When Professional Boundaries Blur: The Silent Breach That Hurt

“Hey, I noticed your name while going through some files — just thought I’d say hi.”

“Saw your number on one of our client lists and figured I’d check in — hope you’re doing well.”

“Your name came up in our system today and I thought, why not reach out?”

And the list goes on...

At first glance, it might even sound funny — a harmless message, perhaps a mild annoyance. But pause for a moment and think deeper. Why is this happening? Why you? Why now? And most importantly — is it right?

These messages aren’t just awkward or unsolicited — they represent a violation. A quiet, often overlooked breach of trust. Our phone numbers and personal details are given to institutions with the understanding that they will remain confidential, handled with discretion and care. Whether it’s an application form, a customer file, a patient intake sheet, or a job inquiry — that information has a purpose, and that purpose is not personal contact beyond the scope of service.

So when someone takes that information — your number, your name, your file — and uses it to reach out beyond that boundary, it’s more than inappropriate. It’s unethical. It’s a form of digital stalking, and it’s deeply unsettling.

Recently, a few friends shared with me how they’ve experienced this. The stories sounded eerily similar: a recruiter initiating personal conversation post-interview, a banker casually messaging late at night, a doctor texting after an appointment. At first, they hesitated to call it out. Maybe I’m overthinking it, they said. But why should they have to doubt their instincts?

This isn’t just about discomfort. It’s about safety. It's about consent. And it’s about the power dynamics that silently hang in the background of every professional interaction — especially for women.

Just imagine a woman who reaches out to a therapist, seeking help, trusting the process. She speaks, she opens up, she tries to heal. Then the next day, she gets a text — not from a friend, not from someone she gave her number to voluntarily — but from that same therapist. What happens to her trust now? How can she return to that space and feel safe? The sanctuary becomes tainted. The healing gets interrupted.

These acts might seem small to the one who sends that message — just a hello, just checking in, maybe even a compliment. But on the receiving end, it’s a disruption. It can trigger anxiety, fear, shame, or even trauma.

Every interaction we have, especially in professional settings, carries a responsibility. We can choose to be the reason someone feels seen and safe — or the reason someone starts building walls again.

We don’t talk enough about these subtle forms of boundary violations — perhaps because they seem too minor to name. But they are not minor. They are the seeds of mistrust, and when left unchecked, they grow into a culture where people, especially women, constantly have to second-guess their choices: Should I have gone to that clinic? Should I have added my number on that form?

Let’s not normalize these violations. Let’s not brush them off as mere awkwardness or flattery. Let’s call them what they are — a breach of professional ethics.

And above all, let’s remind ourselves:

Every action has the power to either hurt or heal. So why not choose to be the reason someone feels safe, respected, and valued?

Why not choose to be the reason someone smiles?

Talk to Yourself: The Power of Inner Dialogue

I often remind people how powerful talking to yourself can be. Not in a strange, overthinking kind of way—but as a form of self-awareness, self-guidance, and emotional release. It’s a habit that helped me through some of the most unpredictable phases of my life, and I believe it can make a real difference for anyone.

Back in Dehradun, during my undergraduate years 2016, I was that person people came to for advice, support, or just someone to listen to. Hostel life in India during college is a different world altogether. If you’ve lived it, you know exactly what I mean—your room becomes more of a storage unit while life happens in the corridors, rooftops, canteens, and chai shops. You're everywhere but not in your room! It was chaotic, spontaneous, and somehow beautiful.

One such moment from that time still sticks with me. It was the night before an exam—a classic one-night battle we all know too well. A Bhai (I always found “bro” too fancy for that vibe), approached me, visibly panicked.

“Bhaiya, I haven’t prepared anything for the exam. What should I do?”

“Sometimes, it’s okay. Even if you haven’t studied, just trust yourself. Believe that what you’ve experienced, what you’ve absorbed, will guide you—consciously or subconsciously. Don’t stress with all the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ Just be positive and, most importantly, talk to yourself. Tell yourself you’ve got this.”

He nodded and left. Maybe I sounded convincing enough.

But later that day, he came back, frustrated.

“Bhaiya! I went all the way to the exam hall… and turned back from the door! I couldn’t do it. And the paper was so easy!”

That hit me hard. Not because he didn’t write the paper—but because fear stopped him. He had the ability, the will—but not the belief.

