THE GIFT OF A SAFE SPACE IN RELATIONSHIPS

 

“Emotionally safe, judgment-free, and mature enough to speak calmly about any troubling issue”—these are not just qualities we expect from a loved one; they are the very foundation of meaningful human connection. If you have such a person in your life, you know how special that bond truly is.

In today’s fast-paced world, people are often caught up in flattery, judgment, selfishness, jealousy, and envy. Against this backdrop, finding someone who listens without prejudice, who stands steady without wavering, and who offers comfort without conditions feels like a rare blessing.

Such people are not just companions; they are pillars of support. They remind us that love is not about perfection but about presence, patience, and understanding. Having them in our lives is something to be thankful for, not just in fleeting moments but forever.

BOOKS, LAUGHTER, AND LITTLE READERS :ONE DAY ONE STORY 2025

 

 

One Day One Story 2025 with Pratham Books

Registration and Excitement

This year too, as part of my regular and wholehearted participation, I registered for Pratham Books’ One Day One Story (#ODOS2025) campaign. It’s always a joy to be part of this inspiring initiative that encourages children to read and listen to stories.

Pratham Books kindly shipped me the two selected titles for this year’s storytelling: I’m Not a Cat and Surki and Tirki—both full of creativity, fun, and valuable learning. A quick glance through them revealed how innovative and engaging they were, making me all the more excited to share them with children.

Planning the Session

I invited the kids from my apartment complex, and 11 of them initially showed interest. They requested the session to be held on a holiday, which coincided with Onam, Milad un-Nabi, and Teachers’ Day on September 5th. We fixed the time at 5 p.m.

Since the official banner did not reach me this time, I improvised by reusing the old one. I added the new character names and their animal forms on a fresh sheet, stuck it over, and gave the banner a new life. Everything was set and ready.

The Day of Storytelling

On the day of the event, however, only four children turned up. Though we waited a while for the others, we decided to go ahead without disappointment.

Story 1: I’m Not a Cat

We began with this book—first discussing the characters and animals, then reading the story line by line. The children enjoyed the interaction, laughed at the playful situations, and later decided to try out the guessing game in their own circle of friends. Each of them also took turns to read the book and narrate it in their own words, which made the session lively and fun.

Story 2: Surki and Tirki

Next, we moved to this delightful book. The children loved the illustrations and found the contrast between the two characters amusing. They came up with a creative idea—that the character Pari could have a short, nickname version “Parki”, so that her name would rhyme with her friends Surki and Tirki. They even connected the characters to some of their school friends, making the session more personal and relatable.

Interestingly, while both stories were enjoyed, the children declared I’m Not a Cat as their favorite.

Wrapping Up

By 6:45 p.m., we wrapped up the session with a group photograph featuring the books and the handmade banner.

A heartfelt thank you to Pratham Books for not only providing us with these wonderful books but also promptly issuing the digital certificate once I submitted the session details.

I am truly proud to be part of this meaningful campaign that nurtures young readers—no matter how small my contribution may be.

HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS HEALTHY FOR ADULTS IN THEIR 40s AND 50s?

   Discover the ideal screen time for adults in their 40s and 50s. Tips, routines, and healthy habits to balance digital life and well-being. 

These days, it feels like everything happens through a screen—work, bills, chatting with friends, even winding down with a movie or series. But somewhere in between, we also feel the strain: tired eyes, stiff shoulders, poor sleep, and that nagging thought that maybe we’re spending too much time glued to our devices.

So, what’s the ideal amount of screen time for adults in their 40s and 50s?

Finding the Right Balance

There isn’t a magic number that applies to everyone. Work demands differ, and so do personal lifestyles. Still, most health experts agree on a safe range:

Work-related screen time: 6–8 hours (with regular breaks).

Recreational screen time: 1–2 hours a day.

Total exposure: Try not to cross 8–9 hours in a day.

It’s not about being strict with the clock, but about making sure those hours are healthy.

Small Habits That Make a Big Difference

 Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a rest by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

 Avoid “junk” screen time – Scrolling endlessly on social media or watching “just one more” episode adds hours without real benefit.

 Keep screen-free zones – No phones at the dining table, in the bedroom before sleep, or as the first thing in the morning.

 Mind your posture – Keep screens at eye level and stretch every hour. Trust me, your back and neck will thank you later.

