A hidden Letter from a Women's Heart

Dear Friend,

Love is a beautiful emotion that has the power to bring immense happiness. When she first fell in love with him, her heart was filled with dreams of a shared future, support, and mutual respect. However, over time, those dreams began to fade, replaced by a harsh reality she never anticipated.

In the beginning, she believed in the strength of their love, thinking it could overcome any obstacle. But as days turned into months and then years, she realized that love alone is not enough. When a man refuses to take responsibility for his actions, when he insults, mocks, and belittles her, the foundation of that love starts to crumble. The person she once adored became a source of pain, someone who inflicted wounds not just on her body, but on her soul.

It's heartbreaking to admit, but she has been beaten and kicked in front of their child. The physical pain was unbearable, but the emotional scars cut even deeper. She stayed silent, hiding the bruises and the tears, because she wanted to protect their child. She thought enduring the abuse was a way to shield them from the harsh reality of a broken home. She convinced herself that staying was the lesser evil, that sacrificing her own well-being was worth it if it meant their child would have both parents.

But the truth is, staying in such a toxic environment does more harm than good. Children are perceptive; they see and feel the tension, the anger, and the fear. By staying, she was teaching her child that such behavior is acceptable, that it's okay to hurt and be hurt. This realization was devastating, but it was also the first step towards reclaiming her strength.

She kept her mouth shut about the abuse, hoping that her silence would maintain the facade of a perfect family. The world saw him as a good man, oblivious to the nightmare that unfolded behind closed doors. Her silence gave him power, allowing him to continue his facade while she withered away in the shadows.

To any woman reading this, enduring similar pain, she wants you to know that you are not alone. Your love is not a curse, and your silence is not a testament to your strength.  Your life, your happiness, and your well-being matter. You deserve to be loved and respected, not just by others, but by yourself.

It's not always possible to leave, especially when children are involved. However, remember that you have the right to live a life free from abuse and fear. 

Try to silently stay away from them whenever possible. These people won't understand at all and will continue to hurt you, but you have the power to fight silently and stay strong. I know he crushed you and trashed your trust, but it's important to pick yourself up and move on. Even in silence, you can reclaim your strength and protect your heart. Remember, your resilience and quiet determination are powerful tools to rebuild your life.

Love should lift you up, not tear you down. It's time to rewrite the narrative, to break the silence, and to reclaim your life. You deserve to be cherished, respected, and safe.

With all her heart,

A Woman Who Silently Fights the Battle

Secret Admiration

Life's unexpected twists and turns can often lead to unfamiliar paths, causing us to fundamentally change and lose touch with our true selves. The innocence within can disappear due to past hurt and betrayal, leaving behind a sense of maturity. It's a common struggle—between the persona we project to the world and the authentic self that quietly fades over time. 

Life may feel content, yet deep down, the true essence of ourselves remains hidden. As years pass, it's common to disconnect from our genuine selves and mistakenly associate our evolving self with growth, resulting in the suppression of the older version while acknowledging this newfound self.

Then, suddenly, a new person enters your world, and you find yourself secretly admiring them. In this journey, your true inner self emerges. From a distance, you see yourself and realize that the innocent and free-spirited version is coming back. Ironically, this person has no clue about the role they are playing in your life, yet they unknowingly bring gratitude for the journey that led you back to your authentic self. 

And then, our rational mind intervenes, reminding us about the hard-learned lessons of the past and the shape we have molded into. Your heart urges you to let go of the baggage, acknowledging the scars life has left, yet yearning for a transformation where the real you emerges effortlessly. Listening to the mind, we hit it away like playing Whac-A-Mole with a toy mole. But guess what? It keeps popping up persistently every time.

Your mind helps you realize that the version of yourself, unburdened by guilt, free from wounds and scars, resurfaces frequently, unveiling the essence of your true self. You feel drawn to your pure, soulful persona, reminiscent of an innocent baby.

Now, a tug of war ensues between your heart and mind. In the end, it's up to you to decide which thought holds more value. You can choose to embrace the life lessons that have been taught to you or opt to pick up that innocent, pure soul along with the valuable lessons and move forward.