I’ve shared this story countless times since then. Because it's not just about exams—it's about life.

There will be days when everything feels overwhelming. Plans collapse, people disappoint, and life takes turns you didn’t sign up for. It’s frustrating. You question your decisions, your path, and sometimes even your worth.

But that’s when it matters the most to pause—and talk to yourself. Not to criticize, but to comfort. Not to overthink, but to realign.

Self-talk isn’t just a motivational hack; it’s a survival tool. It anchors you. It’s that private conversation where you can be honest, kind, and brave—without any judgment.

Remind yourself:

• “It’s okay to feel low today.”

• “I’ve handled worse.”

• “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

• “This too shall pass.”
  

Your words to yourself are far more powerful than anything the world says. You can be your own coach, healer, and motivator—if you choose to listen.

So today, I’m passing on what I used to say in those hostel corridors in Dehradun:

Talk to yourself. Kindly. Consistently. Consciously.

Because you’ve got more strength in you than you think.

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Author’s Note:
Thank you for reading. This blog comes from a personal space—shaped by hostel corridors, chai-fueled conversations, and the countless lessons life teaches outside classrooms. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt overwhelmed, I hope this piece reminded you that your inner voice matters. Speak to yourself kindly—you’re listening.

I'd love to hear your stories too. Feel free to drop a comment or connect with me.

- Sushant Bhatta

Fast Food, Slow Harm: Are We Trading Convenience for Health?

In today’s hyper-connected, time-strapped world, convenience is king. A 10-minute food delivery? Perfect. Dinner sorted in the time it takes to scroll through Social Media? Even better. But somewhere between the “Order Now” button and the delivery rider’s frantic dash, we’ve stopped asking: At what cost?

Food delivery platforms and even restaurant chains have built their empires around speed. Their slogans promise efficiency: “Delivery in 10 minutes” or “30 minutes or free.” But this brings up a crucial question—if the food reaches us in 10 minutes, when is it actually being cooked?

The Illusion of Freshness

Let’s be honest: no restaurant can make a fresh, hot meal from scratch, package it, and send it to your door in under 10 minutes. The reality? Much of what we consume is pre-cooked, stored, and reheated. Gravies, sauces, or pasta bases may be made in large batches and stored for days or weeks. Vegetables may be parboiled. Meat may be pre-fried or frozen.

While the industrial-level prep saves time, it may sacrifice nutrition, flavor integrity, and hygiene. Repeated heating and storing not only degrade the taste but may also lead to harmful bacterial growth or nutrient loss.

Convenience vs. Consciousness

What we’re witnessing is a societal shift where short-term convenience is prioritized over long-term well-being. It’s easy to fall into this trap. After all, who wouldn’t want to skip cooking after a long day? But convenience comes with hidden costs:

• Increased sodium and preservative intake from pre-packaged gravies and instant mixes.
• Lower nutritional value, especially in reheated or overly processed food.
• A psychological disconnect from what we eat, reducing food to just fuel instead of nourishment.

The Real Smart Choice

We often believe we're being smart by saving time. But in the bigger picture, is outsourcing our nutrition truly intelligent? If eating fast means living short, are we really winning?

Changing habits doesn’t mean becoming a hermit chef. It means:

• Choosing fresh, local ingredients when possible.
• Cooking in batches at home—your own version of “ready-to-eat” that’s truly wholesome.
• Supporting eateries that promote slow food, not just fast delivery.
• Being mindful of what you’re eating, not just how quickly it arrives.

A Gentle Wake-Up Call

Most of us already know these truths. But sometimes, it takes a conversation, a video, or a nudge like this to really hit home. Health isn’t built overnight, but it is built daily, with small, consistent choices.

So the next time your screen flashes “Food will arrive in 10 minutes,” take a second to ask—Is my health worth a shortcut?

Because a little effort today can make tomorrow much brighter.

“Convenience should not come at the cost of consciousness.”

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Author’s Note

This blog was inspired by a quiet moment of reflection while watching a video—not about health or food, but about how we live. It struck me how often we trade long-term wellness for short-term ease. Not because we don’t care, but because we’re overwhelmed, tired, or simply following what’s “normal” today.

I’m not perfect either. I’ve ordered fast food out of convenience. I’ve eaten reheated meals without a second thought. But recognizing these habits is the first step toward changing them.

