Mental Health Journey with Cookies, Chaos, and Conversations

Some journeys aren't a straight road or lane - they're more like a maze of unexpected turns,

detours and the occasional dead end. This is what Alshifa, a young girl from Uttar Pradesh,

India describes her mental journey.

For the world Alshifa is a sunshine person - smiling, cracking little jokes and who'd offer you

homemade cookies if you looked remotely upset. But what others don't see is the maze

she's been through inside her own mind.

Behind that cherry smile, there were days when she felt all sad and alone, lost in self-doubt

and overthinking every little thing. It wasn't easy to admit, even for herself, that her thoughts

felt heavier than usual - like carrying loads of baggage that no one else could foresee.

What helped her start finding her way out? Two things: THERAPY and BAKING. Yes, when

life gave her lemons(and anxiety), she turned them into lemon cookies at 2 AM - because

sometimes healing doesn't mean meditation or yoga; sometimes it smells like freshly baked

cookies with choco chips or vanilla essence and feels like dancing ridiculously in your room

when no one is around.

Being the eldest daughter of the family with younger siblings, her family expects a lot much

from her, be it in academics or taking care of her younger siblings and setting an example for

them of being the eldest child. Alshifa learned the hard way that smiling through the pain

only delays healing. It took courage for her to finally think of herself, and her state of mind and

ask herself: " What if I don't have to carry all this alone?"

Her biggest realization?

YOUR THOUGHTS ARE NOT FACTS.

The voice in your head that tells you you're not enough - it's not always right. You are

allowed to pause, cry, dance, or even eat three cookies too many because survival looks

different for everyone.

If you asked Alshifa what she'd want the world to understand, she'd say: "Just because I'm

trying to stay positive doesn't always mean I'm not fighting battles inside."

Today she's not claiming that she's 'healed' or 'perfect' - but she's learning to walk through it

one step at a time, with a little more grace, kindness, and of course, cookies.

And what is her advice to anyone who's struggling?

BE KIND TO YOURSELF - YOU DESERVE IT MORE THAN YOU THINK.

LOVE YOURSELF BEFORE ANYTHING.

YOU'RE A RARE GEM💎.