Malini’s Journey to Emotional Reconciliation – YourDOST Blog

Malini is a 26-year-old final-year Master’s student at IISc in the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering.

A bright and introspective soul, Malini is the cherished only child of her parents, whose upbringing was marked by a supportive environment nurturing her prowess. She is an ambivert who is highly self-aware and embraces her family’s occasional drama with resilience, her inner light shining bright.

Reflecting on her childhood, Malini shared, 

“My parents encouraged me to explore various classes, yet my academics soon became my sole focus, leaving little room for hobbies.” 

Despite her academic dedication, life’s complexities unfolded as she met her partner during the final year of her bachelor’s journey. Their relationship was shadowed by the complexities of his family dynamics, where fear and uncertainty cast a veil over their connection.

As the relationship ebbed, Malini grappled with her partner’s emotional distance, stemming from his family’s past traumas. Feeling adrift in uncertainty, she retreated into isolation, withdrawing from social interactions and academic pursuits.

Recognising the toll this emotional turmoil exacted on her well-being, she sought solace in therapy to traverse the depths of her inner conflicts. Empathetic and understanding, Ms. Anunka Mondal, her dedicated counselor, became Malini’s guiding light. Overcoming initial hesitations rooted in past therapy experiences, Malini found comfort in Anunka’s gentle guidance and solution approach. 

Anunka’s reassurance and validation of Malini’s emotions, particularly her tendency to cry, dispelled the misconception of vulnerability surrounding tears, fostering a safe space for emotional healing.

Through journaling, Malini unraveled the intricate tapestry of her thoughts and emotions, gaining insight into the root causes behind her turmoil. Thought-challenging techniques provided her with the tools to navigate her inner landscape and a deeper understanding of her emotional responses. 

Communication became a cornerstone of her growth as she learned to articulate her needs to her partner, bridging the gap of distance in their long-distance relationship. Surprisingly, her partner’s unawareness of her struggles highlighted the importance of open and honest dialogue in their relationship, a revelation that strengthened their bond.

Embracing the wisdom of her counselor, Malini learned to quell impulsive reactions, opting for thoughtful introspection. This newfound mindfulness empowered her to navigate turbulent emotional waters with grace and resilience, marking a profound shift in her journey to emotional reconciliation. 

Grateful for the transformative impact of therapy, Malini reflected, 

“I owe my dream job placement to the unwavering support of my counselor. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t have weathered these storms with such resilience.” 

Her story showcases the transformative power of therapy fostering emotional healing and strengthening relationships.

Looking back at her path of happiness, from being exhausted and stuck to becoming more confident, she finds purpose in her relationships. 

“I have become more mindful of my feelings and the energy I spend on conversations. I’d rate myself as a 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 of feeling better.”

Malini’s Warrior Tips:
1.“It is difficult but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
2.“Be kind to yourself and muster the courage to take the first step to helping yourself by taking therapy.”
3.“The first step is difficult but it is all worth it in the end.”