I used to think that being “busy” was the same thing as growing. I thought my calendar had to be full and my body had to look a certain way for me to be successful.
But lately, I’ve realized that my biggest growth came from the things I decided to stop doing.
To grow myself with a clean heart this year, I’ve had to make some simple, minimalist choices. Here is how I traded the “hustle” for a peace that actually fits my life.
1. The 13-Hour Legal Grind
When I was 25, I was deep into my legal practice. Even after I got married, the pace didn’t slow down. My schedule was brutal: I would leave the house at 8:00 AM and wouldn’t return until 9:30 PM, six days a week.
I actually had a slim body back then, but the work-life stress and untimely eating habits made me put on weight.
This is exactly why I felt such a deep connection to the character Malar from the novel We Will Be There For Each Other. Her struggle mirrored my own reality of losing myself to the grind. You can read more about that connection in my previous post here: [February Goals: Falling in Love with Life (and Reading!) All Over Again].
Back then, I was very “look conscious.” I couldn’t accept any extra weight on me, and looking back, I realize how innocent I was—thinking my value was tied to being thin.
I tried the gym because everyone said I should, but honestly? I never enjoyed it. It felt like a 14th hour of work in an already exhausting day.
2. My 2022 Realization: The Fitter Plus-Size Woman
Around 2022, I finally stopped fighting myself. I accepted the fact that I am a plus-size woman. I realized that the world doesn’t need everyone to look the same.
The shift was simple but deep: I chose to be a fitter plus-size woman. This was a huge “No” to society’s pressure and a big “Yes” to my own happiness. I stopped trying to “shrink” and started trying to “strengthen.”
3. The Simple Punjabi Kitchen: Cooked Correctly
Being Punjabi, food is our love language. I grew up on parathas, chole bhature, and rajma chawal. When I first connected with a dietician, I was terrified. I thought she would force me to eat salads I hated or take away the flavors of my home.
But I learned a beautiful minimalist secret: You can eat everything you love, as long as it is cooked correctly and is homely. I didn’t need “superfoods” or expensive imports.
I just needed my traditional food, prepared with intention. For the first time, I didn’t feel the pull of cravings because my soul was satisfied by the meals I grew up with.
4. From COVID Yoga to the “Spark” of a New Mentor
My real connection to my body started during COVID. I found a Yoga teacher who showed me that my body was capable of so much more than I thought. It wasn’t about “fitness”; it was about possibility.
However, after having my child, life became a whirlwind. I tried swimming to stay active, but when the winter chill hit last October, I felt my mind getting noisy again. I knew I had to get back to the mat.
Fortunately, I found a new Yoga Mentor who brought back that spark of love for the practice. I’ll be honest: I am struggling this time.
My body today isn’t that of a young woman in her 20s; it is a tired, overwhelmed, yet very strong mumma body. But this mentor understands that. We aren’t just moving muscles; we are bringing the mind back to peace.
5. 5. Why “No” is my favorite word in 2026
People ask me how I balance legal work, this site, and being a mother. The answer is Minimalism.
- No to neglecting my own peace and happiness: My well-being is the foundation for everything else.
- No to being perfect for the world: I am done living for the “look” and started living for the “feel.”
- No to accepting less for myself: I deserve a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.
When you say “No” to the noise, you finally have the energy to say “Yes” to the things that matter like a long walk with your parents, playing with your child, or finally finding peace on a yoga mat or water.
About the Author
“I am a lawyer and blogger who believes the law is best understood through the lens of common sense and human connection. Having been a part of the legal profession since 2011, I aim to bridge the gap between complex legalities and everyday life. Beyond the courtroom, I am a mother and a seeker of balance, finding peace in nature, the practice of yoga, the rhythmic flow of swimming, and the journey of self-growth. My mission is to help others navigate life’s tests with both legal clarity and emotional intelligence.”
A Final Note of Joy
To end this on the right note, I want to share a song that has been playing in my heart lately. It reminds me of that innocent version of myself, but also of the freedom I feel today by finally choosing my own path.
“Dil hai chhota sa, chhoti si aasha…” (A small heart, a small hope).
Whenever you feel the weight of the world’s expectations, I hope you find your own “small hope” and the courage to say “No” to anything that dims your spark.
Listen along with me: Chhoti Si Aasha – Roja
I can relate your feelings 🌸
And yes Peace begins when you stop carrying expectations—yours for others, and others’ for you.