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For shorter reflections and monthly essays, visit Café of Joy, my LinkedIn newsletter.

Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik

The Writing on Sand

Many well-intended goals fade not because we lack discipline, but because we try to carry them without support. Like words written in sand, intentions can be washed away by the demands of daily life, caregiving, work, and emotional overload. This reflection explores how to anchor intentions with clarity, self-compassion, and practical structure—so what matters can be sustained, not forced, even through life’s constant ebbs and flows.

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Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik

Demons under the bed

As a child, I was terrified of the monsters I imagined lived under my tall teakwood bed. One night, I decided to face the fear. I peeked under—and found nothing. That small act of courage became a turning point. Over time, I learned that fear isn’t always something to run from. Sometimes, it’s the invitation to grow.

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Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik

Driving the Freeway

“Let’s go, Mom! Stop being so scared, c’mon!” my son said from the back seat, wide-eyed with excitement.

We were living in Santa Clara, just 35 minutes from San Francisco—but for me, that city felt like another world. No GPS, just MapQuest printouts and a deep fear of getting lost.

But he believed in me.

And so I drove. Slowly. Hesitantly. Then again. And again.

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Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik Stories & Reflections Mridula Patnaik

Interwoven

Beneath the surface of a quiet forest, something magical happens: roots intertwine, signals travel, and support flows. It’s a world of invisible strength. Of deep connection.

This story, told through the lives of two birch trees—Aria and Mika—is not just a tale of nature. It’s a mirror for us. A reminder that resilience, community, and healing often begin in what can’t be seen.

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