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Meenakshi Sharma

Just a South Asian Mama on the go with a lot of thoughts

The Most Unexpected Transition
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It was this time last year during my maternity lea

It was this time last year during my maternity leave that I took a big leap of faith and launched an initiative VERY close to my heart.

Today, The Lotus Movement, @the_lotus_movement turns one!

Having led numerous organizations and initiatives in the #Ottawa South Asian community I knew logistically what I was getting into; however, what was new to me was how this organization would allow me to share publicly my own personal mental health journey. I suddenly had this epiphany: “If not now, then when?” I knew I wasn’t alone because many individuals in the South Asian community in #Ottawa were experiencing challenges with their mental health and no such space existed.

And by NO MEANS can I say I’ve done this alone. HECK TO THE NO! This non-profit organization has been literally created at the grassroots by community members. There is an entire team of mental health advocates and professionals who push every envelope, develop every resource, and create an environment that is welcoming and impactful to our community. Every team member on this team deserves the utmost respect and recognition for their commitment and endless dedication to fill the gaps that exist when it comes to mental health.

And on that same note, when you’re building from within a community, you start forming powerful relationships with other genuine community builders. We know that racialized communities are the most underrepresented when it comes to accessing mental health resources and help. We are working alongside some phenomenal organizations to be that voice and continuously advocate for tangible actions. Our organization has connected with so many like-minded foundations, non-profits, initiatives, projects, you name it across the #Ottawa city to build and grow.

Today, I can’t say that I’m proud, that’s not the feeling I’m feeling because there is still so much work to be done in this space. What I am feeling (more than ever) is that purpose and determination to keep pushing for real change and programs in our city to help the South Asian community and racialized communities be seen and heard - let’s keep on going...♥️🙏🏽

📸: @reshmaphotography

This often happens where I have a gazillion though

This often happens where I have a gazillion thoughts all written out and ready to post but something internally reminds me to always be intentional. So here’s attempt, uh, lost count.

So, if I’m being honest, current state of mind: %$484939293$47@/@:’dlelsj with a few of these 😭😭😭

I’m going to come through with some hard truths when ready. But for now, I aimlessly populate your newsfeed with a gentle reminder to soak it all in and then some. Feeling your feels is important. There is so, SO much wrong unfolding in every corner that I need to sit with this for a long damn minute.

Until I’m ready...

May the anger be the fuel to push for change. May the purpose remain real and genuine. May the reasons be for OUR communities.

And if you’re in the same mindset I’m feeling (or at least I’m trying to express), let me know. If you’re not sure what mindset this is, me either. I’m trying to make sense of a lot at the moment and I’m likely not alone. Drop it ⬇️ or DM me.

#showsupport #communityovercompetition #communitysupport #pandemicparenting #workingmomlife #workingfromhome #workingmom #covid_19 #toughdecisions #makingsense #inthistogether #inthismoment #canadianmom #exhaustedmama #realness #rawtruth #honestlymothering #parentinglife

It’s a powerhouse filled Monday with these two w

It’s a powerhouse filled Monday with these two women featured on A Moment With Meenakshi!

Introducing, Rakhee from @raakstarwrites - she is an author, a journalist, and the host of Brown Mom Podcast! And secondly, introducing Hetal from @milkandcardamom who is a cookbook published author, baker, and featured on MasterChef

Both of these women share their wisdom about their area of work and how it’s so important to incorporate our culture in everything that we do!

Catch it today at 3 PM EST on @rukusavenueradio or via the @dashradio app!

#momsofinstagram #cultured #radiolife #momsofradio #motherhood #diversity #representationmatters #brownmoms #southasianmoms #momswhohustle #bossmoms #momssupportingmoms #supportingmoms #empoweringwomen

ANNOUNCEMENT Honoured to be speaking al

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

Honoured to be speaking alongside these women for a panel event on Wednesday, March 31st at 6 PM EST hosted by the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, @ccfwe

This panel will bring together experts in economic abuse, mental health, nutrition and psychology who work with marginalized groups and visible minorities to discuss practical self-care and mental health interventions needed to combat the impacts of economic abuse with an intersectional lens. In this Chain Reaction Panel, these experts will provide you with the tools you need to identify your barriers, and empower yourself to overcome them.

