Preeta Chag

Pub by: Holistic Publishing

The stories are heartfelt. The lessons are heartwarming.

‘As it is’  is a beautiful collection of tales of women of courage, fortitude and resilience.

They are not famous names. They are not women whose chronicles belong to the pages of the newspapers.

They are just like you and me. Stories which dwell in so many households. Lives which have been lived by so many. Tales known by you and me. As Dr. Nimrat has written, “As you read, may you encounter reflections of your inner life.”

But the difference lies in the courage these women have displayed in coming out. In speaking up about their tales of torment, grief, despair, difficulties and dilemmas. The counselling they thought to seek. And finally, rising, emerging from the vortex of gloom, fear and ordeals to carve their stories with pride and dignity.

The book is jointly created by Monica Gupta and Dr. Nimrat Singh. Monica Gupta is an author and a writing coach. And, Dr. Nimrat is psychologist, educator and Jungian analytical practitioner. The book is interestingly crafted. After each mini memoir penned by Monica Gupta, Dr. Nimrat Singh, a psychoanalyst, provides an expert detailed analysis of the character.

Each story has been carefully chosen. Battles are different, and the coping mechanism varied. The journeys are diverse, but the lesson of life is inherent in each tale.  

While some women speak from the space of suffering, some narrate their journey onto a new path, while some have quietly found peace in the middle.

Different narratives have different styles. I loved the way the mosaic tiles are used to allegorise the story of Vandana Panchal.

The narratives hold no drama. Just a simple telling, which tugs at the heartstrings drawing an emotional kaleidoscope resonating in the reader’s heart and mind.

Gayatri, who has been a picture of resilience in face of her son’s diagnosed dyslexia.

Or Manorama, who talks of a broken relationship in which she invested years to set it right, but in the end chose to break away, choosing dignity over compromise.

“I was not moving away from medicine. I was moving towards its essence.” Meena Shah’s career trajectory might have seemed risky at that time, but her faith in herself led her to set new boundaries.

“People do not need to be fixed. They need to be seen.” Niyati has emphasised enough on the miracle of emotional healing.

The book actually gives a message on healing. How important it is for one to recognise the need to seek counselling, and avail of it to chart a course ahead. In all the stories, the woman has recognised the need to seek help before despair overtook them. And that is so important.

‘As it is’ is an important reminder. A note to oneself to seek answers within, to have an inner quiet conviction of one’s beliefs and values. And also, to never hesitate to seek help.

Because the recognition of the problem is the first step in solving the hurdles.

The book is a celebration of strength and resolution.

Of dignity and pride.

Of determination and fortitude.

“Strength is not inherited. It is practiced every day.”