The Strength of a Smile

In the quiet village nestled beneath the towering mountains, where sunlight was a rare guest, lived Mala, a young woman whose smile was a quiet testament to her resilience. 

Orphaned at a tender age, she bore the weight of caring for her ailing grandmother. Her life was a battle, marked by sleepless nights, endless toil, and the relentless worry over the future.

But Mala had one secret 

-her smile. 

It wasn’t just a gesture; it was her shield, her refuge in times of adversity. Villagers often asked how she could stay positive amid such hardship. She would reply with a serene gaze, 

“Happiness isn’t found in the absence of struggle, but in choosing to smile through it.”

One winter, a merciless storm ravaged the village. Homes were destroyed, crops buried in the snow, and Mala’s own cottage lay in ruins. Yet, as the village crumbled around her, Mala didn’t falter. With unwavering resolve, she gathered the villagers, offering what little she had left. “Together, we will rebuild, T.E.A.M = TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVE MORE” she said, her words as warm as the fire that flickered in their hearts. “Happiness comes not in avoiding the storm, but in embracing it with each other.”

Inspired by her strength, the villagers came together to rebuild their homes from the ashes. They learned that true happiness doesn’t lie in escaping pain, but in the courage to smile despite it. Mala’s smile became the village’s quiet strength, a reminder that in the face of life’s storms, we have the power to choose our response.

The lesson? 

Happiness isn’t a life free of challenges it’s the strength to smile through them.

Whispers from the Upper Room Door

 

Ajay, a 30-year-old from Reddipalle village, had battled alcohol addiction for years. His life had become a vicious cycle of drinking to escape stress and personal struggles. A lingering pain from his father's sudden death when Ajay was a teenager haunted him; the loss left an unresolved void in his heart. Every morning, he'd vow to stop, but the lure of alcohol kept pulling him back. His health deteriorated, relationships soured, and his once-promising career was in ruins.

The turning point came when his mother confronted him with tears, urging him to seek help. Reluctantly, Ajay joined a local support group, where he learned about addiction's hold on the brain - realised that his cravings were linked to deep-seated emotional triggers and the release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' hormone. Research has shown that addictive substances can increase dopamine levels up to ten times more than natural rewards, illustrating the power these substances have on the brain's reward system. This insight helped Ajay understand why his cravings felt so overwhelming.

Ajay's recovery wasn't instantaneous. It was a journey of small, practical steps. He began tracking his cravings and substance use, identifying triggers like 

👉stress at work or social gatherings. 

👉 Instead of drinking, he replaced his habits with healthier activities like morning walks, yoga, and spending time with family. On those early morning walks, the crisp pre-dawn air filled his lungs, invigorating his body and mind. 

👉 During yoga, he learned to listen to his breath, finding solace in the steady rhythm. He learned to cope with cravings using techniques like 

👉 deep breathing and journaling. 

Late at night, the scratch of his pen against paper provided a comforting routine, 

👉 capturing his thoughts and struggles as he wrote.

The support of his family and friends was critical. There was a moment when Ajay, feeling overwhelmed by the journey ahead, admitted to a close friend his fear of failure and the shame he felt for the pain he had caused his loved ones. It was a difficult admission, but in doing so, Ajay felt a burden lift as his friend, showing understanding and empathy, assured him that vulnerability was a sign of strength. This encouragement reinforced Ajay's resolve to avoid social situations where alcohol was present and to seek professional help to manage withdrawal symptoms. Over time, Ajay celebrated small victories; each sober day was a testament to his strength.

Practical Tips for Recovery:

1. Track Triggers and Cravings: Identifying patterns can help you anticipate and manage urges. For instance, Ajay kept a small notebook with him at all times, where he logged his cravings, such as the strong urge to drink every day at 3 p.m. after lunch. This helped him notice the pattern and prepare coping strategies for those critical moments.
2. Develop Healthy Habits: Replace addictive behaviours with activities that promote well-being, such as exercise or hobbies.
3. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with positive, understanding people.
4. Set Small Goals: Focus on one day at a time and celebrate each milestone.

Ajay's story proves that recovery, though challenging, is possible with persistence and proper support.