This isn’t a call to guilt—it’s a call to awareness.

If this post made you pause, even for a moment, to reconsider a choice—then it's served its purpose. Let’s support each other in choosing better, even if just one meal at a time.

Stay mindful. Stay well.

— Sushant Bhatta

When the Sunsets Whisper of Childhood

 Some roads lead to places, others take you back to yourself.

This evening, I stepped out for a drive. I didn’t plan the route—I just needed to breathe, to exist in motion. The sun was slowly dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the fields. The warm air carried the scent of grass, slightly damp, and suddenly I was no longer a man behind the wheel—I was a boy, barefoot and breathless, running toward the playground.

It’s strange how some things, so ordinary on the surface, can transport you through time. A fading sun. The smell of earth. The hush of an early evening. Tonight, they became a portal. I remembered my evenings of play—muddy knees, scraped elbows, and the careless joy of not knowing how fast time flies.

But time did fly. Now I find myself at the cusp of thirty. The boy who once played until darkness fell has grown into someone who now watches sunsets from behind car windows, lost in thought. Life has shifted. It has quickened, it has deepened.

Yet with that change has come something unexpected—awareness. A quiet kind of knowing that didn’t exist before. These days, I find myself observing more. Sensing more. I notice the subtle way the wind moves through trees. I recognize the familiar ache of nostalgia rising when a certain smell hits the air. I realize that the world hasn’t changed so much—it’s me who has.

I don’t always have the words for what I’m feeling. Sometimes it’s just a sensation—a heaviness in the chest, a lump in the throat, a warmth in the heart. Tonight was one of those times. A moment where the past shook hands with the present, and for a while, they sat quietly together.

I’ve become more silent lately. Not because I have less to say, but because I’ve realized that some feelings speak loudest in stillness. And perhaps, this is what growing means. Not rushing to explain everything, but learning to hold space for what can’t be explained at all.

So I drove a little slower tonight. I watched the sun set completely. I let myself feel it all—the longing, the gratitude, the ache, and the beauty.

And in that silence, I felt whole.

"You don’t grow out of your childhood. You grow around it—layer by layer, memory by memory, until you become someone who carries all your younger selves within you.”

How Daylight Saving Time Affects Our Mental and Physical Well-being

Twice a year, we adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST)—one hour forward in spring (“spring forward”) and one hour back in fall (“fall back”). While some enjoy longer daylight hours, others struggle with sleep loss, tiredness, and difficulty focusing. But what exactly happens to our mind and body when the time changes?

Let’s break it down and explore simple ways to adjust without feeling exhausted.

What is Daylight Saving Time? 

Daylight Saving Time is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour in the spring ("spring forward") and moving them back in the fall ("fall back"). The original idea was to make better use of daylight and reduce energy consumption, but its relevance in today's world remains debatable.

While it was introduced during World War I to save energy, modern research suggests that its benefits may not be as significant as once thought. However, what is clear is that DST affects millions of people every year—often in ways we don’t realize.

How DST Affects Mental Health

One of the most immediate effects of the time change is the disruption to our circadian rhythm. Our bodies are naturally attuned to a certain sleep-wake cycle, but when the clocks change, it can take time for our internal clocks to reset. Here’s how that plays out:

🛏 Sleep Disruption: Losing just one hour of sleep in the spring can lead to sleep deprivation, which may make us feel groggy, irritable, and mentally foggy. This disruption can last for several days, and many people struggle to get back on track with their sleep schedule.

😰 Increased Stress and Anxiety: Lack of sleep and adjusting to a new routine can lead to higher levels of stress. People often report feeling more anxious or frazzled, especially during the first few days after the time change. Stress is a natural response to disruptions in routine, and when coupled with sleep loss, it can heighten feelings of irritability and anxiety.

🌥 Worsening of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The shift in daylight can worsen symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs seasonally, typically in the fall and winter months. The shorter days and longer nights can make people feel more isolated, lethargic, and emotionally drained. The sudden loss of light in the morning, especially during the fall time change, may exacerbate this condition.

🧠 Decline in Cognitive Function: Studies show that our cognitive abilities, such as concentration, memory, and decision-making, can temporarily decline following the time change. This is largely due to the body’s struggle to adjust to the new time schedule, resulting in less effective brain functioning during the transition.