Having developed a strong relationship with @ccfwe I understand and see how critical it is to come together as a community. The @ccfwe is an organization dedicated to empowering domestic violence survivors through advocacy, mentorship, and economic empowerment.

Take the pledge to fight economic abuse and #helpusrise

Event and website linked in my bio. Registration is required but this is a FREE event.

#ottawaevents #ottawa #ottawalife #ottawabusiness #ottawawomen #domesticviolenceawareness #raisingawareness #mentalhealthawareness #womensmentalhealth #givingback #takingaction #takethepledge #womenempoweringwomen #womenempowerment #intersectionalfeminism #intersectionality

The big SIX! We made it and it hasn’t been easy

The big SIX! We made it and it hasn’t been easy but here we are celebrating us. If it was up to me we would not be staying home but, such are the circumstances and life. So, we’re inviting all of you to our virtual party.

We’ve got lots to say so I’ll save my cheesy words for later...for now, this is your reminder to bring your beverages of choice and possibly a time to ask your burning questions (LOL, liiiiike who do we think we are?!).

See ya! 💃🏽🕺🏼

#weddinganniversary #wedding #celebrations #iglive #couplegoals #couples #interracialcouple #momanddad #momsofinstagram #dadsofinstagram #parenting #parenthood #parenthoodunlocked #parenthoodunlocked #anniversarycelebration #covidcelebrations #pandemiclife #brownmoms #momblogger #ottawamoms #canadianmoms #discoverunder5k #livingourbestlife #virtualparty #marriagegoals #marriagestory #marriageadvice #interraciallove #interracialmarriage #southasianbride #southasianweddings

BRB, the universe is calling... Kind of, sort of.

BRB, the universe is calling...

Kind of, sort of. It’s a bit of everything. To start, it’s reminding me to keep my head high, passion strong, determination fierce, and humbleness in check.

Sometimes we encounter situations where we feel are “out of our control” and we may feel tempted to sway or react a certain way.

But this is when you check-in with self (and the power of the universe) and ask yourself, is it worth it? With the right mindset, acquired skills, and level of maturity, you’ll know what the answer is. Fundamentally, when things feel “out of control”, we have strong forces that remind us, we in fact do have the power. We are never helpless.

So, when I said kind of, sort of, I meant it. All while contemplating thoughts, remember that you attract what you’re thinking. Surround yourself with the auras (and people) that bring a purpose and support your mindset and growth, and ultimately your whole self.

And as a reminder from me to you (and probably the universe too): remember to laugh. Laughter is good for the soul. Laughter, love, and kindness always triumph.

📸: @thephotoessays
📍: @stu.dio2020

#momsofinstagram #momsover30 #ottawamoms #momssupportingmoms #womenwhohustle #womenwholead #womenofcolour #mompreneur #momootd #fashionmoms #selflovejourney #laughter #laughteristhebestmedicine #discoverunder5k #canadianmom #ontariomoms #momswithgoals #momsinbusiness #inspiringmom #brownmoms #momblogger #mombloggersofig #indianmom #desimom #mominfluencer

I’ve had a lot of heavy thoughts when putting th

I’ve had a lot of heavy thoughts when putting this post together. Intended to be about International Women’s Day, but serving as a reminder that on this page and in my soul, I celebrate women daily. I fight for women’s rights daily. And I don’t just do it for myself or my peers, I do it for my little warriors and all the little ones out there.

It’s great to acknowledge this one day and show our outpour of love and support to each other, but there has to be more - what actions can we take and more importantly how do we hold ourselves accountable?

