Healing, Holding, and the Power of Showing Up

A personal reflection on the moment that sparked a movement, the quiet battles fought behind the scenes, and the journey of creating safe spaces for others—starting with myself.

There are moments in life that don’t feel monumental when they happen—but looking back, they quietly shaped everything that came after. This is the story of one such moment in my journey.

It was very early in my career at Amazon. Probably the second or third Women’s Day—I think it was 2016.

I was invited to conduct a Women’s Day session on the topic of confidence and courage, I guess.

It took me almost no time to prepare. I went ahead with what instinctively came to me. I narrated the message through my own story—probably for the first time so deeply and so up close.

The session was warm, introspective, and filled with a lot of personal reflection—both for the audience and for me. Together, we walked through difficult memories that had been crossed like hurdles in a race—with grit, courage, and determination. The audience got space to introspect on their own journeys, their struggles, and the choices they could make.

The session was very well received and highly applauded. Little did I know that it would become the ignition point to something bigger.

Soon after the session, I went into my first identified phase of clinical depression.

I still remember working through that phase—functioning at work and breaking down within the four walls of my space haven, surrounded only by my safe people. As I emerged from that time, two things stayed with me:

• Nothing—no work, person, or situation—deserves the power to push me into that space again.

• And everything I do from here needs to honour my peace.

That phase became a deeply personal wake-up call. I felt grateful to have had the kind of support system I did—at home and at work.

But what hit me harder was this:

Not everyone has that kind of support.

Not everyone has a space where they can be heard, understood, or simply held without being judged or ridiculed.

That realisation sparked something in me. Not just a desire, but almost a 'zid'—a fierce commitment—to create that kind of space for anyone I could.

Almost immediately, I began talking about the subtle yet powerful things:

emotional intelligence, empathy, the power of listening…

The session I conducted for the women at Amazon soon grew into a full-fledged program on Succeeding Without Guilt.

Individual listening sessions began… which I naively called “counseling” back then, like many still do.

And finally, in 2019, LoveLiveLearn came to light.

The rest, as they say, is history.

That period also forced me to learn something I had never done before—

Setting boundaries, especially with those I love.

I’m still learning. But I’ve come a long way. I’m more at peace now.

Yes, I lost relationships—friends, family, colleagues.

But I don’t regret a single one.

Each step taken in self-honour has led to growth. Every day since, I’ve been growing.

Why This Matters—Even If You’re Not a Psychologist

Let’s be clear: psychologists and therapists are essential. They’re trained professionals who help us navigate deeply rooted emotional patterns, traumas, and mental health conditions. They hold space for processing what we often can’t hold alone and offer tools to help us heal and grow.

But healing doesn’t only happen in therapy rooms.

It also happens in kitchens and meeting rooms. In WhatsApp messages and silent hugs.

It happens when a colleague notices you’re quieter than usual.

When a friend waits without rushing your silence.

When a manager checks in—not just on deadlines, but on you.

Each one of us, regardless of our profession or background, can play a role.

Because mental wellness is not just a clinical concern—it’s a human one.

You don’t have to diagnose.

You don’t have to fix.

You just need to show up—with compassion, presence, and the willingness to listen.

These micro-moments of care—when done consistently—can become someone’s anchor.

And in a world where loneliness and internal chaos are often masked behind productivity and perfection, just being there might be the most powerful thing you do.

Reflection: What This Teaches Us About Mental Health

What you just read is not just a personal story—it’s a quiet lesson in awareness.

In noticing the signs.

In understanding the importance of being able to name what we’re going through.

And perhaps most importantly, in knowing how to support ourselves and those around us.

In psychology, we speak about functional depression—the kind where someone appears “fine” on the outside, continues to meet deadlines, shows up at meetings, and even smiles… while internally carrying the weight of silent breakdowns. It’s more common than we realise.

Awareness can change that.

You don’t need to be a therapist to recognise emotional fatigue.

You just need to:

• Pause and be present

• Listen beyond words

• Ask gently, “How are you… really?”

• Normalize conversations around therapy and emotional wellbeing

• Respect when someone says, “I need space” or “I’m not okay”

If This Story Resonated With You…

You might be someone who’s been there—holding yourself together while falling apart quietly.

Or someone who’s watched a loved one go through it and felt helpless.

Either way, let this be a reminder:

• You’re not alone.

• You don’t need to be a “professional” to make a difference.

• The smallest acts—listening, acknowledging, making space—can ripple into healing.

And if you’re someone who holds space for others, remember to hold it for yourself, too.

We’re Here to Hold Space

At LoveLiveLearn, we’re building that space. For stories, for silence, for support.

If this story spoke to you—or if you’d like to share your own—we’re listening.

Let’s keep showing up for each other. That’s where healing begins.