Physical Health Effects of DST

DST doesn’t just affect the mind—it takes a toll on the body as well.

😴 Sleep Deprivation & Fatigue: The obvious result of the time change is sleep loss. The body’s internal clock gets thrown off, and the quality of sleep can decrease in the days following the time shift. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, lowered energy levels, and diminished immune function.

❤️ Heart Health Risks: Studies show an increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days immediately following the spring time change. The exact cause is unclear, but experts suggest that stress, sleep loss, and changes in blood pressure could play a role.

🦠 Weakened Immune System: Sleep is essential for the immune system to function properly. During the time change, when people are likely to get less rest, their bodies may struggle to fight off infections and illnesses. This could explain why more people tend to get sick around the time when DST starts or ends.

🚗 Increased Risk of Accidents: There is a noticeable increase in the number of car accidents and workplace injuries around the time change. Fatigue from lack of sleep and altered routines can cause a drop in alertness, reaction time, and overall attention, increasing the risk of accidents during the first few days after the time shift.

How to Adjust to DST Without Feeling Drained

While we can’t avoid DST (yet), we can take steps to minimize its effects on our health:

✔ Gradually Adjust Your Sleep Schedule: Start going to bed 15–30 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the time change. This helps your body transition smoothly.

✔ Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine: Stick to a set bedtime, limit screen time before bed, and create a relaxing nighttime environment.

✔ Get Sunlight Exposure: Natural light is crucial for resetting your internal clock. Spend at least 15–30 minutes outdoors in the morning.

✔ Stay Active: Regular exercise can boost mood and help your body adjust more quickly to the new schedule. Even light activities like walking or stretching can make a difference.

✔ Limit Caffeine & Alcohol Before Bed: These can interfere with sleep quality, making it even harder for your body to adapt.

Final Thoughts

Daylight Saving Time may seem like a minor inconvenience, but its effects on mental and physical health are real. From sleep disruption and increased stress to heart health risks and accident rates, the shift can leave us feeling exhausted and out of sync.

However, by preparing in advance, prioritizing sleep, and getting enough sunlight, we can make the transition smoother. Until the world decides whether to keep or abolish DST, we have to adapt and take care of our well-being.

👉 How does Daylight Saving Time affect you? Do you have any personal tips for adjusting to the time change? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ DST disrupts sleep, mood, and cognitive function, leading to stress, fatigue, and brain fog.

✅ Physical effects include weakened immunity, increased heart risks, and a rise in accidents.

✅ Gradual sleep adjustments, consistent routines, and morning sunlight can help ease the transition.

Life’s Roller Coaster: Embracing the Unpredictable Journey

Life has its unique way of surprising us. Just when we think we have it all figured out, it throws a curveball that leaves us questioning everything we thought we knew. Lately, my own journey feels like a rollercoaster—filled with unexpected twists and turns that I never anticipated. At times, it’s overwhelming, chaotic even, but as I reflect on it, I begin to understand that this is what life is meant to be. Without the unexpected, without the challenges, there would be no growth, no triumphs, and no success. If everything happened the way we wanted, would we even know the meaning of accomplishment? Success gains its significance through the trials and tribulations that precede it, through the moments that push us to our limits and force us to grow.

Amid this unpredictability, I find myself yearning for simpler times—missing people, places, and moments that once felt ordinary but now hold extraordinary value. It’s a strange feeling, isn’t it? The things we once overlooked or dismissed as insignificant are now the things we miss the most. I miss the warmth of home, the familiar routines, the laughter of loved ones, and the comfort of knowing that I belonged to a place and a time that felt safe and whole. Home is more than just a physical space; it’s a feeling, an emotional sanctuary where we can be our truest selves. As we move forward in life, chasing dreams and embracing new opportunities, we often leave this sanctuary behind, not realizing its value until it’s out of reach.

There are days when the pull of the past becomes almost too much to bear. The thought of leaving everything behind and going back to that place of comfort, to the simplicity of life as it once was, feels irresistibly tempting. But then reality hits. I am not where I am by accident. This path, as unpredictable and challenging as it may be, is not one I stumbled onto by chance. I am here because I am meant to be here.

