MILLESIMAL MAY 2024

GLOBAL INFLUENCE: HOMEOPATHY'S RISING

DR. SHREEPAD

KHEDEKAR

SHREEPADKHEDEKAR

"Yourwindowto aworldof inspiration."

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Dr. Shreepad Khedekar integrates medical genetics with homeopathy to manage complex pathologies safely and effectively. Renowned for autism research, his methods enhance patient well-being globally. His seminal works and international lectures advance homeopathy, emphasizing genetic factors in health and promoting holistic care across diverse cultural contexts.

Artist of the Month

Can you elaborate on your innovative approach to managing severe and complex pathologies through holistic homoeopathic treatments? How do you ensure effectiveness and safety in your treatments?

In managing severe and complex pathologies, I use a holistic approach that combines medical genetics and homeopathy. The safety of byhomeopathic treatments is inherent in their application, as they are based on individualization, non-toxicity, and the minimum dose principle. I ensure effectiveness by carefully analyzing the patient's genetic predispositions, family history, and unique symptoms to select the most appropriate homeopathic remedy.

Your research on autism spectrum disorder management has gained significant acclaim worldwide. Could you share some insights into your methodology and the key findings from your database of cured cases across Europe, the USA, and India?

My research on autism spectrum disorder management emphasizes the improvement of the patient's will, morals, intellect, and social skills. The key findings from my database of cured cases across Europe, the USA, and India demonstrate that focusing on these aspects can lead to significant improvements in the patient's condition. The methodology involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's genetic profile and their psychological, emotional and social development.

Your commitment to addressing multifaceted healthcare challenges is evident through your research on post-war trauma in the Balkans and medical genetics at VIGS, Mumbai. How do these experiences inform your clinical practice and approach to patient care?

Man is a byproduct of the intricate reaction of his proteomic and enzymatic genes to the internal and external environment. My experiences researching post-war trauma in the Balkans and medical genetics at VIGS, Mumbai have informed my clinical practice by emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between proteomic and enzymatic genes in internal and external environments. By restoring the balance between these factors, I aim to achieve a state of homeostasis and a permanent cure for my patients.

Your influence in homoeopathy extends globally, including lectures at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and engagements with the Olympic committee. How do you navigate cultural and institutional differences to promote the adoption of homoeopathic practices on an international scale?

To promote the adoption of homeopathic practices on an international scale, I approach cultural and institutional differences by recognizing that the fundamental mathematical principles of understanding and restoring human health remain the same worldwide. Regardless of an individual's background, the goal is to apply these principles consistently and effectively to achieve positive outcomes.

As an author of seminal works such as "A Comparative Study of the Rubrics of Mind" and "NUCLEUS of GENETIC Constitutions," how do you believe your research has advanced the understanding of homoeopathic principles? What are the implications of your findings for the broader medical community?

My research, including "A Comparative Study of the Rubrics of Mind" and ‘NUCLEUS of GENETIC Constitutions,’ has advanced the understanding of homeopathic principles by highlighting the importance of the mind-body axis and its genetic basis. This research has implications for the broader medical community, as it emphasizes the role of genetic factors in mental and physical health and the potential for homeopathy to address these issues.

Admit it, You Are The Main Character

BY: ROXI NICOLUSSI

While The Haters will say it’s our millennial entitlement that has us thinking we’re “all that”, there are at least 10 reasons we should admit and start owning our Main Character Energy.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know what a millennial is. Here is a definition, anyways: “Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are typically defined as individuals born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s to early 2000s, depending on the source. The exact date range may vary, but millennials are generally considered to be in our late 20s to late 30s in the 2020s”(LiveScience).

Millennials grew up during the rapid rise of technology and the internet. We are often referred to as the first truly digital-native generation, having been exposed to computers, smartphones, and the internet from a young age but having experienced life before the internet. This has influenced our communication styles, consumption habits, and preferences for digital tools.

The concept of "main character energy" has emerged as a cultural phenomenon in recent years, particularly on social media. It gained popularity as a term used to describe a state of self-confidence, selfassuredness, and self-expression associated with feeling like the protagonist or central figure in one's own life.

Critics will say that means we are self-obsessed, but I disagree. The important thing about being the main character is realizing that others aren’t supporting actors, but are main characters in our own stories. We all have a tendency to search for narrative truth and individual purpose. We don’t need to know everything in order to be on our own heroic journeys. We are on individual quests for noble causes in the face of great odds, and it’s okay to own that.

