A journey from inner conflict to harmony
How my heart and mind synced
A couple of years ago, my friend told me, “Your heart and mind seem to never be in conflict—they seem to be in sync.”
She was talking about my ability to make life’s biggest decisions with ease. There was never really an internal debate between my emotional and logical sides. They were almost always in harmony. Be it career, dreams or relationship choices.
But it wasn’t always like this.
I remember, as a teenager, struggling to make even the simplest decisions. I would want things that logically didn’t make sense or push myself to do things that felt emotionally wrong. The conflict between my heart and mind was a constant companion. From choosing what to eat to deciding if I wanted to sign up for something, I would take an eternity to decide and was rarely sure of my choice.
Now, though, it feels like they’re always in consensus, like two dancers moving effortlessly in sync.
What changed?
I wish I could pinpoint the exact moment, but maybe that’s the beauty of it. Growth often sneaks up on us, doesn’t it?
I do have a few theories, though…
First, I stopped caring about “what would people think.”
In college, I realized how much energy I was wasting on managing my image. In school, my reputation was everything to me, and I bent over backwards to maintain it. But the more I let go of this need for approval, the more space I found for my own voice.
Second, I started to understand that there are no inherently right or wrong decisions.
This hit me towards the end of college when I realized that life doesn’t hand out grades for the choices you make. It’s what you do after making a decision that defines its value. This took a huge weight off my shoulders and gave me the freedom to trust myself more.
Another turning point came when I began to accept that there’s no single “right path” in life—and that the traditional path wasn’t mine.
I wanted something different. I wanted a life that aligned with my truth, even if it felt lonely at first. Pursuing this meant stepping out of the neatly labelled boxes society had laid out for me. And here’s the thing: I believe this is where most people struggle—trying to be authentic without disrupting the world around them.
But I’ve learned that unsettling others is inevitable when you choose to live a life true to yourself. For some, it might feel like you’re hurting them or letting them down, but the alternative—living a lie just to keep everyone else comfortable—seems far more painful to me. Funnily though, people (the good ones at least) eventually come around.
Ultimately, I think the harmony between my heart and mind comes from aligning with my truth. By choosing to honour my own path, I’ve found a sense of peace that feels unshakable.
Maybe that’s the secret to inner harmony: letting go of the need to fit in, embracing the messiness of being authentic, and trusting that the people who truly matter will meet you where you are.
Is your heart and mind in sync? Why do you think it is so?
Curiosity Diaries
I’m currently on a solo adventure—my dream adventure, really. I’m chasing curiosities, diving into human creations that keep my hope in humanity alive. Arts and skills, in particular, fascinate me. Amidst all the chaos, they remind me of the beauty and meaning we’re capable of creating.
The first stop on this journey? Kerala, to learn Kalaripayattu—an ancient martial art once banned by the British for producing lethal warriors. Just typing this gives me goosebumps. Three weeks in, I’ve barely scratched the surface, but I’m in love. It’s physically challenging, mentally exhilarating, and emotionally rewarding.
Check out my reel - New Roads, New Skills - Chapter 1: Kalaripayattu in Kerala
Little Joys
“Joy is always around if only we pause to acknowledge it.”
With life's burdens and big ambitions, it's easy to overlook our everyday joys. These are my small joys from the last week -
Started journaling again.
The weather has been nicer for the last 3 days and I’ve been loving it.
There have been a lot of conversations and laughter lately.
I got a care package when I was on my period.
I played with kittens.
Had a very satisfying dinner yesterday.
P.S. If you enjoyed this, here are a few pieces I think you’ll love:
👉 My beautiful bubble almost burst - And here's how I'm saving it.
👉 Loudest when I'm alone - Can we hear ourselves amidst all the noise?
There are some beautifully contemplative jewels here Nivetha! Thank you💙