Mridula Patnaik 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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Mridula Patnaik 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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Mridula Patnaik 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”

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Mridula Patnaik Mridula Patnaik

Equanimity

In today’s fast-moving world, resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about finding that quiet inner sanctuary where emotional balance lives. As part of my journey with the Cafe of Joy, and through my coaching practice at CoachMeLife, I’ve explored how equanimity can help us meet life’s highs and lows with steady strength.

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Mridula Patnaik Mridula Patnaik

The Sparrow and the Ocean

Once, on the shore of a mighty ocean, a mother sparrow built her nest and laid her eggs. She chose a quiet spot nestled among the dune grass, where she could warm them in the morning sun and whisper songs of the sky to the tiny lives growing inside.

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Mridula Patnaik Mridula Patnaik

Peacekeeper or rabble rouser?

This is where my life meets reflection, where everyday moments turn into something meaningful. 

Dear reader, as you begin this journey with me, I want to share the story that sparked it all—the why behind the words, and my heart behind the voice.

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Mridula Patnaik Mridula Patnaik

Storytelling: The oldest wisdom that is as fresh as ever.

Unlock the timeless power of storytelling to fuel resilience and personal growth. From childhood memories steeped in Indian tradition to coaching moments filled with meaning, discover how stories connect us across generations. Dive into reflections on courage, curiosity, and rewriting your life narrative

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Mridula Patnaik Mridula Patnaik

Once Upon a Time, I was a Snail

I love snails—tiny, slimy, and oddly adorable. There’s something about their slow, deliberate pace that has always fascinated me. In many ways, my life mirrored that pace for the longest time.

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Mridula Patnaik 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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