Here are 10 reasons that millennials should own our main character energy.

Millennials Express Themselves. In the age of social media, we have been granted platforms to express ourselves and share our lives with a wide audience. This has given rise to a culture of selfempowerment and self-expression, where we are able to embrace our uniqueness. We have used that power to bring others up; contemporary empowerment movements, such as body positivity, self-love, and inclusivity, have encouraged people to embrace their individuality and challenge societal expectations. These movements have contributed to the rise of "main character energy" by promoting self-acceptance, confidence, and the idea that everyone deserves to be the protagonist in our own life story.

Millennials Have Shifted Cultural Narratives: The rise of characters in popular media who exude confidence, agency, and unique personalities has influenced the concept of "main character energy." Having grown up following characters like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde going against all odds and being unwavering in her pink and frilly authentic self has resonated with millennials as they grew up. Traditional narratives often focused on conforming to societal norms or following predefined paths. However, as societal attitudes have evolved, there has been a greater emphasis on individuality, personal growth, and self-fulfillment. This shift has encouraged individuals, especially millennials and younger generations, to prioritize our own needs.

Millennials are Protagonists. Millennials, as a generation, ARE the protagonists. Millennials are often associated with a strong sense of social responsibility. They are passionate about causes such as sustainability, environmental conservation, and social activism. They actively support brands and organizations that align with our values and are more likely to engage in philanthropy and volunteer work.

Millennials Acknowledge our Complex Origin Stories. They talk about our complex origin stories. All generations have their own complex character stories. The difference is that millennials have access to information about trauma. They are actively destigmatizing therapy and doing the work to address generational trauma.

Millennials are Action Takers. Main characters take action and make decisions that propel the story. They are proactive rather than passive, actively pursuing our goals and driving the plot forward. Like many main characters, Millennials are most likely to use the internet to create a movement, share GoFundMe links for those in need, and actively put energy into improving conditions for causes they care about.

Millennials are Transforming. Main characters often undergo a transformation in our story. They learn from our experiences, overcome challenges, and evolve as individuals. In our 20s and 30s, Millennials are starting to truly form themselves and make decisions beyond the scope of peer pressure.

Millennials are Relatable. We created communities online, starting with chat rooms and working our way into Facebook groups, Instagram accounts and TikTok hashtags. We seek out community and aren’t afraid to make our own.

Millennials are Resilient. We have lived through not one but several recessions. I don’t even think I know what it’s like to not be in a recession. We entered the workforce during the Great Recession, which impacted our job prospects and income growth. According to Consumer Affairs (2022), the national CPI has increased by over 500% since 1970, while wages have only increased by 80%. Factors such as rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and increasing living expenses have made it challenging for millennials to build wealth and achieve traditional markers of success, such as homeownership. Nevertheless, as protagonists do, we persist in pursuing our goals, overcoming obstacles, and bouncing back from setbacks, and inspiring our audience (even if it’s just Mom) with our determination.

Millennials are Compassionate. Main characters often exhibit empathy and compassion towards others. They care about the well-being of those around us and may engage in acts of kindness or support. We are one of the most diverse generations in terms of ethnicity, culture, and values. We embrace diversity and actively seek inclusive environments that value equality, equity, and social justice. This focus on inclusivity has influenced our consumer choices, employment expectations, and overall worldview.

Millennials are Shaping the Future. As the largest living generation, millennials have the power to shape the future. We are catalysts for change, whether it's through our consumer choices, political engagement, or entrepreneurial endeavours. Our ability to influence and shape society makes us compelling main characters in today's stories.

The emergence of “main character energy” reflects a broader societal shift towards self-empowerment, individuality, and the desire for personal fulfillment. It doesn’t stop there though, millennials care about our surroundings and are committed to making the world a better place. Main Character Energy has become a cultural expression of confidence and selfassuredness, encouraging individuals to embrace their own narratives and strive to be the protagonists of our worlds. Our ability to influence and shape society makes us compelling main characters in the stories of today. We might as well start owning it.

Millennial, admit it. You are the main character. You can make a difference in this world. Own your power, own your unique flair, and use it to create a better world.

