

     Spend even more time with dad. Ask him all those questions.

    Invest 100$ in the stock market every month. 

    There is such thing as TOO MANY shoes, bags and dresses. 

    Say NO. Or, “I’m sorry I’m just too busy” more often. It’s not rude.

    It’s okay to NOT have everything figured out. Embrace the unknown.  

    Form your own opinions. Take time to research different topics. And, never be afraid to have your own voice. It matters. 

    It’s okay to quit something if it’s not working out for you: a friendship, a relationship, a job or anything. 

     Find people you can be vulnerable with. Laugh with. Those are the magical people that you need to keep the closest. 

    Figuring out what you don’t want is the first step in the long process of naming what you do want. So the job, the friends and the boyfriends – all those things that weren’t the right fit, were essential so that you could know for sure what you want.

    Enjoy being single. You are doing just fine on your own, and when you stop begging the wrong people for love, you open up room for the right person. You will then be so glad all the previous relationships didn’t work out the way you once wanted them to. 

    If you keep praying for clarity about a relationship and not getting it, that is THE answer. Drop it!! 

    …these are some of the MANY things I would advise little Yachna. 

    Here, 12 people share warm and wise advice they would give their younger self that may be precisely what you needed today, and I’d love to hear yours…

     “When I was younger, I would worry more about what people think of me than what I REALLY wanted to do. Or what made me happy. I felt the constant need to prove myself to the world. So, I did things solely for that reason in mind. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop taking unnecessary pressure as a child. Also, listen to your gut feeling. Trust it. And, finally, it is okay to fail. Not everything is a competition, which I had made for myself.” – Siddhi Khandelwal 

     “Stop being so loyal. I know it is a positive characteristic, but I feel like I missed out on a lot of experiences just because I couldn’t say ‘No’ to my friends. Be assertive. I was always too scared to hurt anyone’s feelings, so I never said never. And I really wish I had. Finally, always trust your instinct and go with it. “-Magda Kurniewicz

     “Never underestimate your abilities. Keep pushing till you reach your goals. No matter how many setbacks you may face, take it as a lesson, not a loss.” – Thembie Nkomazana

     ” Take time to look at the stars and moons each night. It makes life more appealing. That’s one advice I would give to my younger self. ” – Mara Cuteta 

     “Listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Rationalizing everything while ignoring your true emotions will only lead you back to the start. You will actually get further by allowing your feelings to lead you when making decisions.” – Ayla (Alias)

      “Don’t. Waste. Time.” – Kartik Kaushik

    “To throw all possible doubt the window.” – Afsha Butt

    “When I look back on my early 20s, I strongly feel I could have done better. The people we surround ourselves with are who we become. So, pick the people that will help you grow. Take action towards your goal at your own pace. It’s not a race. Just because you are stumbling now, doesn’t mean you will always be stumbling or failing. Overcome the fear of missing out. Finally, don’t be lazy and procrastinate. Your habits make or break you.” – Serat (alias)

    “Start doing things. Do things, make things, break things. Because the earlier I start, the better I will get. Get an exercise routine as early on as you can. Be consistent. Keep experimenting and trying new things. Challenge yourself anytime you feel you can’t get out of your comfort zone. Challenge the herd mentality. Never stop trying. Failure is just a stepping stone to better things. Take time to know things that excite you. For me, all that comes from being open to new experiences without expectations. Finally, don’t forget to have fun in the process.” – Sabby Chaudhary

    “Look for positive in things and conversations before jumping to the negative side of things. One of my friends advised me this, and let me tell you, it has made me a little wiser and patient. Changed my personal and professional life for good.” – Sunny Sogy

    “Don’t just save but invest your money. I didn’t start investing until my late 20s. The sooner you start, the better. A solid GPA is essential, however social networking is just as crucial. Be kinder to yourself and know your worth. You are a lot stronger than you know. Also, finally don’t believe everything that you are told. Do your own research. Always.” – Palak Handa

    “Don’t waste time pleasing people that don’t matter. Focus on building wealth. A few years ago, Dan Peña quoted in one of his interviews that really stuck with me, “any real change in the world, can only be brought through money.” Read books that teach you new skills. Your skills build you. Learn one each year.” – Sid (alias)

     Now, it’s your turn. What advice would you give to your younger self? I would love to know in the comments below. 

    P.S.

    A life-changing secret I wish I’d known sooner.

    Picture of my siblings and I at the Universal Studios (years ago).

    xx

    Yachna

  • My Brother’s Awesome Dating Tip.

    My Brother’s Awesome Dating Tip.