Murty’s Journey to True Happiness

Murty, a wage labourer in a small village, had little but an abundance of love. A father of three daughters, he worked tirelessly each day, his hands worn from hard labor. But despite the struggle, Murty was content. He understood that happiness isn’t found in wealth or external circumstances, but in the heart.

Every morning, he greeted the day with a quiet smile, knowing that true joy came from the love of his family and the peace of his simple life. He didn’t wait for others to make him happy; he created his own joy by focusing on the little things in life. 

👉His daughters’ laughter,

👉 the warmth of his wife’s touch, 

👉 The beauty of the sunrise - all these moments were more than enough.

Through hardship, Murty learned the power of responsibility for his own happiness. He didn’t expect others to fulfil him; he discovered peace within himself. He understood that happiness isn’t something that can be bought or given, but something we build from within, with love, self-awareness, and gratitude.

Moral 1: Happiness is a choice. It’s not about waiting for life to be perfect, but finding joy in what we have.

Moral 2: True happiness comes from within. By taking responsibility for our emotions, we can create lasting joy.

Moral 3: Value the simple things. It’s the little moments, the love we share, and the peace we create that truly bring happiness.

Murty’s life is a powerful reminder: only you can create your own happiness.

She Chose It… Or They Let Her Believe its HER choice

She said “I do” to a man she barely knew because everyone around her whispered it first, without ever saying the words.

Meera heard it everywhere. Not commands - Love, Care & concerns.
Her aunt adjusted her dupatta: “You’re not getting younger, beta.”
Her mother smiled softly at the biodata: “Good family. But of course, it’s your life.”
Her uncle leaned in, voice low: “A girl unmarried after 25… It’s unsafe. Not that you can’t manage.”

No one pushed. They just built a fear-shaped hallway with only two doors: 

Marry him or suffer a risk. 

Meera chose the “safe” door and convinced herself it was freedom from the pressure of people around her.

The wedding lights were bright, the photos perfect. Everyone exhaled with relief.
“We only want your happiness,” they said - like a blessing.

Inside the marriage, Meera felt like a guest in her own life. Polite conversations. Quiet dinners. A bed that felt miles wide. When she finally confessed, “I feel lonely,” her mother’s face tightened.

“How can you say that? We never forced you. It was your choice.”

The words landed like a slap wrapped in satin: plausible deniability. Meera bled in a place no one could see.

In therapy, the question came gently: “Whose voice scares you when you imagine leaving?”
Meera closed her eyes. It wasn’t hers.

Next time the hints came, she asked plainly: “When you say it’s unsafe… are you telling me I’m not safe unless I’m married?”
Silence. Then avoidance. But the spell cracked.

Leaving was messy. Labels followed - selfish, ungrateful. Meera carried them anyway, like old bangles that no longer fit. She rented a small place, grew a balcony garden, and breathed without permission.

Moral: 

If love speaks in whispers that trap you, it is NOT love. 

Real love is transparent, accountable, and respects your choice.

This is Societal Influence Without Accountability

Ramya’s Awakening: The Power of Niksen & Mindfulness

Ramya, a driven 32-year-old software developer, lived life in overdrive. Her days were a blur of deadlines, endless coding, and meetings, each moment pushing her further into exhaustion. Beneath her relentless drive, however, a deep sense of stress and anxiety was silently growing. What once fueled her creativity now drained her spirit. She was running on empty, caught in an endless cycle of productivity, unable to catch her breath.

Then, one fateful day, amidst the chaos of her work and life, Ramya discovered Niksen 

- the Dutch practice of intentionally doing nothing. 

Skeptical but desperate for relief, she decided to try it. Sitting outside in the quiet, doing absolutely nothing, felt strange at first. But slowly, a sense of calm washed over her. For the first time in months, she felt a sense of peace.

Through Niksen and mindful practices, Ramya uncovered a new way of being. She traded moments of mindless mobile scrolling for body scan practices and meditation, learning to listen to her breath and reconnect with her body. Mindful movement replaced the years of accumulated tension. She learned to truly be present, whether eating, walking, or just sitting still.

By the end of her journey, Ramya didn’t just survive; she thrived. Her creativity returned, not through pushing harder, but by allowing herself to rest. 