EMPATHY, SELF-AWARENESS, AND

ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR GEN-Z LEADERS

ARTICLEBYTAYLORELIZABETH-EMOTIONAL

INTELLIGENCEANDETIQUETTECOACH

It was 11 PM, and Rohan found herself alone in the neon glow of her office, the hum of computers her only company. With a crucial project deadline breathing down her neck, stress levels were skyrocketing, and her team's morale was hitting rock bottom. But as she slumped into her chair, Rohan realized that tackling this challenge required more than just technical expertise; it demanded empathy, self-awareness, and masterful communication. This latenight epiphany wasn’t just about saving a project—it was about reshaping her entire approach to leadership amidst chaos.

Navigating Chaos with Self-Compassion and Empathy

Have you ever found yourself in Rohan’s shoes? Picture this: you're on a team facing a critical deadline, burning the midnight oil, and everyone, including you, is exhausted and frustrated. Welcome to the human experience in the workforce.

As an emotional intelligence and professionalism coach, I offer a glimmer of hope. In moments like these, you have the chance to shine as a leader and enhance your professional prowess and reputation by embracing selfcompassion and empathy. These two principles serve as the foundation of resilience and professional growth, especially when navigating challenging projects and situations.

So, what can you do when the pressure mounts, and team cohesion starts to fray?

Start by acknowledging the stress you're under without self-judgment. It may sound simple, but many of my clients struggle to pause and recognize the difficulty and stress they're facing. By acknowledging your stress, you can begin to decompress. With training in stress coping mechanisms, you'll be better equipped to take action, destress, and perform your work more effectively.

Practicing self-compassion not only benefits you but also cultivates empathy and compassion for others. When stress peaks and communication falters, you'll be able to recognize it, pause, and acknowledge the situation without judgment. This strengthens team dynamics and fosters a safe working environment where people enjoy collaborating towards a shared goal with respect and kindness. By refraining from venting stress onto others, you'll build camaraderie and boost productivity.

Enhancing Leadership with Self-Awareness

Self-awareness acts as a cornerstone of leadership, providing clarity about one’s emotional triggers and limits. This insight is invaluable in high-stress situations, helping leaders like Rohan manage their responses proactively— whether that means taking a mental break or delegating tasks. This not only improves efficiency but also models effective stress management for the team.

Mastering Communication in Tumultuous Times

In high-stakes situations, the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately is pivotal. Rohan knew she needed to articulate the challenges, share her vision, and rally her team. By ensuring transparency and inclusivity, she could align her team towards shared goals while fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

TIPS FROM A MILLENNIAL TO GEN Z LEADERS

Embrace Reflective Practices:

Start by integrating daily reflective practices, such as journaling or meditative breathing. This enhances self-awareness and equips you to handle stress effectively

Cultivate Relationships with Mentors across Generations:

Build mentoring relationships that span generations for a broader perspective on leadership and coping strategies. This enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to connect across diverse teams.

Prioritize Clear, Authentic Communication:

By leaning into these strategies, you will learn to navigate the complexities of modern workplaces, turning overwhelming challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership excellence. Through selfcompassion, empathy, and strategic communication, you will be better equipped to inspire and lead, no matter the chaos around you.

By leaning into these strategies, you will learn to navigate the complexities of modern workplaces, turning overwhelming challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership excellence. Through selfcompassion, empathy, and strategic communication, you will be better equipped to inspire and lead, no matter the chaos around you.

Refocusing Body Image Refocusing Body Image Perspectives Perspectives

Power in a Picture

As a boudoir photographer (@katelynscottboudoir), Katelyn now wields compassion and her camera to help others become more comfortable with themselves. All body types can be beautiful and sexy and her goal is to help individuals change their perspective, even just a small amount. “Allowing yourself to disassociate happiness with your exterior allows you to feel good in your skin.” This philosophy has produced incredible images of all body types, empowering her subjects to be themselves, both striking and authentic.

As a society, we’ve become experts at capturing moments in life — but too quickly filter out the imperfections. Before getting too liberal with the delete button, Katelyn argues that the pictures we take are not entirely for us. Photos are for our loved ones, both now and after we are gone — and they certainly are not looking at the “flaws” that taint our own view. They are taking in the emotions on your face, the memories of the day, and the person they knew. They see YOU.