Life has a way of guiding us to where we need to be, even if the reasons aren’t immediately clear. It’s easy to believe that we are entirely in control of our journey, that our current circumstances are purely the result of our choices. While our decisions play a role, so do the opportunities that come our way, the people we meet, and even the consequences of actions we may have taken long ago. Whether it’s fate, destiny, or simply the natural flow of life, there’s a purpose to where we find ourselves. Every experience—whether joyous or painful—serves a purpose. It teaches us, shapes us, and prepares us for what’s ahead.

The rollercoaster of life isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a shared experience that reminds us of what it means to be human. There are exhilarating highs when everything feels perfect and fulfilling, moments where we are reminded of the beauty of life. But then come the gut-wrenching lows, the sudden descents that leave us questioning our direction and doubting our purpose. And just when we think we’ve found steady ground, the ride throws in loops and spirals that disorient us, challenging everything we thought we knew. Yet, when we take a step back, when we pause and look at the bigger picture, we begin to see the purpose behind each twist and turn. The highs remind us of our potential and the joy of accomplishment. The lows teach us resilience and the importance of perseverance. The loops push us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to confront our fears and grow in ways we never thought possible. Even the moments of calm—the straight paths—serve as a reminder to catch our breath and prepare for what’s to come.

One of the hardest lessons life teaches us is patience. There are moments when, no matter how hard we try, things just don’t seem to fall into place. We give it our all, make sacrifices, and pour our energy into our goals, yet the results remain elusive. It’s in these moments that we must remind ourselves that life operates on its own timeline. Sometimes, we have to wait. Sometimes, the things we’re striving for are just outside our door, waiting for us to notice them. The key is to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Each small effort we make, each step we take, brings us closer to where we’re meant to be.

As time passes, as day turns into night and night into day, the chaos of the rollercoaster begins to transform. What once felt overwhelming and insurmountable becomes a story of resilience, a tale of triumph against the odds. The struggles we endure today become the victories we celebrate tomorrow. The moments of doubt and despair become the foundation upon which we build our future. And the people and places we miss? They remain a part of us, shaping our journey and reminding us of where we came from.

Life is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it beautiful. It’s okay to miss home, to long for simpler times, and to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. These emotions are a natural part of the human experience. But it’s also important to remember that we are exactly where we need to be. Each twist and turn of the rollercoaster is leading us toward a greater purpose, a purpose we may not yet fully understand but will one day appreciate.

So, hold on. Embrace the ride. Trust in the journey and the process. Keep moving forward, even when the path seems unclear. The rollercoaster may be wild and unpredictable, but it’s also filled with moments of beauty, growth, and transformation. And as day turns into night, as the chaos gives way to calm, you’ll find that the rollercoaster has led you to blessings you never imagined. Life may not always go as planned, but it always takes us to where we’re meant to be.

 

The Beauty of Unfinished Stories

Our society often presents a narrow definition of success: a perfectly orchestrated life, a predetermined path, and a sense of unwavering certainty. We're bombarded with messages that imply we're "behind" if we don't have our lives meticulously planned out. But what if this idealized version of success misses the true essence of life? What if the beauty lies not in the neatly wrapped-up endings, but in the messy, unfolding chapters?

We all have dreams that are works in progress, relationships that are constantly evolving, and aspects of ourselves that we are still discovering. These "unfinished" areas of our lives are not signs of failure, but rather testaments to our ongoing growth and evolution. They are a reflection of the human experience, a constant journey of learning and self-discovery.

The pressure to have all the answers, to know the exact trajectory of our lives, can be incredibly heavy. We crave certainty, a sense of control over the unpredictable. Yet, the truth is that "not knowing" is an integral part of the human experience. It's in the spaces between the known and the unknown that we truly learn and grow. The challenges, the detours, the moments of uncertainty – these are the experiences that shape us, that teach us valuable lessons, and that ultimately contribute to our personal and spiritual growth.

So, if you find yourself in a phase of life that feels "unfinished," remember that it's not a setback, but a natural part of the journey. You don't need to have all the answers right now. Trust in the process, trust in the unfolding of your story.

Embrace the imperfections, the uncertainties, the moments of doubt. Allow yourself the time and space to explore, to experiment, to simply be. Let go of the pressure to achieve, to arrive, and instead, focus on the journey itself.

The beauty lies not in the destination, but in the winding path, in the ever-evolving narrative of your life. Keep writing your story, even if you don't know how it will end. The pages are still yours to fill, and every word, every experience, contributes to the unique masterpiece that is your life.