The lesson? 

True strength comes not from constant doing, but from the courage to pause and embrace stillness.

Geeta & Srinivas – Rebuilding a Lost Connection

Geeta and Srinivas had always been inseparable in their early years of marriage, but as time passed, their bond began to unravel. 

Long days at work, personal stress, and the silent toll of unresolved conflicts created a chasm they could no longer ignore. Geeta felt alone in the marriage, while Srinivas struggled to connect with her emotionally. The laughter they once shared was replaced with long silences and cold stares.

One evening, after a particularly heated argument, Geeta made a decision. She couldn’t keep living in this emotional isolation. She suggested they try something different -seek help, rebuild their love. They turned to DPMP's couple counselling as a last hope.

They began with "Building Love Maps." 

Geeta asked Srinivas, “What’s something you’ve always wanted to do that I didn’t know about?” That question sparked a conversation they hadn't had in years. Srinivas shared his dream of starting a small garden, a dream he had buried under the weight of everyday responsibilities. Geeta, on the other hand, revealed her longing to go back to school.

As they shared these deep desires, they began to see each other not just as partners, but as individuals with hopes and dreams. Gradually, they embraced "Fondness and Admiration," appreciating each other's efforts and qualities once taken for granted.

Slowly, laughter returned to their home. Conflicts became easier to navigate. They turned toward each other instead of away, and love bloomed anew AGAIN.

Moral: 

A relationship’s true strength lies in the willingness to rediscover each other, to listen, and to build a future together, one conversation at a time.

Ripple of a Single Stone

Once, in a small village, there lived a young boy named Arlo who felt like he was never enough. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to impress anyone or make a difference. One day, while walking by the river, he saw an elderly man sitting by the shore, calmly watching the water. Curious, Arlo asked, "Why do you look so peaceful when everything around us seems so chaotic?"

The elderly man smiled and took a small stone from the ground. He tossed it into the river, and ripples spread across the water, growing wider and wider. "This stone," he said, "might seem small, but its impact is felt far beyond where it lands."

Arlo watched, puzzled. The man continued, "In life, we all have the power to make ripples. Your actions, no matter how small, can affect the world in ways you might never see. Don’t wait for a big moment - start now, where you are."

Arlo left with a new understanding. He realized that even his smallest acts of kindness, his efforts, and his courage to be himself could create ripples that spread beyond his own life.

Moral:

No act is too small to make a difference. Like the stone in the river, even our smallest actions can create ripples that impact others in ways we may never know. 

Start where you are, and let your ripple grow.

Keerthi’s Journey - What If people Leave Me?

Keerthi was a kind-hearted girl who loved chatting with her friends. One day, she sent a message to her best friend, Ajay: "How was your day?" She eagerly waited, but hours passed without a reply. Her heart sank. What if he’s mad at me? she wondered. What if he doesn’t want to be my friend anymore?

The silence felt like a heavy cloud, growing bigger and darker with every passing minute. Keerthi remembered something the wise bookkeeper had once told her about “Anxious Attachment.” It was like when she was little, dancing in her room, wishing someone would notice her but they never did. That same feeling of being forgotten came rushing back.

But then, Keerthi thought about the words from her Therapy book:

“You don’t have to be perfect to be loved.”

She took a deep breath, letting the storm inside her calm. The next day, Ajay called. “Sorry, I was busy!” he said. “I didn’t mean to worry you.” Keerthi smiled, feeling the weight lift from her heart. “It’s okay, I missed you,” she said.

Keerthi realised that love doesn’t require constant reassurance. It’s steady and trusting. The worry cloud would still visit sometimes, but she had learned how to face it without letting it control her.

Moral:

When anxious thoughts cloud your mind, remember that love doesn’t need to be chased. Trust that those who care about you will always return.

The Secret That Saved Luna

In a small village nestled by a fast-flowing river, there lived a dancer named Luna. Every morning, she would dance along the riverbanks, her movements slow and graceful, contrasting with the river’s constant rush. Villagers often watched her in wonder and would ask, “Why don’t you move faster like the river? It never stops, always rushing forward.”