Your Body Doesn’t Define Your Self-Worth

Understanding your self-worth is the first step toward confidently stepping in front of the camera. Katelyn takes a much different approach. Unlike society’s demand to love your body, she leans into a ‘neutrality’ stance. “Your body is a tool to keep you alive. [It] is the least interesting part of you. Show me your heart, show me your brain.

The images reflecting that mentality often are the most striking and authentic. At the same time, Katelyn makes it clear to her photography clients that they have permission to not like images of themselves. Her sessions are about the experience itself, not the photos at the end. She wants them to walk away with a glimpse of how the world sees them and grow in confidence, leaving with a fresh perspective about themselves.

Insecurity is Universal

Hit singer Mehgan Trainor openly speaks and sings about her own struggles with insecurity. When Billboard asked about “All About That Bass,” she said, “I wrote it for me because I’ve struggled with [body image] since I was very young. And, my best friend is a beautiful goddess, but she’ll pick on herself in the mirror.” Meghan explained. “So, if other girls can relate to the song, it makes me feel even better.” Meghan is addressing what we all should realize — every person has insecurities. No one is exempt from the societal pressures that are put on us to look a certain way, but we don’t have to be imprisoned by them.

By changing our self-narrative by shifting focus from our flaws to our strengths and inner beauty, the images of ourselves begin to blossom. The emotions of the moment shine through as you capture your authentic self, embracing what’s on the inside. Don’t let the insecurities we are plagued with stop you from celebrating your life. Take the photo - “every inch of you is perfect, from the bottom to the top.”

3 STEPS TO BEATING STRESS

WRITTEN BY: DR. TRACEY ZIELINSKI

Feeling angry? Snapping at the kids? Struggling to concentrate at work?

Feeling overwhelmed? It sounds as though you might be stressed.

You might just be juggling more boxes than you feel you can comfortably manage. Yes, I said boxes. Let me create a word picture for you. Think of all the different stresses or burdens or obligations or chores in your life as a single pile of boxes. There are big boxes, small boxes, wide boxes, skinny boxes, all piled randomly one on top of the other. Every single one of us has a pile of boxes to carry around. You carry that pile everywhere you go, trying not to drop any of your boxes as you go about your day. When that pile of boxes gets too big, it becomes unwieldy. At that point, most of your attention is going towards not dropping the pile. You struggle to focus on anything else. You struggle to focus on the things happening around you. You start to feel overwhelmed. That may be the first time you recognise that you feel stressed.

FIGHT STRESS WITH 3 SIMPLE STEPS

How do you fight an enemy whose tactics are to keep you feeling so overwhelmed? What’s your battle plan? They’re good questions.

The first difficulty is that when you are stressed, you simply do not feel in control of what’s going on in your life. So, I’m going to run through 3 simple steps to help you take back control of you.

STEP 1

Imagine yourself gently placing your big pile of boxes on the floor. Now, step back from the boxes and stretch your arms, roll your shoulders, and gently roll your head to loosen the muscles.

STEP 2: BREATHE!

Below are instructions for a very simple and effective breathing technique that will step your body out of distress mode and into relax mode. I call the technique ‘breathing through your eyes’. It is essentially a form of relaxation called diaphragmatic breathing (breathing deep into your diaphragm), but it really does feel as though you are breathing through your eyes.

When you get this working well, which may only take a few breaths, you will feel your body relax and it will seem as though the world around you slows down so that you can think more clearly.

HOW TO BREATHE THROUGH YOUR EYES:

Firstly, take a normal breath in through your nose. Notice that the breath appears to flow into your nostrils and then simply disappear.

Now, open your eyes wide and take a long slow breath in through your nose. Imagine the breath flowing so far up your nose that it dives out through the bridge of your nose and flows back into your eyes. Focus on feeling the breath in your eyes. Most people describe a feeling like a sense of coolness or a light breeze across the surface of their eyes. It’s a weird feeling, but the best thing is that your body will immediately relax as the shift into relax mode is triggered.

Take the time now to practise the technique until you feel confident you’ve got it. Notice your body relax as you breathe. Notice your shoulders let go.

Practice this breathing exercise before you eat to help overcome any issues with reflux or indigestion, and when you go to bed to help the quality of your sleep. Just a few breaths will be enough, although feel free to do more if you like.