 Balance with real-life activities – Go for a walk, pick up a hobby, read a physical book, or simply chat with family. At least 30–45 minutes of physical activity is non-negotiable at this stage in life.

 A Sample Balanced Day (for Adults in Their 40s & 50s)

 Morning (6:30 am – 9:00 am)

Wake up without checking your phone immediately.

20–30 minutes of physical activity (walking, yoga, stretching).

Breakfast with family—screen-free time.

Quick 15 mins for important messages/emails if needed.

 Work Hours (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Screen time for work tasks.

Follow the 20-20-20 eye rule every half hour.

Stand/stretch for 2–3 minutes every hour.

 Midday Break (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)

Lunch away from screens.

Short walk after eating.

 Afternoon Work (2:00 pm – 5:30 pm)

Screen time for meetings, emails, and projects.

Insert a 10–15 min break for tea, light stretching, or just looking outside.

 Evening (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)

30–45 minutes of exercise or an outdoor walk.

Family time, hobbies, reading, or gardening (non-screen).

 Relaxation (8:00 pm – 9:30 pm)

Leisure screen use: a favorite TV show, a short movie, or video call with friends.

Keep it under 1–1.5 hours.

 Night (9:30 pm – 10:30 pm)

Switch to offline activities: light reading, journaling, or meditation.

No screens 45–60 minutes before bed.

Lights out around 10:30–11:00 pm for quality sleep.

 The Balance in Numbers

Work-related screen time: ~7 hours

Recreational screen time: ~1.5 hours

Non-screen time (movement, family, hobbies): 6–7 hours

Sleep: 7–8 hours

This keeps daily screen use within the safe 8–9 hour range while ensuring health, rest, and real-world connections are not compromised.

 

 In short, the ideal screen time for adults in their 40s and 50s isn’t just about the hours—it’s about how those hours are spent. Use screens wisely, give your body regular breaks, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of technology without sacrificing health.

 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR GMAIL STORAGE SPACE FREE - QUICK TIPS & SHORTCUTS

    

Ever opened Gmail only to see that annoying “Storage Full” message? It’s like your digital wardrobe overflowing with clothes you never wear. The truth is, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos all share the same storage, so if you don’t do a little tidying up now and then, space runs out fast.

Here are some simple tricks and shortcuts you can use to keep Gmail clean and light—without spending hours deleting emails one by one.

 

1. Hunt Down Large Emails

Some emails are real space hogs! Just type these into Gmail’s search bar:

size:10MB → Shows emails larger than 10MB.

has: attachment larger:5MB → Finds heavy emails with attachments.
Delete what you don’t need—instant space saved!

 

 2. Don’t Forget Trash & Spam

Trash and Spam aren’t harmless; they eat into your storage too. Make it a habit:

Click Empty Trash now

Click Delete all spam messages now

 

 3. Clear Out Promotions & Newsletters

All those “50% OFF” and “Flash Sale” mails? They pile up.

Search label: promotions or unsubscribe.

Delete the old ones.

Hit Unsubscribe for newsletters you never open.

 

 4. Save Attachments, Then Delete

Got mails with big files? Do this:

Download the attachment to your computer or Google Drive.

Delete the email.
That way, you keep the file but free your inbox.

 

 5. Clean Up Old Stuff

If you haven’t looked at an email in a year, chances are you don’t need it.

Search older_than:1y to see year-old emails.

Search filename: pdf for old documents.
Goodbye clutter, hello space!

 

 6. Use Google’s Storage Manager

Google actually gives you a handy tool: 👉 one.google.com/storage/management
It lets you review and delete:

Large emails

Files from Drive

Spam and Trash content

 

7. Automate with Filters

Want Gmail to do the cleaning for you?

Go to Settings ⚙️ → Filters and Blocked Addresses → Create new filter.

Example: auto-delete promotions older than 30 days.

 

 Shortcut Recap

size:10MB → Large mails

older_than:1y → Old mails

label: promotions → Ads & newsletters

has: attachment → Mails with files

 

Final Thought

Keeping Gmail clean doesn’t need to be a huge task. Think of it like dusting your room—do it once a month and you’ll never have to face that “storage full” panic again.

CELEBRATING WORLD LITERACY WEEK WITH PRATHAM BOOKS: STORIES THAT INSPIRE YOUNG READERS

   

World Literacy Week is celebrated across the globe to highlight the importance of reading as a fundamental tool for growth, empowerment, and lifelong learning. For children, books open the doors to imagination, creativity, and knowledge, helping them make sense of the world around them. In India, where access to reading material is still limited for many, initiatives that bring stories to children play a vital role in bridging this gap.