But Luna would smile and continue dancing at her own pace. “ The river may flow fast, but it changes with every season,” she’d say. “Actually, does it need to hurry to find its way ??? hahaaa ”

One day, a strong storm hit the village. The calm river turned into a wild flood, washing away homes and crops. The villagers panicked and tried to save their things. But Luna stayed calm. Earlier that day, she had listened to the river’s warning signs, the rising water and shifting winds. She calmly moved her precious belongings to higher shelves and secured her doors and windows. Then, as the storm raged, she kept dancing, not bothered by the chaos around her.

When the storm passed, the damage was widespread, but Luna’s home was safe. The villagers were amazed. “How did you stay unbothered, Luna?” they asked.

Luna simply replied, 

“I don’t panic & rush to keep up with the world. I follow my own rhythm, grounded in peace and purpose. Life’s storms may come, but when you’re true to your own path, you remain steady.”

From that day, the villagers learned that true wisdom comes from 

👉being attentive, prepared, and calm in the face of challenges. 

By listening carefully, acting thoughtfully, and staying true to themselves, they could weather any storm ........just like Luna.

Ramya’s Quiet Revolution

On Republic Day morning, Ramya stood in the crowd as the flag rose, perfect, confident, inevitable. Everyone clapped. She did too, but her palms felt hollow.

Her phone held three fresh rejections and one old fear: “Maybe my future is already written.”

At home, she noticed her father polishing a framed copy of the Constitution of India.
he said, tapping the glass, 

“This is how a nation decides what it will stand for, especially when life gets messy.”

Ramya blurted, “But nations have systems. People don’t.”

He looked at her gently. “Then build one.”

That night, she opened a notebook and wrote: MY PERSONAL CONSTITUTION.

My Dreams and goals:

Work I love to do. A steady mind. A life I don’t escape from.

My Core values: 

Courage, honesty, compassion, discipline.

-Means ???

- Two focused Practical applications daily. One skill upgrades monthly -

Sleep by 11. Move my body. Ask for help before I break.

Then she paused at the last heading: Moral Boosters.

Her inner critic arrived on time: “What if you fail again?”
Ramya wrote back, as if drafting a law:
Failure is information, not identity, that defines me.
I return, I do restart.
Small steps still count.

At the bottom, she penned: 

“You are the creator of your own destiny.” — Swami Vivekananda

The next morning, nothing outside had changed; the same streets, the same uncertainty. But inside, something had: her future no longer felt like a verdict. It felt like a direction.

Morals:

You have the power to shape your future by establishing your own framework. A Personal Constitution transforms fleeting hopes into steadfast habits and core values into meaningful choices. When motivation wanes, it is your principles that will guide you back to your path.  

Questions to Contemplate:  

What specific steps can Ramya take to implement her Personal Constitution in her daily life?  

How will Ramya's relationship with her father evolve as she pursues her goals and values?  

What challenges can Ramya encounter that might test her new principles and resolve?  

Mirror on my wall

  

Ananya was everyone’s strong one.

She said yes before she even heard the question. 

She smiled while her chest felt tight. She skipped meals, slept late, and called it “discipline.”

One evening, she made a tiny mistake at workand her mind tore into her. " You’re useless. You always mess up."

She went home, stared at the mirror, and whispered, “Why can’t you just be better?”

That’s when it hit her: she talked to herself in a way she would never speak to anyone she loved.

In therapy, she was asked one question:
“When did you start treating yourself like someone you have to earn love from?”

So she began small.

At 3 PM daily, she paused:  What am I feeling?
Not “fine.” . Tired??  Afraid ?? Overwhelmed ??

When the inner voice attacked, she practiced one new sentence:
I made a mistake, and mistakes won't define me, as to err is human.

She ate on time not perfectly, but kindly with Love
She slept a little earlier.
And for the first time, she said:
“I can’t do this today.”

Nothing fell apart.
But something inside her finally came together.

That night, she looked in the mirror again same face, different gaze and said softly:
“I’m on your side now.”

Moral

Self-Relationship is how you view, understand, and treat yourself.
When you build self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-care, you create the foundation for healthy relationships, well-being, and sound mental health because the first relationship that shapes all others is the one you have with you.