Introduction:
Dive into the thought-provoking world of The Unanswered by Saloni Jain, a storyteller, educator, and changemaker who has dedicated her life to helping others find purpose and clarity. As the founder of the Vidhyamay Education Foundation—a startup devoted to making premium education accessible to all—Saloni’s journey reflects a relentless quest to answer life’s deepest questions. Through her work as an educator, motivational speaker, and mental health counselor, she inspires individuals to embrace transformation and pursue their dreams with courage and optimism.
In this excerpt from The Unanswered, Saloni takes readers on a reflective journey to the summit of self-discovery. With vivid storytelling, she weaves together moments of adventure, introspection, and wisdom, reminding us that happiness isn’t found in external achievements but within the quiet embrace of self-acceptance and gratitude.
Through the voices of Shan and Sharal, Saloni explores the profound truths about happiness, guilt, and the importance of nurturing our mind, body, and soul. Join her on this inspiring journey as she invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the magic of simply being.
Are you ready to explore what it means to truly live and embrace the happiness that comes from within? Let's start this journey together.
Article-7: Happiness is not for sale!
Last night at our camp was fantastic. After a tiring hike, we both needed a good rest before tackling the summit today. We rested well and woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a warm glow over the mountains in the distance. As we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, we discussed our plans for the day and set off on our adventure to the summit!
It was so cold, and we were actually nervous at first, wondering if we should attempt the summit or not. We stood at the base of the mountain, our breath visible in the chilly air as we gazed up at the towering peak. The howling wind gave us chills as we pondered the challenging journey that lay ahead. Despite our nerves, we knew deep down that we were capable of reaching the summit. The lessons we had learned during the trip, about the power of the mind and the wonders of life, filled us with determination. With the support of each other, we took the first step towards our goal, braving the cold and uncertainty with each stride. The adventure awaited, and we were ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
As we were about to start, Shan said, “Hey, Sharal! Once we reach the summit, we will be happy for life, or at least for the moment we could be. So, let’s just do it!”
“Ah, that’s interesting. We’ve got the topic for today’s resting point,” I replied sarcastically.
As we began our ascent, the sun started to peek through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the rugged terrain ahead.
The trail was steep, but our spirits were high as we navigated through the winding paths and rocky outcrops. The wind howled around us as we trudged up the steep, icy slope. What was supposed to be a four-hour trek was taking longer than expected.
Whenever fear attempted to overwhelm us, we shifted gears and harnessed our inner strength, reminding ourselves of the power of positivity and the breathtaking view that awaited us at the peak. The snow-capped mountains glistened in the distance, calling to us with their majestic beauty.
The sense of accomplishment that awaited us at the summit fueled our determination. We knew that with a strong belief in ourselves, we could conquer any obstacle in our path. Finally, as we reached the first peak, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the landscape below. We needed to cross two more peaks to reach the summit.
As we stood at the first peak, feeling the warmth of the sun on our faces and the wind blowing gently through our hair, we knew that the journey ahead would not be easy. The path was steep, filled with challenges and uncertainties. But with each step we took, we were getting closer to our ultimate goal—the summit.
With renewed determination, we set our eyes on the next peak, ready to face whatever obstacles came our way. As we made our way towards the second peak, the beauty of the surrounding landscape took our breath away. The mountains extended beyond sight, while the valleys below appeared bathed in different shades of nature.
With each peak we conquered, our belief in ourselves grew stronger. We knew that no matter how challenging the path ahead might be, we had the strength and resilience to overcome it. And as we finally reached the summit, the sense of accomplishment and pride that washed over us was unlike anything we had ever felt before.
Standing at the highest point, we gazed out at the world below, feeling a sense of awe and gratitude for the journey we had undertaken. It was a moment of peace and clarity, a memory we would cherish forever.
We decided to enjoy and take some rest in the lap of nature, surrounded by the amazing view. The gentle breeze whispered through the trees as we sat down to rest, the warmth of the sun enveloping us in a comforting embrace.
As we savored the moment, we started discussing the experiences we had during the trip. “Sharal, I remember you sarcastically mentioned discussing happiness when I said we would be happy for life after reaching the summit. So, what was that about?” Shan asked.
“Yes! This is truly a moment of happiness that we accomplished our goal of reaching the summit. But what truly makes us happy is the feeling and sense of achievement. It is not the summit but our inner satisfaction that gives us happiness.” Shan seemed satisfied but also curious to know more about real happiness.
You were born, you were sent to shine. You have the right to live a happy life! You did well to look for the sunshine. You have the right to live a happy life!
Shan: What is happiness?