This year, Pratham Books – an organization that has been at the forefront of creating affordable and accessible children’s literature – commemorated World Literacy Week with a special storytelling session. The event was designed to inspire children to develop a love for reading by engaging them with stories that are vibrant, relatable, and fun.

Stories that Spark Joy

The storytelling session featured two books: Surki and Tirki and I Am Not a Cat.

Surki and Tirki tells a playful tale of two characters, blending humor and imagination in a way that instantly connects with young readers. Its simple narrative and lively illustrations make it a perfect read-aloud story for children, encouraging them to giggle, guess, and participate.

I Am Not a Cat is another delightful story that engages children through curiosity and repetition, while also introducing them to themes of identity and belonging. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, keeping children visually and emotionally involved.

Both titles showcase what Pratham Books does best – producing stories that are easy to read, beautifully illustrated, and available in multiple languages through translations. This ensures that children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can enjoy them in a language they understand best.

Creating a Culture of Reading

Pratham Books has long championed the cause of reading by making books affordable, accessible, and inclusive. By conducting storytelling sessions, especially during events like World Literacy Week, the organization helps create a joyful environment where children see books not as lessons, but as companions.

Such initiatives are significant because they do more than just promote reading – they nurture imagination, empathy, and curiosity. At a young age, stories help children think beyond their immediate world, building connections with new ideas, characters, and experiences.

Why It Matters

India has one of the largest populations of children in the world. Ensuring that these children grow up with access to books is crucial for building literacy skills and, more importantly, a habit of reading for pleasure. When children are exposed to engaging stories early, they develop better language skills, creativity, and confidence.

By celebrating World Literacy Week with storytelling, Pratham Books reinforces the idea that every child deserves a story. Each book, whether translated or original, becomes a bridge to knowledge, joy, and growth.

Looking Ahead

As literacy continues to be a global challenge, organizations like Pratham Books remind us that small steps – a storytelling session, a shared book, a child’s laughter during a story – can make a big difference. By nurturing readers today, we are building a more thoughtful, informed, and imaginative generation for tomorrow.

REMEMBERING MY GRAND UNCLE, THE ENGINEER WHO BROUGHT LIGHT

  

In my childhood memories, I often recall the way my granduncle wrote his name. Before his initials, he would carefully add “Er.”, the respectful title for an engineer. It was more than a formality—it was a quiet reminder of his life’s work and the pride he carried in his profession.

He served as an electrical engineer in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh during the years 1969–1974, a period when electricity was still a distant dream for many rural communities. Through his dedication, he helped create power lines, install poles, and extend the reach of electricity into remote villages. What we take for granted today—light in homes, fans to ease the summer heat, the ability to cook, study, and live after dusk—was, in those days, a marvel.

Under his guidance, many regions of the Nellore district and surrounding areas, including Rappur, Junnavada, Buchireddypalayam, and parts of the Chittoor district, were electrified for the very first time. Villagers, grateful for the transformation, showered him with blessings that went beyond official recognition.

Looking back now, I realize how remarkable his contribution was. He was not only bringing power lines to villages—he was helping weave a new future, one where children could study at night, families could live more comfortably, and communities could grow with hope.

His work is worth remembering, not only as part of our family’s pride but as a chapter in the story of rural progress in Andhra Pradesh.

PLEDGE YOURSELF NOT TO DO- A GENTLE STEP TOWARDS INNER PEACE

 

Life often throws us into situations where words fly faster than thoughts. A small disagreement can snowball into a heated argument, leaving behind regret, bitterness, or restlessness. But what if we could pause, hold ourselves back, and choose peace over conflict? That’s where the idea of “pledging yourself not to do” comes in—a simple yet powerful form of self-discipline.

What Does It Mean?

Pledging yourself not to do is not about suppression. It’s about choosing restraint over reaction. It means promising yourself:

Not to argue just for the sake of winning.

Not to respond when anger is at its peak.

Not to drag a conversation into unnecessary fights.

Not to let someone else’s negativity disturb your calm.

Why It Matters

Protects your peace: You no longer carry the burden of anger.

Strengthens relationships: Silence at the right time saves bonds from breaking.

