A Leap of Faith: Why I Stopped Postponing My Happiness

Feeling guilty about putting yourself first? This inspiring story follows a woman who takes a leap of faith and goes on a trip with her friends, proving that prioritizing your own happiness is not only necessary for your well-being but can also be the best thing for your family. It’s time to take that leap!

We five friends from college have a beautiful ritual – meeting every year when our binding source, Paridhi, comes to India from the UK during August. We try to meet up 2-3 times at least during her one-month stay here in Delhi. These gatherings have been our anchor, keeping us connected despite the chaos of adult life.

For the last 2 years, our friend Rohini had been after our lives to plan a staycation. She would bring it up every time we met, her eyes lighting up with possibilities. But due to our responsibilities, chaotic schedules, and honestly, the fear of going on a trip without family – especially kids – we kept pushing it aside.

The moment everything changed

This year, something shifted. My son went on a school trip, and I don’t know what triggered me, but suddenly I thought: if even my 16-year-old has the right to enjoy and live his life, then why not me?

In a burst of courage, I called our WhatsApp group and, with all the josh, declared to everyone that this year, when Paridhi lands in India, we are going on a girls’ vacation! This was in June – no backing out now.

Cut to July. Once Paridhi’s tickets were finalized for India, it was time to execute the plan. We discussed dates and destinations, and I, being a consummate planner, started searching for Airbnb and tickets.

The cost of the trip was coming out very low – it was off-season and would be split between 5 friends. But due to my not-so-independent financial condition, I wasn’t too sure. My friends were convincing me that it was a lifetime’s opportunity not to be missed. They even offered to help me financially if needed, and I could pay them back later. But my heart wasn’t agreeing to it.

Taking the leap of faith

Finally, I gave in. In my heart of hearts, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to live my life and find rejuvenation. I paid using my credit card, and when the due date came to make the payment, I sold a small pendant for cash and cleared it.

Because we booked quite in advance, we were able to get both tickets and a good place at a very reasonable price.I still had my doubts till the last minute. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to leave my teenage son and, most importantly, my furry baby. So as soon as the bookings were done, I took my house help into confidence. I told him that only if he agrees to take full responsibility for my bachchas would I finalize my trip with friends. By God’s grace, he happily agreed.

The trip that changed everything

I am so glad that I took this leap of faith and went on this trip. Not only did I build memories for a lifetime, but it was the most rejuvenating trip ever. I can’t remember laughing, enjoying, and feeling more relaxed than I did on this trip. I feel rebooted and fresh to take on life’s grind with more zest.

The cherry on the cake was that just one day into the trip, my parents-in-law also had to go on a one-day stay in another city due to some family commitment. My son took full charge of the home, and on my return, I met a more responsible and accountable Viraaj.

A message to every woman reading this

This story is a motivation for all those women who always push their holidays aside to prioritize family, kids, and work over their happiness. It’s time you take a break and put yourself on top of the list of your priorities!

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your family is to show them – and yourself – that you matter too. That leap of faith? It’s worth taking.

Prachi Monga is a designer and stylist with experience of over 25 years in the fashion and lifestyle industry. She is passionate about empowering women—especially those above 40 and plus-size—through style, confidence, and self-expression.