Meet Sonali : This is Her Story

Our next story is something you have never heard before. As women so much is expected from us, that we tend to lose ourselves as individuals in the pursuit of living up to those expectations. But, our next story is not about those expectations. it’s not about losing yourself while fulfilling other peoples desires, rather this story is about finding yourself when no one expressed any expectations from you. It’s about setting up your own goals and achieving them, it’s about dedication, self-discipline and hard work.

Sonali’s story is like a breeze of fresh year which is going to leave you with hope and a big smile.

My family always believed in equality and they practiced that too. I got everything growing up, and my parents were always there to support me from providing me with a good education to finding me a good life partner. After moving to the US, my husband provided for everything, whatever I wished for, I always had everything. From vacationing in different countries, to buying my house and car, my husband took care of everything for me. I remember, I was chatting with my mom once, a comment from her made me realize that she has no expectations from me, the way she had expectations from my brothers. That made me ask myself, will I always be on the receiving end? First my parents, now my husband, will I ever get a chance to give back to my loved ones? That made me feel very small, and I knew that I had to do something for myself first and then for everyone else. I wanted to be there for my parents when they are old and be able to take care of them.

There began the journey of finding my worth. I don’t believe in short cuts, so it had to be the longer route for me. It started with me registering for the GMAT test. I prepared for the test along with taking care of our newborn son, it wasn’t easy, but I had a point to prove. Everything went well, and I got accepted in an MBA program. Funny enough, I was also expecting our 2nd baby around the same time. I delivered my daughter in the middle of the semester, my husband would bring her on campus for her feeds and I would feed her in between my class breaks, while my husband would keep our son busy playing around the campus. There was never an easy day with two back-to-back pregnancies, and my full-time studies, but with the unending support of my husband I sailed through the tough time.

During my final semester, another realization came upon me. All of a sudden, I was losing my confidence. I gained a lot of weight with 2 pregnancies. What I saw in the mirror was not making me happy. I knew I had to fix my body, to feel good about myself both mentally and physically and I had to regain the confidence back. From there started my relationship with my gym which still continues. And as I gradually started achieving my little goals, my confidence started coming back. By the time I graduated, I achieved all the goals I had set for myself, from achieving good grades to fitting in my graduation dress, I did it all. I had a lot of motivation coming from different directions, but a lot of it came from my transformation. It was very hard, but it was all worth it. No short cut can take you where you can reach with hard work. I may not be minting a lot of money, but whatever I have, its mine and it’s all earned with a lot of hard work. This gives me so much satisfaction. I have got my husband’s back, whatever he will ever need, I can now provide him. My parents, if ever need anything, I can be there for them. And on top of everything, what gives me the most satisfaction is that I am being a great example for my kids, not just telling them but showing them how hard work can bring great results. They have been on this journey with me form the very beginning.