I’m an extremely shy person, who is self-conscious about her appearance. Hence the childhood photo.

My grandma being in this photo, taken at my 6th birthday, gives me confidence.

I know I shouldn’t be vain, but it saddens me to see how I’ve aged prematurely after surgical menopause, chemo and radiation.

I miss having genuinely nice office colleagues, so hope you can be my virtual ones. I'm stoked to have writer friends and everyone on Medium is so kind.

I grapple with loneliness, grief and fears that come with health and financial insecurity as I age. I hope that in sharing my truth, I can help you feel not so alone, in some way.

I also hope to magnify my gratitude for what I am blessed with. You see, I have always loved children, but due to circumstance, not lack of desire, I didn’t birth any.

My divine blessings come in the form of my angelic nieces, and children who may not share my DNA, but have my whole heart. I consider them all my nieces and nephews and it is music to my ears to be called Aunty Shanti. So if you call me that, remember, I love you and will always root for you.

💕

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You can also find me at instagram