Sarala Life — Life in Chapters: Careers, Canines, Cabernet & Courage

Coming off a beautiful vacation and walking straight into Diwali season, I’ve been reflecting on just how far I’ve come. This year, I realised something quietly powerful — I am living one of my own prayers.

And that hit me.
To wake up each day in a space that once existed only in my hopes — that’s something I don’t take for granted. I am deeply, genuinely grateful.

But gratitude doesn’t make the reality of a “back to normal” morning disappear.

A New Kind of Routine

This morning looked different. No rush to meetings, no quick dash to prepare for a call, no corporate chaos. Instead — my “new normal.”

I started my day reading the Daily Mail (yes, it’s still a vice), scanning job sites to see what’s out there in the legal landscape, browsing upskilling courses so I don’t feel like I’m stagnant or “doing nothing,” preparing some material for an existing client, deciding what to make for lunch, planning my workout, and taking the dogs for a walk before shaping an evening on my own while my spouse travels for work.

It’s slower. Quieter. Re-imagined.

And while I’m happy — truly happy — there’s also fear. The fear of financial independence. The fear of “what next.”

I’ve been working since I was eighteen, fighting to earn, to stand on my own, to create a life and lifestyle I’m proud of. I’m grateful to have a partner and a support system, but that deep-rooted desire to pull my own weight is still there. It’s not about pride — it’s about identity.

Sitting with Fear

On this healing journey, I’m learning to sit with fear instead of trying to out-run it. To acknowledge that it’s not a weakness — it’s simply part of being human.

The fixer in me still wants to find solutions, to plan, to do something. But my faith reminds me: things unfold when they’re meant to. Lessons arrive when you’re ready to receive them.

Still, it’s hard not to be afraid of the unknown — especially when the responsibilities are real.

I’ve been here before. Years ago, I found myself questioning everything — career, motherhood, purpose. I remember coming off social media because I had fallen into the trap of comparison. Everyone else seemed to be moving forward while I stood still. Their highlight reels made my quiet reality feel smaller.

We talk so often about “balance,” but where do we really find it?
Where’s the balance between trust and reality?

Life in Chapters

Life, for me, has always been a book of chapters. And lately, so many pages have turned.

In my quieter moments, I’ve reflected on my communities too — the circles that change, the people who stay, the ones who fade. During my birthday and Diwali this year, I noticed who reached out… and who didn’t.

That quiet question we all ask sometimes: “If I don’t reach out first, will you?”

Some friendships have fallen away like autumn leaves. Maybe because there’s nothing left for them to gain. Maybe because they were imagined — created in moments of convenience or need. Perhaps they were never really friendships at all.

It hurts to admit, but it’s also freeing. Because it reminds me to cherish the souls who do stand — the ones who see you even when you’re not shining.

Healing, Not Healed

I’m not healed — I’m healing.

Still navigating family dynamics, a career pivot, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, fear, and faith. I’ve learned that growth and grief often coexist — even when challenges resolve, consequences remain.

I used to joke, “adulting is hard,” but now I see it differently.
It’s hard because we’re the ones making the informed decisions — the good, the bad, and the in-between. There’s no manual. We’re learning as we go, trying to stay kind to that younger version of ourselves who just wanted reassurance and safety.

I’ve learned there will always be a moment of pain or fear waiting to test your peace. Last year, I had two huge challenges running in parallel. Both have since resolved — but even resolution has its weight.

So now, I pray, plan, and yes, still fear the consequences.

Because even when the light returns, you remember the dark that taught you how to see.

Little Sparks of Hope

Through it all, I hold onto small joys — those little anchors that remind me I’m still growing. Lately, that’s come in the form of an idea:

A podcast.

Yes — me. The girl who’s shy about making a TikTok but somehow loves to talk.
Some of my heaviest days have been lightened by podcasts that made me laugh or feel seen. And maybe that’s something I want to give back — to talk about healing, fear, faith, work, womanhood, and all the things that sit between “thanks” and “reality.”

I’m off to consult Dr. Google about how to start one from home — after I finish this post.

What’s Next

I haven’t decided what the next story on SaralaLife will be — it’s a toss-up between “The Friends I’ve Lost” series and the beginning of my “Wine Chapter.”

Because honestly — it’s almost Christmas. And healing, like wine, is best when shared. 🍷

Gentle Reminder

It’s okay to be both grateful and afraid.
Faith doesn’t mean we won’t feel fear — it means we keep walking anyway.

💭 If this chapter resonated with you, pour/make yourself a glass/cup of something comforting, light a candle, and remember: you’re not behind — you’re just in becoming.