In 2005, at the age of 18, I made a life-altering decision to pursue Psychology as an undergraduate major. This pivotal moment came after much internal pressure to conform to the traditional South Asian path of either Engineering or Medicine, driven by the desire to please my father and fulfill his dream of having one of his children in the medical field. However, as I delved deeper into this decision, I realized that I had no genuine interest in following the ‘expected’ route.

The fear of disappointing my parents and the apprehension of what others might think held me back from sharing my true aspirations. But I reminded myself that I sought a career that ignited my curiosity and passion. With this newfound determination, I chose Psychology, having taken an elective class in high school that had piqued my interest.

To my surprise, I found immense enjoyment in my Psychology 101 class and was captivated by the complexities of human thought and decision-making. Over the years, I pursued my graduate degree and embarked on a journey in mental health, working as a social worker, therapist, trainer, and coach. This was the first of many unconventional decisions that led me to realize that people will follow your lead if you believe in your abilities.

While I faced challenges and encountered skepticism when sharing my unconventional path, I learned that relying on my intuition and inner compass can lead to positive outcomes. It may not always be easy, but with unwavering belief in oneself, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

All of us yearn for happiness. Our happiness can originate from various sources, and we’re all on a quest to find contentment and live a joyful life that’s less complicated. You’ve found yourself here today because you recognize that you’re your own harshest critic. In the past, this self-criticism might have motivated you, but now you’re beginning to perceive its drawbacks and want to make a change. You’re realizing that this critical voice hinders your progress, instills fear in taking risks, and diminishes the sense of limitless potential in your life.

As a South Asian immigrant, I understand the genuine desire to ‘make it.’ The pressure to be accepted and perceived as a ‘success’ can be overwhelming. But what if there was a different approach to life? What if I told you that the more grounded you feel in your decisions and self-identity, the more things will start to flow?

It may seem like an unconventional idea, but I’ve personally experienced moments when few people believed in my choices and decisions. These experiences have strengthened me and made me realize that when we create an environment that supports our mental and emotional well-being, and focus on the individuals who genuinely want to empower us, we have the opportunity to live authentic and fulfilling lives.

I’m here to support you on your journey. The question is, are you ready to invest in yourself? Many of us neglect to take the time to know ourselves and understand the reasons behind our choices. Sometimes, our busy lives, whether due to work or personal circumstances, or the lack of opportunities to self-discover, keep us from truly knowing ourselves. If you’re here, it means you have a desire to invest in yourself and delve deeper into your true self. Let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and expertise.