Realizing now, we often dust off our true selves while moving forward with our tough lessons. Sometimes, we may not have a specific person to awaken it, but this process taps into our own inner resilience. From a distance, you watch as that person stands with folded arms focused on their task, completely unaware of the profound influence they have had on your life. Although we may struggle to express our deep admiration for this person, those around us, including our life partner, notice the positive changes and the newfound spark that accompanies wth every mention of them.

We maintain boundaries while silently cherishing the positive impact this person has had on our life. We are grateful for their influence, knowing they are the catalyst for the positive change in our life, and we express our gratitude silently, with no ulterior motives—just genuine, secret admiration.

As for having someone in my life like that, I’d say yes, there is someone along the way who has influenced me profoundly and sparked positive changes. How about you? Do you have someone in your life who quietly holds this special place—a person whose presence has sparked positive change and deep admiration within you?

Bond of Mother and Child

This article was submitted for the Making Moms Proud | Mother's Day contest 2024, organized by Gold Winner.

As Mother's Day approaches, my heart reminisce with the unbreakable bond between my mother and me. It was a day etched in my memory, ten days before my due date, when my world tilted on its axis.

The urgency in the hospital walls echoed as the doctor's grave expression mirrored the gravity of the situation. The words "increased fetal blood flow" and "emergency c-section" hung heavily in the air.

Months of dedication to achieving a normal delivery, including a daily 10,000-step walk, one hour of pelvic floor exercises, an hour of prenatal yoga in the evening, and 100 squats, flashed before my eyes. The flood of emotions was overwhelming, and the hopes for a natural birth seemed distant.

In that moment, all I wanted was to avoid the surgery. "Give me an injection to induce labor pain," I pleaded, hoping for a different outcome. But reality set in as the doctor explained the risks, and I reluctantly agreed to the c-section.

In this turn of events, my husband's promise to stand by me broke as responsibilities called, compelling him to depart from the hospital. He assured me he would return within two hours. I clutched his hand, seeking solace in his presence, but he reluctantly released his grip and left me to navigate the anxious hours ahead alone.

The pre-procedure preparations began, but I had a phobia for Injections. When the nurse attempted to insert the needle into my vein for the first time, my hands swelled, and blood flowed heavily. Tears streamed down my face as the nurse made another attempt, resulting in a torrent of blood and tears from my eyes.

My mother rushed to the hospital as soon as she heard the news, joining me in this emotional turmoil. Tears started dropping like rain as my mother came near, holding my hand and asking, 'Is everything really good?'

Her strict upbringing during my childhood resulted in a distinct lack of closeness between us. It was the first time she held my hand; we had rarely touched or sat close for years.

In that moment, her touch spoke volumes, bridging years of disconnect. I have always known my mother to be a pillar of strength, never letting her emotions show. Yet, as I reflect on her unwavering discipline and sacrifices, I realize that her guidance has shaped me in profound ways. Her strength became a living example of how to navigate challenges and pursue career goals.

With her by my side, I confessed,"I am a failure," 

"You are strong," she affirmed, drawing from her own experiences of childbirth.

My mother gently brushed my head and spoke, "Ramya, your sister's birth was a normal delivery for me. However, for you, it was twelve hours of labor, sleepless nights, and ultimately an emergency c-section for our well-being. In those times, c-sections were stigmatized."

My mother continued, "Few things are not in hand. You are strong; you will recover swiftly. This thought will fade once you hold your child," she affirmed. Her words of comfort induced confidence in me as she wiped my tears, and I cooperated with the nurse.

As I was wheeled towards the operating room, I not only went with emotional and physical strength but also with resilience inherited from generations of strong women. My mother's hand on mine, a silent vow of support, gave me the courage to embrace the journey ahead.

Motherhood, I realized, isn't just about giving birth; it's about enduring and learning. My journey to motherhood was marked by challenges, but it was also adorned with support and the enduring strength passed down through generations.

To all the mothers who navigate storms with grace, love unconditionally, and inspire resilience, Happy Mother's Day. You are the pillars of strength, the silent warriors who shape futures with love, courage, and unwavering determination.

As the doctor announced, "It's a B-O-Y... boy," and I heard his first cry, the way of his arrival—whether through c-section or natural birth—faded into insignificance. 

In that moment, he became my world, filling my heart with love.