From the journal
Three years of being happily single
From Being the Star of Someone Else's Galaxy to Becoming My Own Moon
A quiet story about phases, patience, and finding your own light.
By Meenal · Founder, TakeMeAway Journeys
Today marks three years of being happily single. When I look back, I don't just see a relationship that ended. I see a journey that wasn't easy, but one that was completely worth this new smile.
When I became a bride, I looked at myself through many lenses — except my own. I still remember everyone telling me how beautiful I looked. I smiled because I was being celebrated. I smiled because I was seeing myself through the eyes of others.
And that feeling is beautiful.
Today, I don't need a mirror to tell me who I am. The people around me make me feel so valued, accepted and loved that my smile comes straight from my heart. It's no longer about looking perfect. It's about feeling at peace. Sometimes I laugh so freely that my cheeks and jaws hurt — and I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.
Healing isn't defined by time — because healing is never linear. It's defined by the people you choose, the decisions you make, the help you're willing to seek, and the actions you take every single day.
Looking back, I don't feel proud because I "did it alone." I feel grateful because I never had to.
- · To every friend who simply listened.
- · To every mentor who challenged my limiting beliefs.
- · To every coach who helped me choose courage over fear.
- · To every family member who stood beside me.
- · To every conversation that changed my perspective.
- Thank you.
This may be the most difficult path I have ever chosen, but it has also been the most beautiful. It has taught me resilience, kindness, self-respect and, most importantly, compassion for myself.
A star naturally becomes the centre of attention.
The moon doesn't ask for attention. It simply shows up, night after night.
I often think about the difference between a star and the moon. It has known darkness. It has lived through changing phases. Yet, it continues to shine with quiet confidence.
Today, I don't aspire to be the brightest star.
I aspire to become the moon.
Grounded. Gentle. Whole.
Comfortable with every phase of my life. Finding my own light, while quietly reminding someone else that they too will find theirs. That, to me, is what growth feels like.
And perhaps, that's why I find so much joy in talking about this journey. Because conversations changed my life. They gave me perspective. They gave me hope. They reminded me that I wasn't alone.
That is why I started
Baatcheet
A space where people come together — not because they have all the answers, but because they are willing to share their stories, their learnings, their struggles and their joys. A space where we release, reflect and grow together, where meaningful conversations become meaningful connections.
If my journey has taught me one thing, it's this: we don't heal by pretending to be strong. We heal by allowing ourselves to be seen, supported and understood.
If this resonates with you, I'd love to have you join our next Baatcheet Online Circle. Because sometimes, one honest conversation is all it takes to help someone find their own light.
— Meenal
