Demons under the bed.
Storytelling Mridula Patnaik Storytelling 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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🚗 Driving the Freeway
Storytelling Mridula Patnaik Storytelling 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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Reset
Resilience Mridula Patnaik Resilience 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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Equanimity
Resilience Mridula Patnaik Resilience 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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Against the Tides: How I Found Strength When Life Knocked Me Down
Resilience Mridula Patnaik Resilience Mridula Patnaik

Against the Tides: How I Found Strength When Life Knocked Me Down

There were seasons in my life when it felt like I was swimming against a tide that never let up — wave after wave of grief, fear, and uncertainty. I didn’t just question my strength; I doubted if I had any at all. What I learned in those moments changed everything: resilience isn’t about fighting harder, it’s about knowing when to push through… and when to float.

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The Sparrow and the Ocean
Storytelling Mridula Patnaik Storytelling 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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Peacekeeper or rabble rouser?
Storytelling Mridula Patnaik Storytelling 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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Interwoven
Storytelling Mridula Patnaik Storytelling 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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