Hi there! I’m Shilpa. My mantra is simple: I am faithful to my essence.
It’s an ongoing journey to live up to this motto. I am a lawyer and a free-spirited creative, two ways of being that I used to think could not co-exist. Over the years, I’ve faced my share of stresses and anxieties, particularly as a woman and minority navigating a rigid, traditionally conservative, and high-pressure professional environment. During the course of my career, I’ve also struggled with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a unique vocal condition in which the muscles surrounding the vocal chords involuntarily tighten and produce a constrained sound. I was exhausted and unhappy, self-conscious and unsure of where I belonged, and most of all, convinced I could not live my life with authenticity and in full expression. After all, who wants to hire a lawyer that looks and sounds completely different from the norm? I focused my efforts on blending in.
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It was only when I explored the power of the mind-body connection that I realized I could transform my feelings and emotions to create my own powerful and impactful reality.
Join me as I dive into these life-changing concepts through various lenses and methodologies. I’ve tried a million things in this space and I’ll bring it all, everything I’ve learned: psychology and science, trauma release, meditation, yoga, coaching (both as a trained Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) coach and coachee), the piles and piles of self-help books I’ve read, the rejuvenating walks, the deep and philosophical conversations, the things I learned during my undergraduate coursework in biology, various mindfulness practices, and my own work/life experiences. Here is what you can expect from my blog:
- Science-based tools to re-frame your mindset and re-wire those old thought patterns that don’t serve you;
- Tips to nourish your mind, body, and soul (including some of my go-to recipes that are both healthy and easy to make for someone on the go);
- Practical ideas to help you come alive as your amazing, exuberant, vibrant, authentic self;
- My complete and unvarnished no-holds-barred self.
What you won’t find here are the following:
- Any type of BS;
- A lack of compassion or humor;
- Recipes that can’t be adapted or are fussy.
Speaking of, a note about my recipes. I learned to cook the way my mom cooked — no such thing as a written recipe with strict proportions. I mostly add a dash of this and a dash of that until things taste good to me. I really want to encourage you to do the same and cook with your tongue. Use your instincts as a guide and don’t be afraid to modify according to your taste. I also am a big believer in using the ingredients you’ve got. If a recipe calls for shallots and all you have are onions, go for it anyway. Close enough will get the job done, trust me.
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In my spare time, I love cooking, baking, watching documentaries, writing, and sketching. I live in Los Angeles with my husband and two cats, Donut and Kitkat, all of whom may be making appearances on this blog from time to time!
Disclaimer: This blog shares my personal thoughts, experiences, feelings, and ideas. I do not purport to speak on behalf of any other individual or entity. I am not rendering any medical, therapeutic, nutritional, or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.