Builds self-control: Every “not to” strengthens your inner discipline.

Maintains calmness: You stay grounded even in disturbing situations.

A Gentle Practice

Each morning, take a quiet moment and set your inner pledge. For example:
“Today, I pledge myself not to argue unnecessarily, not to raise my voice in anger, and not to lose my calm.”

It acts like a soft inner reminder throughout the day.

Closing Thought

Discipline isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing less—stepping back, holding silence, and keeping peace alive. The pledge of not to do is a gentle way to guard your inner calm and gift serenity to those around you.

 

FINDING MYSELF IN THE JOURNEY AWAY FROM HOME

  

I was born and brought up in one place—a town where life felt predictable and warm, where the streets were known, where familiar faces passed by every day. That place gave me a sense of identity, security, and rhythm. It was where I felt I belonged. And for a long time, I thought that sense of belonging would travel with me wherever I went.

But life had its own plan.

As I stepped out of that cocoon for higher education, and later for work, I began to feel the slow tug of distance. The new places were exciting, yes—but they were also unfamiliar. Each move took me further away from that steady, known version of myself. Still, I adapted. I adjusted to new environments, learned new ways of living, and quietly reshaped the idea of "home."

Then came the biggest shift of all—marriage. For many women, including me, marriage meant not just a change in status, but a change in address, in people, in lifestyle, and sometimes even in identity. I moved into a new house, a new city, and into a family I hadn’t grown up with. And while I was welcomed with warmth, finding myself in that space was anything but easy.

At first, everything felt strange. The way people spoke, the rituals, the daily rhythm—it was all different. I couldn’t help but compare it to my native place. I found myself longing for the little things I had once taken for granted: the smell of home-cooked food from my mother’s kitchen, the sound of my father’s voice echoing through our hallway, the festivals celebrated with old neighbors, the shared memories with childhood friends.

In those early days, I kept telling myself that life is about adjustments. That compromises are a part of growing up. That love, understanding, and patience would build something new, something just as beautiful. And slowly, somewhere between romance and responsibility, work and family, joy and tears, I began to understand myself in a new way.

The truth is, everything changes—our jobs, the people around us, our priorities. And as everything shifts, we too are reshaped. I learned to accept change, even when it came without warning. I learned that comfort can be built, not just inherited. And I realized that home is not just a location—it’s a feeling. It’s something we carry within, wherever we go.

With time—and time really is the best teacher—I stopped searching for home in physical spaces. I started looking within. And that changed everything.

Now, when I look back, I don't see a single place where I "found myself." I see a journey. A journey that took me away from everything familiar only to bring me closer to who I really am.

Belonging, I’ve learned, isn’t about staying in one place. It’s about staying true to yourself, no matter where you are.

(This blog post is prepared  as an entry for the contest of Harper Collins's Harper broadcast)

THE SILENT SIGNS OF LOVE

   

 

Love isn’t always expressed with grand words or dramatic gestures.
Often, it’s found in the small things we do without realizing— a piece of fruit set aside because they like it, a text message just to confirm they arrived home safely, adjusting the fan because they feel cold, listening more than talking because they need to be heard.

We perform these acts naturally, without deliberately calling them “love.”
Our heart knows.
We feel it.
We live it.
And even if unspoken, it’s there — quietly demonstrating that sometimes the deepest love doesn’t require words.

 We often believe love requires grand gestures or poetic declarations.

But more frequently, it hides in the small things we do automatically, without pausing to recognize them.

This reminded me of you.
Did you get home safe?
How can I help?
Let’s work through this together.

These aren’t just casual lines.
They’re the heart speaking fluently without words like “I love you.”
We carry out these acts naturally — a meal cooked, a song shared, a surprise planned — never pausing to call them “love.”

And yet, they are love.
Quiet, steady, unshowy.
The kind you feel more than you hear.

 

WHEN EFFORT FEELS ONE -SIDED : IS IT TIME TO STEP BACK?

     

 

In the rhythm of our daily lives, we all carry responsibilities, routines, and personal priorities. Yet, there are people we make time for — not because we are free, not because we have nothing better to do, but because we value them.

We remember to greet them on special days.
We visit, even if only for a little while.
We check in, we listen, we engage.

You don’t make time because you're free. You make time because you care.

This time we carve out is not a sign of an “empty life.” On the contrary, it is a conscious choice — a quiet expression of love, friendship, or care.