Women are still underrepresented in spaces of employment and society, mistreated and demonized, and vilified and abused. This needs to end. Putting pressure on our political leaders to drive policies and directives to better support women is needed, now more than ever.

This one might sting. How do we truly show up for each other? Women still treat other women with disrespect and dishonesty. The way we speak about one another with such malign and derogative words. The way some women still feel the need to comment on others about their appearance, weight, job, or well-being. Us women play into the bigger problem as well.

So, how do we influence change?

With our actions:

🔺 Treat your fellow women with respect and integrity. Hold space of love and welcome instead of attacks and critiques.

🔺 If you witness a fellow woman peer being mistreated, speak up. Breaking the cycles is part of the solution.

🔺 Speak openly about the influence and power of women in your respective households. Our children are watching and observing everything. A woman’s role in society is not confined to the kitchen, the cleaning, the attending to children, etc. She is more.

🔺 Teaching our little girls that it’s strength to have a voice of purpose and reason. That purpose should always be to speak the truth and shared with kindness and compassion. There’s nothing stopping them. The world is equally theirs.

🔺 Never giving up - this is exhausting work to continuously fight (because it is one) for our place is this world. To fight for our rights. To fight for what we deserve and what we are entitled to.

Cont’d in comments.

Do you know what day it is?!?! It’s Meenakshi Mo

ANNOUNCEMENT Don’t forget, it’s sti

💫 ANNOUNCEMENT 💫

Don’t forget, it’s still women’s day because over here we celebrate each other everyday! So on that note I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude for the opportunity to be on tomorrow’s panel hosted by @achev.ca - you can register by phone or email (noted in poster!).

A bit about @achev.ca - they are a non-profit community organization focused on connecting people to opportunities that help them achieve their full potential. They provide resources and guidance to youth, newcomers, and language services.

I’ll be sharing the virtual stage with inspiring and influential women - I can’t wait!

#womenwhohustle #womenwholead #bosslady #bossladymindset #bossbabes #bossmom #woc #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #momsofinstagram #momsupportingmoms #momsupport #publicspeaking

I gotta show the real side because the #juggleisre

I gotta show the real side because the #juggleisreal - I’m in my element here, making sure everyone is fed before me is usually the case.

But in all honesty, I’ve been searching for a while about how to juggle it all - there’s no secret recipe. Around here, I just roll with it. And attempt to eat out of pots and pans.

I wear multiple hats but by far the most important and only one that truly matters to me is my mama role. If it means cuddle sessions with the kiddos over a phone call or meeting, I do it. Because I know how fast time flies. And soon that time will come where a door gets slammed in my face and I’m told to “go, away!”.

So if there’s a few tips I could leave for all my parent friends out there who are balancing it all, it’s this:

💥 Commit to things that are meaningful to you and add value to your life. Sometimes FOMO exists but we need to be mindful about what fills our own cups.

💥 Time is precious - your time means something. Don’t let it slip on things that again don’t give you that high. And this is directed towards people too. Which leads me to my next tip...

💥Keep the genuine people in your life close by. Those who will cheer you on and support you and help in whatever capacity. Those who believe in you will elevate and be your hype people but also show up when you need it.

So to wrap it up, I think it’s safe to say that we all juggle so much. Sometimes we don’t show everything on social media and that can be deceiving that many of us have our “shit together” - I’m the first one to say it (and show it clearly) that I do not have anything together.

Thank you to Mona, @mommatribesunite for asking me to take part in this collab and giving me space to share my vulnerabilities. And to all the mamas who juggle it all all while with a smile on your face, I see you.

Follow along these mamas who are sharing all about the #juggleisreal ⬇️

@thechaimommas
@thecolourmom
@preeti.s.gandhi
@mommatribesunite
@umeedh.jewelry
@lovelylittlezindagi

#momchats #mamauntoldthoughts #momsofinstagram #mamahoodinsquares #motherhoodblogger #motherhoodunplugged #motherdaughter #canadianmom #indianmomblogger #discoverunder5k #desimom #desimoms