    Last week, I talked about ghosting, so I figured I’d share my brother’s awesome dating tip this week. A few months ago, my brother said something that changed the way I approached dating-

    I had a crush on this guy, let’s call him Nate (smart, shy, cute smile). After having a crush on him for a few months, I decided to take it to the next level and initiated a casual coffee date.

    Fast forward, a few dates later, we were flirting over the text all the time. I would smile ear to ear, seeing Nate’s name pop up on my screen. However, not being too fond of texting, I decided one day to propose speaking over the phone. 

    That evening, I began analyzing my game plan: how I should phrase the question, what would sound confident without coming on too strong. “Be casual and playful” was the mantra I had in mind while I mulled over the little details for a half an hour before finally sending the text.

    So, I finally asked the question. Actually, I typed and deleted it several times until I built up the courage to finally say it. “Call me tonight- I wanna hear your voice.” 

    What evolved over the next two hours was the constant overanalyzing of the text in question. “this was a mistake. I shouldn’t have texted him at all,” I muttered to myself, glancing at the blank screen, eagerly waiting for his reply.

    Later that night, six hours and still no response later, I couldn’t stop wondering, “Was I asking for too much too soon?”, “did I sound needy”? yadi yada yada. All these questions were enough to make my mind explode. 

     Upon filling in my brother with the details of this situation, he casually replied,” “Here’s the thing with dating: they either like you or don’t.”

    It seems so silly and obvious. However, it was totally liberating. When we start a new relationship (or a friendship), we tend to sweat and over analyze every little detail. For instance, the timing of your text message, the way you say hello, what to wear for the date, what to say over a text message or on a date. After all, it’s either fuck yes or a simple no.

    Anytime I am dating someone, I find myself reflecting on every little detail when I should just be relaxing and enjoying it. The truth is, what I say in a text won’t change their feelings about me. 

    Once I started just being my weird self, I had so much more fun dating.  I chose not to sweat the details. I would order that burger instead of the salad, make those silly quirky jokes, and send a double text if I felt like it. As my brother said, if he liked me, he did (and if he didn’t, he wouldn’t). 

    As a single gal, I have FINALLY realized, “if it’s not a yes, it’s a no,” the pressure was off. No more mixed messages, no more interpreting phone calls, texts, emails. If it’s a “maybe,” “I’m not sure,” “I love you, but I’m not in love with you” or any other variation, it’s a no. 

    This simple tip has freed me from overthinking and second-guessing every tiny detail.

    What do you think? What wise dating advice have you heard? And what’s your relationship status these days? Is anyone dating right now?

    P.S.

    Overanalyzing kills magic. Savour the present.

    xx

    Yachna 

    Featured Image: Pierrot Le Fou (1965)

  • Have You Ever Been Ghosted?

    Have You Ever Been Ghosted?

    If you aren’t familiar with ghosting, then SPOILER ALERT!!, this is no fun…

    Confusion hurt, and even anger circulated through my body. My face flushed with tones of bright red and pink. The voice in my head shouted out questions I did not have answers to “Am I not good enough,” “What did I do wrong?”. Two days had passed without any word from the man whose name popping up on my phone screen simply brought a smile to my face. Ghosted. He ghosted me!  

    Since wallowing in a tub of ice cream is only fun for an hour, here are six things I’ve learned, including some very sound advice from the people that are wiser than me. I hope this brings you comfort (if and when you need it).

    1) No Contact: 

    Trying to solve the mystery can result in unhealthy behaviours— sending a barrage of texts, creeping on the other person’s social media—that can get dark fast, explains Erika Martinez, PsyD, a licensed psychologist in Miami, Florida. So, no texting, calling or snooping through their social media. I find most of the time, “the best reaction is no reaction at all”.

    And, regarding that deep need for closure: “He doesn’t want to speak to you.” I would instantly remind this to myself, and all my urges to text him would go away. 

    2) Don’t Take It Personally:

    In conversation with one of my friends, who also happens to be a therapist, said, “He may be struggling with issues that have nothing to do with you.” He further added, “people with emotional immaturity and very bad social cues ghost people.” Yikes!!

    These words didn’t make me feel instantly better, but it did give me a fresh perspective. Ghosting says a lot more about (the person who ghosted you) than you.

    3) Connect With Yourself:

    …and suddenly things feel better. To stop obsessing every detail that led up to the event, I focus all my energy on my reading a book, journaling, or any activity that boosts my mind.

    For me, the best response to being rejected by anyone in life, is to ask myself, “how can I make this the best thing that ever happened to me?” and then do that. And, that’s how you make rejection empowering and inspiring.

