INSPIRATION
Because Your Sparkle Deserves Glitters Too.
What if the people who really see you are not loud about it but quietly keep you going?
Over the years, I’ve learned this slowly through foggy mornings, unlikely compliments, and one unforgettable comment that brought me back to the page.
The Antidote to My Self-Doubt
At 7 a.m, the half-cooked pancakes on the stove and my mind had one thing in common: neither were fully functional yet.
Even in that groggy moment, I knew something was missing around me or maybe inside me. Something I couldn’t quite figure out yet.
That familiar fog started creeping into my mind, whispering in a low voice that I knew too well: “You are still not enough.”
Thankfully, this was not the first time, and I had figured out an easy way to steer clear of my head and get back on track.
I picked up my phone and called my brother overseas.
He was probably getting ready to sleep. When he picked up the phone, I asked him: “Tell me three things that come to your mind when you think of me.”
He answered in less than a minute:
You’re a natural leader.
Your resilience is rare.
You are very progressive and forward-thinking.
That’s it. I hung up the phone, smiling.
[He never cared to follow up on that question or ask me about that night’s call. Seems like he is so in sync with my crazy needs.]
However, his list pumped a shot of espresso directly into my bloodstream.
My newfound enthusiasm and instant energy motivated me to use my “forgotten” traits.
Remembering who I am was enough to go from zero to my own hero.
Words that Ignited My Spark
On a weekend run with a close friend, we were discussing family, work, and kids.
Mid-way through our conversation, she casually mentioned, “You’re such an amazing wife.”
It stopped me in my tracks.
She just let the words flow out so generously without holding back.
It was huge coming from her, as she is known for noticing all the tiny details.
I was not running anymore; I was flying on cloud nine.
She must have had no idea that her powerful words elevated my marriage to a whole new level.
Although I’ve received many compliments about my parenting, career, and other roles, this was Gold.
Especially since most people assume my husband, who is often overrated for his persistent silence, is why our relationship worked so well.
Even my parents and closest friends would cast their vote for him as the pillar of our marriage (as if I’m the unexpected earthquake testing the strength of the foundation.)
Since that moment, whenever things felt rocky between me and my spouse, I would remind myself that I was the amazing one. And Boom, everything felt easy again.
Her compliment shifted the trajectory of our marriage for good.
My Readers, My Anchor
When I first started writing on Medium, I had no niche. I shared my personal stories about various topics, such as life, relationships, parenting, and running.
I wrote my stories without any pretense. No pressure to perform. I started attracting readers without any effort.
It was unexpectedly beautiful, too early in my writing journey.
I felt seen and genuinely heard. The comments I received from my followers gave life to my words. On days when life got in my way, squeezing my routine, I didn’t write much.
For weeks, when I did not publish because I couldn’t find enough time to write, I would see emails and texts from my regular readers asking me to write new stories. It made me feel special.
I continued to write only when I found enough time until one of my fellow writers teased me in his comments, saying:
“Yeah, yeah! I know family, kid, running, etc., all excuses to hide your skills.”
His lighthearted words hit me hard. It reminded me that my voice mattered more than I thought.
Ever since, his line has been my huge motivator whenever I feel tired from work or exhausted from parenting.
His comment springs me back to my writing nook in no time.
Your People Are Your Proof
I am grateful for people who hold up a mirror to me, revealing my true self: my beauty, strength, and grit.
They are the people who celebrate me for who I am.
The walking angels whose words light up my fire in no time.
The key to my problems.
My constant reminders to keep going.
The rare ones who make me feel my presence is enough to work any magic.
All I ever need to do is make a call, connect with them, and trust their words.
If this post reminded you of such people in your life, share this with them or drop a comment to tell me how you remember your worth.
© Tamil, 2025.
If you enjoyed this article, check out MagicBytes, where I write more honest, heart-centered reflections like this, exploring the messy, magical middle of life, womanhood, parenting, and self-worth.
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