STEP 3

Now that you feel calmer, it’s time to plan your attack. Look at your pile of boxes and go through and deal with any that can be quickly dealt with. That will reduce the size of the pile.

Next spend a little time prioritising the remaining boxes. Consider both how important and how urgent each one is. If something is both important and urgent, it goes to the top of your to-do list. If something is neither important nor urgent, then it goes to the bottom of the list.

In those 3 steps you have the tools to beat the silent assassin, stress. With practice these simple tools can become very useful habits.

What inspired you to transition from your background in psychology and social services to becoming a certified Hatha Yoga teacher and holistic healer?

Throughout high school I volunteered at our local long term care facilities and cared for the elderly. With my degree and my diploma I was working in Toronto as a frontline support worker for adults with AIDS. I began to notice the captivating magnificence of holding someone’s hand as they took their last breaths. I witnessed peace where there was once pain and suffering. I witnessed the devastating effects of mouthfuls of pills and cared for them as they experienced horrible medication side effects. The medications I witnessed were worse for them to endure than the diagnosis. My bleeding heart needed to be set free after 7 years at the same agency and my pay was capped at $13/hr.

I built a trust with the power of beyond the medicines, the calm I saw sweep over a body after the life has left. I began to study every holistic training I found in the newspapers, at the Learning Annex, joined The Theosophical Society of Toronto, practiced NLP and meditation in an upstairs bedroom of a great teacher who was following his heart as well. He later developed a successful healing course. This was the transitional inspiration for me.

"Deeper

Days: 365 Yoga-spirations for Inner Calm Amidst Chaos' ' offers daily inspirations for finding inner peace. Can you share a bit about the philosophy behind this book and how it can benefit readers navigating difficult times?

There is a yogic eight-limbed path I studied with my Zen Buddhist teachers, yoga teachers, books, courses and training. Learning these teachings I changed my course and I set the direction of my sails. The art of concentration practice revealed a connection and a kingdom I didn’t previously know about, it is within me, it is within us all. Deeper Days is one of the eight limbs of yoga. The meaning is concentration. Deeper Days offers a self-inquiry practice, which means you think about something in a new light, therefore creating new pathways of thinking and patterning of the cells and opening of your heart. Each day in the book offers one line after the daily message, as often as you can if you repeat that one mantra, sentence, vibration, as often as you can throughout the day, this will strengthen your innate capabilities within you now of focus, increase awareness and increase concentration. Once you have increased these you can build onto this and actually have capacity for meditation practice, yoga, or what your heart’s inner wisdom drives you towards. Without concentration on one thing, nothing can be sustainable for longer periods.

This practice is yoga. When the pandemic shut down my yoga studio Ganga Moon Yoga, I took all of my years of training and teachings and wanted to make yoga as simple as I could for us all. This is for everyone. Your inner calm amidst chaos is a superpower. There is greatness within you. It is never too late to shine your brightest.

Your poetry collection, "No Matter How Dark The Stain: Poems and Inspiration for the Woman in Pain," touches upon profound themes of resilience and healing. What motivated you to share your experiences through poetry, and what message do you hope readers take away from your work?

Motivated by the alarming surge in domestic violence during the pandemic, and recalling the heartbreaking statistic of a woman being raped every three seconds, I couldn't bear the thought of women feeling alone in their struggles. I envisioned a world where these women could rise, share their talents, and find healing.

Thus, I channeled my gift of poetry into three categories: Innocence, Heartbreak, and Rise of the Goddess. Having experienced my own traumatic journey, I felt compelled to offer solace and empowerment to others facing similar challenges. Words, I believe, possess the power to illuminate even the darkest corners of pain. Through poetry, I aimed to shine a light onto the struggles that often go unspoken, providing a beacon of hope for those navigating their own paths of healing. "No Matter How Dark the Stain" was born from a desire to honor the resilience and strength inherent in every woman. It symbolizes the journey from innocence to heartbreak, and ultimately, the triumphant rise of the Goddess within. I dream of a world where these stories of triumph and resilience resonate, where compassion and talent flourish amidst adversity. With each poem, I fight for love, striving to ignite a spark of hope in the hearts of those who need it most.

As a multi-faceted practitioner of Reiki, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Chi Kung, Feng Shui, and meditation, how do you integrate these diverse modalities into your teachings at Ganga Moon Yoga Studio?