"You’re not empty — you’re intentional. And that matters."

But what happens when that effort goes unnoticed?
When they remain absorbed in their world — too busy to respond, to reciprocate, or even to acknowledge?
When we begin to feel like the only one holding the thread?

It is natural to ask:
Am I doing too much? Is it wrong to keep showing up for someone who doesn’t show up for me?

The answer lies not in resentment, but in reflection.

No, it’s not wrong to care.
It’s not wrong to make time for those we love.
But it is okay to step back when your presence starts to feel like a background note in their symphony of priorities.

"Stepping back isn’t ego. It’s self-respect."

Stepping back isn’t about punishing or testing. It’s not about ego.
It’s about respecting your own emotional bandwidth — and allowing the other person the chance to notice your absence.

Sometimes, distance brings clarity.
And in that quiet space, people often realize what — or who — was taken for granted.

"It’s okay to stop showing up for those who never notice your presence."

So if you’re feeling like the only one making an effort, know this:
You’re not free or empty — you’re intentional.
But it’s also okay to stop pouring from a full cup into a place that never holds it.

Let them come to you — not because you stopped caring,
but because you started caring for yourself too.

 "Let them feel the absence of your presence. That’s where realization begins."

 

FROM TRIALS TO TRANQUILITY - A HEART FELT PRAYER FOR A SMOOTHER LIFE

                          

Life is a journey of peaks and valleys, and I’ve seen my fair share of both. The challenges I’ve faced weren’t easy—but with unwavering support from the Divine, I’ve walked through every storm and come out stronger.

Still, I find myself yearning for a new season.
A season not of survival, but of serenity.

After crossing the rough terrains, I now long for a smooth path—
One that winds through peace, health, joy, and quiet success.
A life filled with meaningful relationships, free-flowing laughter, purposeful days, and a nurturing environment that heals instead of hurries.

This is my simple, soulful prayer:

“Dear Lord,
Thank You for walking with me through the battles.
I’m grateful for the lessons, for the resilience You’ve helped me build.
But now, I pray for calm.
Let my life flow with ease.
Let health be my companion, joy my rhythm, and peace my daily guest.
May love surround me—in people, in spaces, in silence.
Let success come steadily, without struggle.
Let this next chapter be one of gentleness and grace.”

For anyone reading this who feels weary, I want you to know: it’s okay to ask for ease. It’s okay to seek lightness after carrying so much weight. We are not meant to live in constant fight mode. Peace is not a luxury—it’s a birthright.

Here’s to smoother roads ahead—for all of us.
To lives blooming with quiet joy, strong health, and moments that feel like warm sunlight on the soul.

Let the prayers be whispered not in desperation, but in deep trust—knowing we are always held.

A NUGGET OF HOPE AT A HOSPITAL WAITING HALL

      

After reading Nuggets of Hope by Kim Lengling, today was the first time I felt that I was able to pass on a small "nugget of hope" to someone else — a little girl named Lara Elizabeth, a pre-KG student, in the most unexpected of places: a hospital waiting hall.

This morning, I was accompanying my brother as his attender for a treadmill test at a private hospital. As a part of hospital protocol, they stuck a sticker badge on me to identify me as the patient’s attender. We sat in the waiting area, anticipating the call for his procedure. Once his name was called, he went in, and I settled into my chair with a book in hand.

Soon, a little girl and her mother came and sat opposite me. The girl playfully took the sticker badge from her mother's dress and stuck it onto her own. She was so fascinated — touching it, feeling it, admiring it. After a few minutes, she returned it to her mother’s dress, only to take it again and repeat the process. Her mother gently warned, “If you keep doing this, the adhesive will wear off, and it won’t stick anymore.” That worried the little girl. She finally chose to stick it back to her mother's dress, kissed it a few times lovingly, and said goodbye to it.

Sometime later, her grandfather joined them. As per hospital procedure, the nurse tied a patient band around his wrist, writing his name, age, and patient number. It was larger and more ‘official-looking’ than my attender sticker. The little girl immediately jumped up and pleaded with her grandfather to give it to her or at least tie it on her hand. He gently refused, unsure how to explain that it was meant only for patients and that she, thankfully, wasn’t one.

She looked so disappointed, nearly in tears.

