Hello everyone! Welcome to The Peace Stories. Let’s welcome our guest – Harjeet Kaur. Harjeet is a passionate blogger and mental health advocate. From her story, we gather inspiration to become an epitome of strength and resilience. her blog, Wordsmith Kaur, is a potpourri of well-researched and well-crafted articles on various topics. Let’s know her peace story!

Tell us something about you.

Married at 19 and a mother by 20, I was thrust into adulthood too soon. Unaware of post-natal depression, I battled a personal hell for six months after a C-section. Just as I hoped for relief, depression struck again with my second child.

By chance, my brother read about post-natal depression and urged me to seek help. Medication was prescribed, but I pushed myself to be the perfect wife and mother. Life felt stable until a move to a nuclear family triggered depression once more, leading to lifelong medication.

At 40, my world shattered when I lost my husband. Left with nothing but a home, I faced stigma, isolation, and relentless judgment. Society offered little empathy, yet I chose to rise. I started a career at 40, writing articles and expressing myself through my blog.

Stepping into the world, I faced criticism but stayed strong. From 40 to 50, I worked tirelessly to provide for my children. Through pain, I smiled, drawing strength from lost loved ones. Harassment and patriarchal constraints tested me, but I stood firm, preserving my self-respect.

I switched jobs, faced setbacks, and even started a personality development institute. Health issues forced me to pause, and in my darkest moment, a call from a virtual friend saved me. A sudden realization led me to turn my home into a homestay, securing my independence.

Through struggles, I learned resilience. My journey continues, guided by love and memories, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

Would you like to share your healing story with us? That would be an honour for us.

Healing transformed me. Yoga helped with anxiety, and daily walks in nature became my escape. I explored meditation, breathwork, Reiki, Pranic healing, and EFT Tapping. NLP helped me to seek release from past traumas.

Laughter became my therapy—I watch only romcoms ! Writing about mental health gave me purpose, and supporting others brought peace. In 2020, I discovered self-love, embracing my journey with gratitude.

Positive self-talk, affirmations, and mindful self-care fueled my growth. Setbacks made me stronger, teaching me life’s most valuable lessons. I learned that even in darkness, beauty exists—like stars shining through the night.

Last year brought victories, and now I strive to inspire others. Through mindfulness and self-awareness, I took control of my thoughts, choosing healing over despair. My journey is far from over, but I walk forward with strength, resilience, and hope.

What’s your opinion on including empathy to our daily narrative? Do you believe it would change the way we nurture our culture?

I am an extremely empathetic person—I deeply feel the pain of others, sometimes to the point of struggling with my own emotions. Empathy is essential because it helps us understand not only others but also ourselves.

As the world becomes more technologically advanced, empathy and compassion seem to be fading. Self-interest has become the priority, often at the cost of genuine human connection. Empathy is about understanding, acknowledging, and emotionally connecting with others’ experiences—past or present—even when they aren’t explicitly expressed.To truly understand someone, we must step into their shoes and see the world from their perspective. Only then can we respond with compassion. The need for empathy has never been greater, especially after COVID-19, as millions continue to battle stress and loneliness.

What is peace for you? What gives you peace?

Peace, for me, is freedom from anxiety attacks and the absence of conflict in my relationships. It is the ability to be my authentic self, to grow and thrive without fear. I find peace in the soothing rhythm of music, the quiet embrace of nature, and a life free from turmoil.

If you were to write a letter to your younger self, what is the one thing you would tell her?

I miss my joyful childhood and wish I could relive those moments—without the teachings that silenced me. The nuns ingrained in us that girls should be seen and not heard, making me fear punishment for even small mistakes. Their guilt-driven lessons on selflessness led me to a life of giving and pleasing others while neglecting myself. I would tell my younger self: You matter. Your voice deserves to be heard. Never lose yourself trying to meet others’ expectations.

A stranger whom you can’t forget and the lesson you have learned.

I met Moushmi through a chance encounter in a Facebook group. At that time, I was struggling with depression and found little support from close friends and family. In my darkest moments, Moushmi reached out, urging me to visit her in Mumbai. She even coordinated with my daughter in Gujarat to ensure my safe journey.

Despite her own responsibilities—living with in-laws, caring for a physically challenged son, and having a husband working in Dubai—Moushmi welcomed me into her home. She introduced me to Access Bars therapy, which led to a remarkable recovery within a week. Ten days later, I returned home, rejuvenated and deeply grateful for her compassion and support.

A message that you want to share with the world.

Actions often speak louder than words. By sharing my experiences through writing, I aim to inspire others. Living authentically and making mindful choices can serve as a guiding light for those around us. Our lives are powerful messages, carrying the potential to resonate with others. I strive to embody reality, compassion, and growth in all I do.

Is there any beautiful thing that you have discovered along the walk of life and you would like to share with us?

Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched but must be felt with the heart.” My life is filled with precious moments: a blissful childhood, the joy of my children’s births, and the indescribable happiness of welcoming my grandsons. These experiences are extraordinary blessings that continue to shape my journey.

What are you grateful for in life? Or, name the person or the people you are grateful for in life. We will add your gratitude notes to our Big Gratitude Jar, where we are collecting all the beautiful things we are grateful for in life.

Expressing gratitude daily enriches my life. Here’s what I’m thankful for:

The life I’m living.
Being part of this amazing universe.
Blessings, both big and small.
My loving family.
My friends.
My work and the wealth I have.
A roof over my head and food on my plate.
Every opportunity that comes my way.
Modern-day conveniences.
My freedom.
The sun, the moon, and the stars.
The beauty of nature around me.
Counting my blessings every day.
The ability to give and receive love.
The little things in life that bring me joy.
All the experiences I’ve had so far.
The beautiful places I’ve visited.
Being myself.
Being alive and everything I have.
The ability to make a difference, however small

(Thank You, Harjeet, for your contribution to The Peace Stories Initiative. We wish you more power to your future endeavors. May you be guided by peace and purpose. Gratitude.)

(As received the response from Harjeet Kaur and edited by Swarnali Nath.)