Me: Happiness is enjoying the state of being. Enjoying being yourself. Enjoying your existence within your dimension. Happiness is a feeling of calmness, peace, and contentment that comes from within. It’s a warm embrace of acceptance for who you are and where you are in life. Happiness is like a comforting hug of self-acceptance, acknowledging your identity and current life stage. It involves having a clear mind devoid of worries, fears, guilt, or reliance on others.
Shan: What if we are living with guilt?
Me: If you are living with guilt, that’s okay! Don’t pressurize yourself too much. It’s important to remember that feeling guilty is a natural human emotion. It shows that you care about your actions and their consequences. However, it’s also essential not to be too hard on yourself. Recognize the mistake, learn from it, and use it as an opportunity for growth. Remember, nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Be kind to yourself and focus on self-forgiveness. Allow yourself the space to heal and move forward with a positive mindset.
All this is possible just by giving yourself some attention. When you take the time to truly focus on yourself, incredible things can happen. Just like how giving attention to someone else can make them shine, showing yourself that same care and consideration can help you radiate in a unique way. By giving attention to your mind, body, and soul, you are nurturing the essence of your being and fostering a sense of balance and harmony in your life.
Shan: What are the ways to give attention to our mind, body, and soul?
Me: Treat your body to regular exercise or perhaps a glass of fresh juice. For your mind, give it the gift of meditation or calm it with some reading or writing. As for your soul, the most powerful weapon and best friend, it needs nothing but your time. You just need to do “Nothing” to nourish your soul.
Nourishing your body, mind, and soul is essential for overall well-being. Engaging in regular exercise not only strengthens your body but also uplifts your mood and boosts your energy levels. A refreshing glass of juice can provide your body with essential nutrients and hydration.
For your mind, practicing meditation can help bring about a sense of inner peace and clarity. Alternatively, immersing yourself in a good book or expressing your thoughts through writing can be a soothing way to calm your mind and stimulate your creativity.
When it comes to your soul, remember that it thrives on connection and introspection. Spending quality time with yourself, reflecting on your values and beliefs, and nurturing your spiritual side are all ways to feed your soul and cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your life. Remember, your time is the most precious gift you can offer to yourself.
Embrace the power of self-care, self-love, and self-awareness, and watch as you begin to glow from the inside out.
Shan: You said doing nothing is one of the gifts we can give to our soul. What’s “Nothing”?
Me: Nothing means just feeling yourself, your presence, and existence in this universe. Nothing doesn’t mean sitting alone full of thoughts but feeling alive and thankful for the gift of life you’ve got. Embrace the simplicity of nothing. It’s not about emptiness or loneliness, but rather about truly connecting with yourself and the world around you. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of existence, to feel grateful for the precious gift of life that you have been given. In the quiet of nothingness, find peace, find presence, and find the magic of simply being.
The mind always touches the deepest and strongest emotion and tries to make it a reality. The command that you send to your subconscious mind, it will follow blindly. So, if you start taking care of yourself and start giving yourself some attention, your subconscious mind will also be trained to always provide you the same care and attention. By being mindful of your thoughts and feelings, you can guide your subconscious mind towards positivity and self-love. Just like a garden that flourishes with nurturing and attention, your mind can bloom with self-care and kindness. Remember, the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for how you interact with the world around you. So, be gentle with yourself, practice self-compassion, and watch as your subconscious mind aligns with your deepest desires for love and well-being.
Our conversation could have continued endlessly; these life topics are so engaging and enlightening that we even lost track of time. Shan gently reminded me that we needed to head back before the evening chill set in. “I wish to never end this conversation as it’s full of learning and relatable as well, but I will keep my curiosity aside for now as we need to begin our descent,” said Shan.
As we prepared to descend the summit, it was crucial to stay hydrated and energized. By taking a moment to hydrate with some water and perhaps an energy drink, we could ensure that our bodies had the necessary fuel to tackle the journey ahead. We then decided to head to the ski slopes before coming down the beautiful mountain.
WRITER’S NOTE: Happiness is not for sale
Happiness is a state of being that cannot be bought or sold. It comes from within, cultivated by moments of joy, gratitude, and love. When you start being happy within yourself, you will start seeing happiness all around you. It’s like discovering a secret superpower that allows you to see the silver lining even in the darkest of clouds. So, keep nurturing your inner happiness and watch as it radiates outwards, brightening not just your world but the world of those around you as well. You will start enjoying the simple pleasures of life—a warm hug, a kind word, a beautiful sunset. Cherish the moments that bring you joy, for true happiness is priceless and cannot be bought.
Activity:
Revisit your list from previous chapters’ exercises.
Do a workout for 30 minutes and gift your body a healthy diet for the whole day.
Continue having “me time”; spend time just with yourself.
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