If I were to look back and trace the moments that truly shaped me, I wouldn’t find them in grand achievements or big life changes. Instead, I’d find them in the quiet wisdom, unwavering love, and fierce strength of the women who stood beside me—my mother, my sister, and my friends.
Each of them, in their way, has left an imprint on my heart, teaching me lessons that no book could ever offer. Their words, their actions, and even their silent resilience have shaped the person I am today.
Let me take a moment to honour them and the lessons they’ve passed on to me.
From My Mother: The Strength of Unconditional Love
My mother was my first teacher, my first role model, and the first person to show me what true strength looks like. She taught me that love isn’t just in the grand gestures—it’s in the small, everyday acts of care and sacrifice.
She was the quiet force behind our family, holding everything together with grace. No matter how hard times got, she never let us feel the weight of her struggles. Her resilience was quiet, yet it spoke louder than words.
Her Lessons to Me:
❤️ Love is not about words; it’s about actions.
💪 Strength is not about never breaking down—it’s about getting up every single time.
🙏 Family is not just important; it is everything.
Even today, when life gets overwhelming, I hear her voice in my mind, reminding me to take a deep breath and move forward with faith. And she has been guiding me through her voice for the last 32 years. She has not lived on our planet since then.
From My Sister: The Power of Support and Friendship
A sister is not just family—she’s a built-in best friend, a confidante, and sometimes, the only person who truly understands you without words.
Growing up, we were each other’s safe space. We fought like all siblings do, but when the world was against one of us, the other stood like a shield. There was no problem too big, no fear too strong, that we couldn’t face together.
As we grew older, life took us down different paths, but one thing remained constant—our unwavering support for each other.
Her Lessons to Me:
👭 True support doesn’t need loud declarations; it’s felt in the silent presence of someone who has your back.
💖 Celebrate each other’s successes—there is no competition in love.
📞 No matter how far life takes you, always pick up the phone and check-in.
She reminds me that sisterhood is one of the most beautiful bonds in the world—whether by blood or by choice.
From My Friends: The Freedom to Be Myself
Friendship, in its purest form, is about acceptance. My closest friends have seen me at my best and my worst, yet they’ve never judged me. Instead, they’ve lifted me, reminded me of my worth, and pushed me to be my best self.
We have laughed until our stomachs hurt, cried on each other’s shoulders, and celebrated life’s victories—both big and small.
Their Lessons to Me:
🌟 You don’t have to be perfect to be loved—just be yourself.
😂 Laughter is the best therapy, especially when shared with friends.
🛑 Let go of friendships that drain you. True friends never make you feel small.
Each friend has brought something unique into my life—wisdom, humour, adventure, or simply a listening ear. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Final Thoughts: Women Who Shape Us, Lift Us, and Teach Us
Life has taught me many things, but the greatest lessons have come from the women around me. My mother, my sister, and my friends have shown me different shades of strength, love, and resilience.
I am who I am today because of them.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of them, it’s this: Women don’t just exist in each other’s lives—we shape each other. We lift each other. We empower each other.
💬 Now, I’d love to hear from you! Who are the women who have shaped your life, and what lessons have they taught you? Let’s celebrate them together!
This is another post in my Empowering Women series as part of Blogchatter’s Write a Page a Day challenge. Stay tuned for more! 🚀
Neerja Bhatnagar
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