That’s when a thought struck me — to offer her a small nugget of hope and joy. With permission from her mother, I pulled out a friendship band from my handbag — a band my friend had tied on me just two days ago for Friendship Day. I tied it gently onto the little girl's wrist.

Her face lit up instantly. She beamed with happiness, pointed at the colored beads one by one, and rushed excitedly to show her father, who was standing in line to pay the bills.

The joy on her face and the sheer delight in her eyes gave me a deep sense of peace. All the tension I had about my brother's health seemed to dissolve in that one moment. Soon after, his test reports came back normal, and the doctor assured us there was nothing to worry about.

I shared the little girl's story with my brother, and even he smiled, visibly relaxed and touched by the joy of that moment.

Reading Nuggets of Hope had made me pause and reflect, but this incident made me live that reflection. As Kim Lengling shares in the book, sometimes we are placed in situations not for ourselves, but for someone else — to give, to comfort, to uplift. She too once experienced something similar in a hospital and realized later that her detour had a greater purpose.

Perhaps I was meant to accompany my brother today, not just as support for him, but to extend a small gesture of kindness — a nugget of hope — to a little girl who just wanted to feel special.

Thank you, Kim Lengling, for your words and wisdom. Your Nuggets of Hope helped me recognize mine.

"CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN THEY ARE READY - NOT WHEN YOU ARE"

               

 

"You can plant seeds, but you can’t force them to grow. Water with kindness and wait for the sun." – Unknown

 

Have you ever found yourself repeating the same advice to a loved one, only to be met with indifference or resistance? Whether it's urging a friend to eat healthier, encouraging a sibling to manage their finances, or reminding a colleague to slow down and take breaks, our intentions are good, yet the outcome often feels frustrating.

The truth is simple, yet profound:

Ultimately, people change when they decide to, not just when we want them to. So, gently plant the seed, and give it space to grow.

This isn’t about giving up on people. It’s about honoring their journey. Just like seeds need time, sunlight, and the right season to sprout, people need space, readiness, and self-awareness to truly embrace change. No matter how urgent or obvious the need may seem to us, transformation must be internally driven.

What You Can Do:

Offer guidance without pressure. Share your thoughts with love, not judgment.

Lead by example. Sometimes the best way to influence someone is by living your values.

Respect their timing. Growth isn't linear — everyone moves at their own pace.

Be a safe space. When they’re ready to talk or seek advice, your patience will speak volumes.

It's hard to watch someone struggle when we believe we know a better path for them. But compassion means more than correction — it means showing up with trust, not control.

So the next time you feel the urge to fix, pause and reflect:

Have I planted the seed? Then trust the process.

Let go of the timeline. Let go of the outcome.

Keep nurturing with kindness, and let them grow in their own time.

Moreover,  "People don't change when they see the light. They change when they feel the heat." – Unknown .

WHEN COOKBOOK PICTURES STEAL THE JOY OF COOKING

 

“Cookbook photos promise perfection, but forget to mention the burnt edges, the second tries, and the learning in the mess.”

There’s something undeniably enchanting about flipping through a cookbook. The glossy pages, the vibrant photos, the plated elegance—it all draws you in, whispering that you, too, can recreate these edible works of art in your own humble kitchen.

But then, reality arrives—along with uneven dough, a sauce that’s a shade too brown, or cookies that spread a little too much. You glance back at the photo in the book. The dish in front of you suddenly feels like a failure.

The truth is, pictures in cookbooks—though inspiring—can also demoralise, especially for home cooks trying out a recipe for the first time. They create a silent pressure. A perfectly styled dish becomes an unspoken benchmark. And when our attempts fall short, we question our abilities rather than celebrating the courage it took to try.

What many don’t realise is that those photos are the result of a team effort—professional chefs, food stylists, photographers, lighting experts—all working together to make food look better than real life. But we, at home, are often alone with our hopes, ingredients, and a ticking stove.

Cooking is not about perfection; it’s about expression. It’s about experimenting, learning, and most importantly, enjoying the process. Every slightly burnt roti or sunken cake has a story. Every splatter on the counter is proof that we showed up with intention.

Let’s stop expecting ourselves to plate like professionals on day one. Let’s normalize sharing pictures of meals that taste incredible but look... let’s say, human. Because cooking, like life, is messy, beautiful, and rarely picture-perfect.

 

Have you ever felt this way about cookbook pictures or recipe videos? Share your “perfectly imperfect” kitchen story below.