    4) Boost-Up Your Self-Esteem 

    Getting ghosted can be a blow to a person’s self-esteem. Dressing up, doing my hair, painting my nails, wearing my best shoes and going out with my girlfriends does the trick for me. Just get out there and have a fantastic time!!

    4) Talk To Your Friends:

    My girlfriends are the therapists that I could never afford. On the phone playing over analyzing every little detail with my friend about this, she very casually replied, “In the grand scheme of life, this man is just ONE hot second.” And, I CANNOT tell you how amazing that felt to hear.

    So often situations seem worse than they really are. It’s great to be reminded to step back and look at the big picture. 

    5) Long Drives

    One of my favourite things to do is to go for long drives solo. Anytime I am low and need some downtime for myself, I get in my car turn on my music, and I just drive. I especially enjoy long rides with no destinations with my true few. Honestly, so special.

    6) Let It Go

    Being ghosted is like being told you are not even worth the effort to write a text. That alone was my reason to move on.

    For the first few days, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being disrespected and humiliated.”I am better than this!” I declared to no one in particular. For me, I have decided that I do not want to be with the type of person who would ghost me. “Don’t burn daylight chasing the wrong one. The right one won’t run.”

    Then one morning you wake up, the sun seems brighter. And, just like that, you look forward to never look back again.

    Have you ever been ghosted? If yes, tell us what happened. How did it make you feel? How did you handle the situation?

    P.S.

    You need to know that you are enough.

    xx

    Yachna

    Featured Image: Gossip Girl Top Image: Me by Meghan Diniz.

  • Seven Self Care Tips To Treat (your mind) With Love.

    Seven Self Care Tips To Treat (your mind) With Love.

    Hi Friends,

    Have you ever heard of the Universal Law “As Within, So Without”? Neither had I, my friend Marilda told me about it.

    I say this to say …it’s very easy to get stuck in the everyday hustle-and-bustle of life. It’s even easier to let ourselves slip in the process, but pause and refuel we must. Remember, friends, “we are not pouring from empty cups anymore.”

    Over the past few months, out of all the Self-Care approaches I have tried, these seven worked wonders for me:

    1) Meditation

    I decided to start my days with some meditation. Initially, I only did it for 5 minutes, and now, I can meditate for up to 20 minutes. And…much to my surprise, it fueled me up. The change really is in the details, guys.

    2) Gratitude Exercise

    I follow up on my meditation with some gratitude exercises. I use ‘The Five Minute Journal.’ And, let me tell you, I was wrong in thinking that writing every morning and evening for five minutes would be a piece of cake. It isn’t.

    This gratitude journal changed my life. I found myself enjoying the simplest things in my days that typically, I am too ‘busy’ to notice. This journal has been an uplifting addition to my life. And I cannot recommend this enough.

    3) Optimize Your Screen Time

    This one speaks for itself. Scrolling mindlessly on Instagram is convenient. Make a conscious effort to replace your screen time with some social interaction. Or, simply being in your presence.

    Reducing screen time to only a specific time in the day has opened up room for better things in life for me. As it will for you.

    There are several apps you can use that helps in reducing your screen time. My friend John cannot stop raving about this app. Try it out and let me know what you think.

    4) Exercise Regularly

    Move your body. Go out for a walk, jog or a run. I would recommend Chloe Ting home workouts if you are skipping the gym. I am currently doing the two weeks shred challenge. It’s quick, efficient and completely free.

    5) Journal

    I find this to be the most therapeutic thing out of all. There is no structure to what I write. I let my mind flow and write my heart out. Tip: Set a timer for 25 minutes without stopping to edit. You will be pleasantly surprised to see the positive changes within.

    6) Get 7 Hours Sleep

    Have a set bedtime and stick to it. Curling up to a good book and chamomile tea are my nightly rituals. My sleep is non-negotiable for me. It sets the tone for the next day.

    7) Eat 3 Meals A Day

    And make them healthy. Make sure there are plenty of greens and some sort of protein in every meal you are eating. Take care of your body, and it will do the same in return.


    Try them, if you will, and share your results with me. I promise you will thank yourself. Your soul will thank you for it.

    P.S.

    A Simple Trick To Happiness

    xx

    Yachna

    Illustrations by aolanow & elizabeth_draws

  • Remembering My Hero On Father’s Day.

    Remembering My Hero On Father’s Day.

    When I was a child, I was asked a question that I never forgot, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. Without giving any real thought to it, I readily replied, ‘Papa.’ 

    More than a decade later, I often think about my answer. And, as I grow older, I get clarity on my answer.

