Somewhere in the Meadows

This photo is from August 4, 2021, during a trek on the beautiful “Great Lakes Kashmir” circuit. But before I talk about the trek, let me take you back a month from then.

On July 8, 2021, I realized I had spent nearly 14 years at the firm I joined in 2008. It was an amazing journey filled with learning, growth, inspiring mentors, freedom to experiment, and good compensation. Most of all, I enjoyed contributing and building something meaningful.

But deep down, something didn’t feel right. I felt the need to grow and evolve even more. The firm was also changing, and maybe that was part of it. I knew I needed to talk to my Managing Partner, who had always been my mentor and guide. After COVID, I met him in Kasauli. True to his nature, he showed me a way to stay at the firm and contribute to its bigger purpose. I accepted his suggestion, but I wasn’t fully convinced.

Still, there was a gap between accepting the situation and truly agreeing with it. Then, the trek happened the following month. The circuit felt like heaven, with its mountains, meadows, lakes, and all of nature’s abundant beauty. That’s where I started to hear my inner calling.

Walking through the open landscape gave me a chance to reconnect with my values, beliefs, and what I stand for. I remember the exact moment I decided how I wanted to move forward. Alone in the endless meadows, the vastness made me feel more like myself. It was freeing. Letting go of what was comfortable no longer seemed so hard. Even discomfort started to feel right.

When I came back, I knew there was no turning back. My urge to move on was strong, and I found the courage I needed. That was it – it was time for a change. In January 2022, I started a new chapter in my life, and it’s still going.

Sometimes, it’s important to notice these moments and listen to our feelings. We might not have all the answers or know what will happen next. But when something feels right inside, it’s worth giving it a chance. Looking back, I’m glad I trusted myself that day.

As this journey approaches five years, I feel grateful for the chance to work with so many wonderful people and minds. I’ve experienced diverse viewpoints, challenging ideas, meaningful debates, and a place that brings everyone together around the unsaid and unwritten, but around the shared purpose of Leaping Frog.

Thank you Arunima Shandilya Sabyasachi Bandyopadhyay Shweta Prasad, PhD Pooja Mittal

#NewBeginnings #ListeningToYourself #LifeChoices #BeyondTheComfortZone #MomentsThatMatter #PersonalGrowth