Great question, I have become the teachings, I feel embodied and the training and teachings are now who I am. My students seem to resonate with me for these extraordinary gifts I share with them, authentic, whole, real, I show up for them. It is most important for me to see them and reflect their light back to them. It is essential for me to honor the teachers I have had and so I tell my Ganga Moon yogis the stories of my teachers. This is how I transfer knowledge. It would be the saddest graveyard for me to die with my lessons unshared. I remind my students some days at the end of classes, “you are not here to become enlightened, you are here because you already are”. With the Reiki I can feel their energy as they come to class or even prior, I am then able to instruct a class for them based on what may heal their bodies most for that evening. I am able to channel reminders of their greatness to them, remind them they are doing good. These are important little things, and there is nothing bigger than the little things. I have cultivated an Andrea L. Wehlann that speaks only from the heart, my students tell me they feel that. How amazing and divine this is. They inspire me. It’s a beautiful energy. Feng Shui is lovely when I move things around and keep them wondering “Andrea, has that always been here?” or “Andrea, am I seeing things, did you move this”. I love it because the mind gets stuck, and the practice of yoga is no disturbances of the mind. The body needs movement, unstuckness. I am creating spaces within the bodies and minds and this space allows for our nature to be. We are love, stillness, nature, compassion, peace and interconnected.

Being recognized with awards and featured in various publications signifies the impact of your work. How do you feel about the acknowledgment you've received, and what drives you to continue your journey as a healer and author?

What drives me is a lesson that touched me deeply from one of my yoga teachers, “how can we be free if the prisons are full”. I am not an island, I am connected to everyone and every vibration on this invisible interconnected web of frequencies we call ‘life’ and I will share my heart until we all can share our hearts without fear. The acknowledgement is an outstanding thrill. It’s like a poem, it's a moment in time, captured.

It's a yoga pose, practiced, yet as Patthabi Jois taught his Ashtanga yoga students "keep going, there’s more”. I am proud of the woman I have created myself into. There has been sacrifice, hard work, devotion, and I can say that to you now honestly. I am grateful. My cup overflows. I feel love. Thank you for this moment, this is a happy moment.

Your journey through overcoming childhood abuse, rape, miscarriages, and other challenges is incredibly inspiring. How have these experiences shaped your approach to spiritual healing and your work as a yoga teacher and author?

I trust having such extraordinary experiences repeatedly was showing me a pattern and revealing to me that I have a gift to help other people. My experiences and near death experiences have given me those dark trenches of bloody hands scraping my way up some intense walls where I saw no light, and also I have a power to love and feel that is far beyond my words. Such experiences rule out what is insignificant in a big picture of reality. I have learned that love is stronger than death.

I have learned that those dark parts and the light parts within me, are both love. I chose love. I know that I am love and lovable. It is my most authentic soul that drives me to share this knowledge with others. I feel extremely grateful that people I come in contact with, I have wisdom and discernment now that i am able to see them, truly see them, and in this, I can meet them where they are at, then, I show them the love that they are. The love that I am, the love I found.

The greatest illusion is that we are separate, I want to shatter that. We are interconnected, we are destined for greatness. This is my purpose, this is what I teach, this is who I am and this is what I write about. We are all equal parts of this wholeness. I shine brighter when we all do. We have a long way to go before we love too much.

YOURS, MINE, OURS

It can sometimes feel that everyone in your life is busy, busy, busy, achieving all the things. They're all over your Instagram and Facebook, showing off their new job, buying a house, and publishing their novel. Baby announcements are getting more and more elaborate, and everyone seems to be an influencer these days. Even your friend, who usually only posts motivational quotes about plants, is being promoted or running a marathon. Often, our immediate reaction is envy or resentment, not excitement or pride for our friends. It can range from smashing an audition to getting a pay rise, from a PB in the gym to getting married. It doesn't matter what it is, but I want to be happier for my friends than I am. Why? Why can't we be genuinely pleased when something great happens to someone we love? The problem lies in the way we insert ourselves into the story. It's how we compare what others do and achieve to our success. When someone else experiences a victory, we feel it in the context of our loss- they now have something we do not. Every step up the ladder stands to show us where we stand. It can emphasise our lack of motivation or our own stagnation. Sometimes, it might make our i

reinforce a belief that the choice we've made is the best one. We might not be the least bit interested in what another woman has succeeded in, but it reminds us that that is a door closed to us. No, I don't want to own my business/be a personal trainer/curate an art gallery, but that doesn't mean there's no pang that says, "And now you never will".

