19 Comments
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Natasha Badhwar's avatar

I love this, Samira! Own every part of you and inspire your readers too.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Natasha!

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Arvind's avatar

Fearlessness needs no validation. You inspire many just by dating to write about what you feel.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you for your kind words Arvind. Sometimes we need to hear it to believe it :)

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Nidhi Arora's avatar

This resonated deeply, Samira. Seeing you, I see myself.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Nidhi! That is validation in itself.

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Devika gayi ghum(ne)'s avatar

This is me each time I post an article on substack 😅😅 beautiful resonant piece Samira, you are smashing each cliché in the closet. I love this brazen, fearless yet vulnerable version of you 💗💗💗

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Devika! I think, subconsciously, this idea came from a conversation with you. So thank you for being brave and vulnerable too.

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Devika gayi ghum(ne)'s avatar

🥹🥹 privileged if I sparked this powerful idea. But you made magic out of it. And the photos plus the heart shaped pillow, what a brilliant prop 👌👌👌

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Preeti Sahai's avatar

This is simply amazing @samira. It offers so much!! Your generosity and courage is inspiring ♥️. Will you be okay if I share this with others?

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Preeti! I am amazed at everyone's comments. This was a tough on for me to do and it's so encouraging to hear back from all of you :) and yes, please feel free to share this. It's out there now and free.

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Arvind's avatar

The need for validation or the imposter complex never, ever goes away. But you are seen and heard. Importantly, you make a difference to those that care. It may be a small tribe but what better than that as a start. It's a trivial thing perhaps but quality over quantity does mean something. Especially as we grow older.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Arvind! You are so right - the need for validation never goes away but to find others who share the same fears makes it less fearful.

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Charulatha Banerjee's avatar

I am reading this very late I think, but am I glad I did. Resonated deeply Samira, to be aware of our needs is the first step to discard a few of them. In sharing your vulnerability you make me strong. What is this precious sisterhood? Much love.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Charulatha. Sisterhood has always evaded me. It's wonderful to see the friendships that have grown here on substack and in the Ochre sky circles. Sending love back :)

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Tiffany Chu's avatar

As usual, you put into words what I also feel with such eloquence. Inspiring.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Tiffany!

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Shalini Puri's avatar

Samira I read this today and like Charulatha am I glad I did. I am stunned at how you are peeling layer after layer, unmasking as you say. It is brave and generous of you to share this journey with us, as also your vulnerable self. This piece really resonated.

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Samira's avatar

Thank you Shalini! I am so grateful to have all of you as my community and friends. It makes the project so much easier to do :) Hugs

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