What does "being strong" mean to you? To me, "being strong" means being comfortable with who you are as a person. It's having the courage to be your authentic self even when it's difficult or when others don't understand. It's also about finding inner resilience in the face of challenges. I strive to have the self-assurance to stay true to my values and priorities rather than conforming to unreasonable expectations. Being strong is also about accepting yourself, failures and all. It means realizing that mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey, and seeing them as opportunities for growth. Ultimately, being strong is about standing firmly in your identity with compassion and confidence, while embracing both your successes and your imperfections.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? In difficult times, what anchors me is faith in my own abilities and faith in the support from my loved ones. I take strength from remembering my inner resilience - all the previous challenges I have navigated and grown from. Most of all, during trials, I try to be kind and caring towards myself, like I would be towards a close friend in the same situation. Offering myself that warmth and understanding helps me feel calmer in difficult situations. I know I have the hope that this will pass and the grit to keep pushing through. No matter what comes, I will meet it with compassion for myself and the resolve to keep moving forward.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My female role model in life is my mother. She is a homemaker who embodies selflessness and lives modestly just to invest in my brother and me. I'm inspired by her humility and grounded nature. Even though she didn’t work outside the home, she always encourages me to dream big and set ambitious goals. The security and confidence she gave me through her selfless care allows me to fearlessly follow my passions today. I admire her quiet strength and the dignity with which she leads our family. Whether standing up for me or making personal sacrifices, my mother leads first and foremost by example. For modeling courage and compassion, she is my forever role model.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? I aim to be strong in standing firmly in my values and principles, while also being vulnerable enough to admit when I’m struggling or need help. This requires emotional strength but also honesty about imperfection. I strive for the strength to speak my whole truth, including the messy and imperfect parts rather than hiding behind a exterior of having it all together.
How do you encourage other women to be strong? I encourage the women in my life to build strength by building a support system and being open to both giving and receiving help from it. None of us can or should feel like we need to handle everything alone. Whether it's friends, family, or others, relying on your community makes you stronger. I encourage the women around me to make space for all their emotions- feel your fear, hurt, and stress, you don’t have to always have it all together. Go easier on yourself when you miss the mark. Progress comes from effort over time, not performing flawlessly. Stay anchored in self-compassion along the way. The connections we share lighten every load.
Palak’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? While visiting my hometown for the holidays, I wanted to help meet the needs of girls in my community. I donated 32 packs of pads to a local orphanage that provides housing and care for 17 adolescent girls. Menstrual products are essential yet often unaffordable for those facing economic constraints. By donating pads, my goal was to assist the orphanage in accessing menstrual products for some time.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? This act of kindness reminded me that all support - through donations of time, talent, or treasure - makes an impact. My hope was that in some small way, this donation gave the girls both physical products they require as well as the emotional support of knowing their community cares about their health and wellbeing.