Support
Resilience & Rebuilding Mridula Patnaik Resilience & Rebuilding Mridula Patnaik

Support

We glorify strength until it breaks us.
This piece is for the ones holding it all together — quietly burning out behind the words “I’m fine.”
Because sometimes, the strongest thing you can do isn’t power through — it’s finally admit you need support.

Read More
Letting Go, One Memory at a Time
Life After Burnout & Caregiving Mridula Patnaik Life After Burnout & Caregiving Mridula Patnaik

Letting Go, One Memory at a Time

I grew up timid—frightened of my own shadow, careful with every step, scanning rooms for approval before I spoke. The loneliness was strong. I carried it into my teens like a worn-out sweater that was too comfortable to throw. By my late teens, I started gathering a little courage, but the old script continued: “if I can just find the right people, the right approval, the right belonging, I’ll be OK”.

Read More
Demons under the bed.
Storytelling & Reflection Mridula Patnaik Storytelling & Reflection 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.

Read More
🚗 Driving the Freeway
Storytelling & Reflection Mridula Patnaik Storytelling & Reflection 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.

Read More
Reset
Resilience & Rebuilding Mridula Patnaik Resilience & Rebuilding Mridula Patnaik

Reset

Feeling like it’s time for a fresh start—but not sure what that really looks like?
In this week’s post, I explore the quiet power of a reset—not as a dramatic overhaul, but as a gentle return to clarity, calm, and intention.
Whether you're letting go of old stories, decluttering your space (or your emotions), or simply listening for that inner nudge to begin again, this reflection is for you.

A reset isn’t about erasing your past—it’s about realigning with the life you’re meant to live.

Read the full blog now: “Reset: A Fresh Start, Your Way”

Read More