    Papa was not like anybody I knew. He never once told us how to live. He lived and let us watch him do it. For instance, every year he would organize langar for a local village. Through that, I learnt that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

    He appeared very tough on the outside. Being very outspoken, he came off as intimidating to people that didn’t know him. On the inside, he was warm as a blanket. He had silly names for everyone. To be around him was to laugh out loud. To know him was to love him.  

    Even though my siblings and I were miles away in a boarding school. He rarely made a month without visiting us. Neither did he miss any school events, despite his motion sickness and the long drive to the mountains. 

    From late-night ice-creams to long road trips, watching comedies together and laughing our hearts out, I look fondly upon the best moments of my life.

    He was a child at heart. Like, a kid in the candy store. I think it was because he was robbed of his childhood. He was only 13 when his father passed away by murder. Although we never used that word to describe it. A few years later, his mother suddenly passed away. So, he had been through much tragedy in his life. 

    Following his parents’ death, he took many responsibilities very early on in his life. Life wasn’t easy on him. Rarely ever complaining about it.

    Growing up, I never saw him cry. Until one day, when I was leaving for the airport to Canada. He hugged me so tight and cried. That was our last hug.

     A few months later, on the phone, mom was nervous to tell me the news: “Dad’s tumour has returned,” she said. “You all need to come to India asap.”

    That was the beginning of an end.

    The undefeated man I always knew was no longer there. The tumour had taken over him. Looking at the man in the wheelchair, I understood that papa was gone. Furthermore, he had lost the ability to speak and eat. Watching him go through that, shattered me, daily. 

    Regardless, I would sit beside his wheelchair every day and talk to him. I would fill him in with daily happenings. He listened quietly.

    Looking at his eyes, during those days, I could see the pain in them. His eyes said that his mouth no longer could. The silence was deafening.

    Precisely 22 days later-on September 05, 2017, he passed away. That day, a part of my heart died with him. Looking back, I wish I had captured all our moments in a lot of pictures and videos. For now, I am thankful that you were my father. I would pick you over and over again.

    Miss you, papa. 

    Happy Father’s Day. I love you. 

    P.S. 

    Here’s to all the amazing fathers and father figures. You complete us. We are indebted to you. Today. Tomorrow. Always. 

    xx 

    Yachna

  • The Secret To Living A Happy Life.

    The Secret To Living A Happy Life.


    Lately, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be happy.

    Everyone I have met has a different definition of it. Lately, I have been feeling some kind of way about everything that is happening in the world. I am angry, frustrated, sad and then all of it together.

    I could no longer keep going like this. Everything felt like a drag.

    To life myself up, I decided to re-read my journals titled ‘My Happy Days’.

    After going through all those journal entries, I realized for me happiness was synonymous with gratefulness and being content. The days I practised gratitude and gratefulness were in fact, my happy days.

    However, this was not always the case.

    When I was younger, I chased after materialistic things. Back then, I associated happiness with superficial and materialistic things. For instance, I thought having a good shoe collection would elevate my life. Or, fame, hot boyfriend, model looks, great ass, etc… The list is endless.

    I was naive to think any of it will be a factor in the quality of my life. They weren’t. Neither will they ever be.

    I have since realized that happiness remains hidden in little things…

    It is to stop and smell the roses. Savouring the present. Enjoying good food with the your people. Long walks. Night sky full of stars. Good coffee. Great wine. Ice cream on a hot day (or any day). Amazing sex. Caring for others. Practising kindness.

    Just open yourself up to the little joys of life. And, that’s the secret.

    Just a a few hours after writing this post, I stumbled upon this beautiful poem on Pinterest (of course, where else?) that ties in with this post. And, I wanted to share it with you…

    We’re waiting for tomorrow,

    But tomorrow never comes,

    Our last breath is right upon our heels,

    Yet we still refuse to run,

    86 400 seconds,

    And we’re in another day,

    All slipping through our fingers,

    As we look the other way,

    Days, weeks, months and years,

    Are made up of right now.

    A string of fleeting moments,

    That we never can pin down,

    We gaze into the future,

    As though it’s where we’re meant to be,

    Always planning for that day,

    When we can say that we’re happy,

    We spend so long looking forward,

    That we may as well be blind,

    Since we don’t see until the very end,

    All the things we’ve left behind,

    Now I know it’s just a theory,

    But I think I’ve worked out how,

    The only way to happiness,

    Is to love what we have now.

    P.S.

    So simple. Who knew?

    xx

    Yachna

    (Illustration by Yaoyaomva) (Poem by Erin Hanson)