Hi. This is Nupur Parik-Pandey and you’re listening to me on Straight From My Heart, a MotorMouth Original Podcast.

Life Story

So very often, I forget

the path that got me here.

Convoluted like the Amazon,

its rip tides tearing at my skin without mercy

(that’s how the hide was birthed).

Dreams taller than giant sequoias

with only the sky left to breach-

what else could be higher?

I forget the times 

When I knew so little about life,

and had so little to lose.

But love was still the roof

that shielded my head 

from rain, shine and circumstance.

I’ve always worn a crown 

of joy and peace.

It sits on my head like it owns me.

(I own it).

Happiness comes through love,

and no matter my journey or my pitfalls,

I have always been loved-

it has been my constant truth

and my biggest strength.

I am whole.

That was my poem, Life Story, and as the name suggests it’s a bit of an autobiographical introspection that I did recently as I approach my birthday. So i Shall turn 32 very soon, and unlike what the world will have you believe about women and age and birthdays and how hush hush that needs to be, I couldn’t care less about sharing how old I am with anyone who cares to listen. I have never understood why anyone in their right minds would want to hide or lie about how old they are. It’s just a number after all, right? What do you guys feel about that? Is this a patriarchal hand me down which only glorifies youthful beauty as far as women are concerned? Or is there a deeper insecurity or sense of denial that breeds a reluctance from accepting one’s age with grace, grey hair and wrinkles? Do write in and tell us your opinions and also tell us what you think of this poem of mine. 

And since we’re talking about age and growing older, so far, I really like my thirties. I feel far more confident and comfortable with who I am and there’s a stark self-awareness that I have developed over time. I feel energetic and healthy enough to not take my system for granted. I try to be more mindful of how I spend my time through the day and I’ve certainly learnt to adopt a no-nonsense lifestyle. So I suppose that while one’s twenties are about discovery and experimentation and making errors in judgment, your thirties must be when you begin to find your true centre so that you can own it and live the rest of your life as yourself and not as a clone of some random person next to you. What do you think? Did that make sense to you? I shall be waiting for your feedback. 

So until next time, which shall be our season finale (!!), here’s me Nupur signing off. Keep listening to Straight from my heart and showing us your love and support by sharing our show with friends and family.

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You can find music and other credits in the episode notes.

This episode was written and hosted by me, Nupur.

Sound production, design and mixing by Prateek Sharma

Our Creative Director is Gargie Sharma

Executive produced and created by Prateek Sharma, for MotorMouth Podcasts.