And while it might seem that everyone is continually making strides in their lives and shouting it from the rooftops, it might be the opposite. Social media is a safe space to say, "Hey, I did great today". Women tend to downplay success; we say, "Oh, it was nothing", and shrug when complimented. We need a place where we can seek praise. Praise is great! It boosts our mood, improves our confidence and makes us feel valued. We praise children, and then when we become adults, the cheering stops. Your mum might still tell you you're special, but now we have to earn our accolades.

It's a long-standing joke (based on actual events) that men will lie on their resumes far more than women. By and large, women will underplay their roles, while men are more likely to outright lie about their abilities. There's a fine line between boasting and "being boastful".

We should be allowed to share the story of our triumphs, but we're so keen not to be seen as arrogant that we hold back. Maybe the answer is that all women start being a bit more vocal about their wins and start singing the praise of others.

Other women are a fantastic source of support. We are robbing us all by seeing others as a threat to our own goals rather than a cornerstone on which we can raise everyone up. We're used to fighting for a small amount of praise or that one female spot in a top job. By channelling that competitiveness as a drive to propel ourselves forward rather than a desire to pull others back, we all get to advance. No one wants to prosper merely to stop you from being happy.

When it's hard to be happy with yourself and confident in your choices, it's far easier to bring down those around you. But female friendship is one of the most powerful things in the world. Female friends are there when you have a bad day at work; they come over with ice cream and wine and tell you he wasn't worth it, and they listen to you complain about the ennui of life. By building ourselves a network of extraordinary women, we open up a world of opportunities. We don't see that those women we are jealous of have probably been grating harder than you'll ever know. They've been jealous of others. Sometimes, they have bad days. These women are fountains of knowledge that they are probably willing to share. They will be the best cheerleaders because they know how hard it is to meet your goals. We can start small and compliment her Instagram post. Send her some flowers when she tells you good news. Take her out for coffee when she kicks butt. A female friend is the ultimate secret weapon for your success. Be that friend, appreciate that friend. Tell your friend she rocks. When we share in the joy of other's success, we also succeed.

UNVEILING THE SECRETS OF INTERIOR DESIGN WITH PREETI KATARIA

ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER

I aim for creating elegant and sophisticated spaces which are also experimental when it comes to designing. Every space must reflect the heart and soul of the client so I start each project with fresh ideas. I take inspiration from their unique stories and I love to be able to translate that into beautiful purposeful spaces for them.

The design field gives me an opportunity to discover my own potential as a creative problem solver and it allows me to explore many facets of design as every project is unique. There is always something new to learn and I get to spend my time doing what I truly love. It is so amusing to see my visions realized.

I believe all kinds of design must stand the test of time so I make sure I am not a slave to any trend. The spaces need to be efficient whilst being visually pleasing. In an industry where visual beauty reigns, it is important to stay true to yourself. I thrive to keep this authenticity when it comes to leading both my work and life.

DESIGN INTERIOR

Project: Windsor home

Project location: Gurgaon city

Interior designer: Preeti Kataria

The design is an amalgamation of elements that create an eclectic spatial experience. As spiritual interaction plays a significant part in the family, the design highlights the very aspect through the artwork that is rooted in family’s culture and travel histories.

A customized Pichwai Art placed above a teakwood bench overlooks the terracotta walled entry foyer that opens to a living and dining area. The handcrafted brass and teakwood swing acts as a transparent transition between the living and the dining spaces, keeping the seamless experience of the space intact. The living room furniture accentuates vibrant hues of dark sofa, teakwood coffee table, a custom television console with wall panelling, an accent chair upholstered in printed blue fabric and indoor plants to create a calm ambience with ample diffused natural light.

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The white walls with delicate mouldings act as a clean backdrop for crystal brass wall lights and artworks. The brass chandelier brings in the luxurious touch in line with the handmade furniture. The custom dining table and chairs create a clean clutterfree spatial character with subtle notes of greens and warm ambient lighting. The overall space balances both traditional and contemporary features to create a holistic environment.

Living Room