Hello! I’m Anjali Balasubramaniam, and I’m a 23 year old from Bangalore! I’m known for my cheerful attitude, silly behaviour and sweet aura!
HOW DO YOU DO YOU?
The three words that come to mind when I’m asked what happiness is are, Ice Cream, Summer Time, and most importantly, Family!! I love spending time with my family, or with my friends, especially on game nights!
My three favourite simple joys are drinking tea, light rain, and cuddles!
If my life was a book, it’d be called, ‘Fluffy clouds, heavy clouds: Everything has a Silver Lining.’
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SPONTANEOUS, QUIRKY ME
I like dancing in front of the mirror, copying Bollywood Dance moves. Like I said, I’m sweet and silly! 😉
The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is travel to Pondicherry on half a day’s notice with some of my colleagues. Great fun!
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I LOVE
I really love big family gatherings! It’s always so much fun catching up, eating, and having a good laugh! Sometimes, we watch reality TV together – I love it so much. It’s my guilty pleasure.
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GIVE THANKS
I’m very grateful for everything in my life, including love. When I feel low, I read a book, or focus on my breathing, or I cry and let it all out, or I eat something sweet, or I talk to a friend. I’m grateful for all of this. And I’d especially like to thank Ma, Pa, and Arjun, for being my speed dial.
BEST ADVICE EVER
The best advice I ever got is that you should always take things by the day – there’s always a way forward and it’s okay to go step by step.
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If I had only 10 years to live, I’d probably live it in the same way – keeping myself open to learning everything I can.
Dear 15 year old self…be more curious and less insecure!
Dear 60 year old self…what lovely memories you’re collecting!
ALL-TIME FAVOURITES?
Favourite Quote:
“Think sunshine, be sunshine.” It’s something I made up in college.
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Favourite Movies:
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham…
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
- Grown Ups
- Blended
- Everything Wes Anderson
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Favourite Books:
- The Harry Potter series
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- The Purple Line
- The Palace of Illusions
- Daughters of the Sun
- Mistress of the Throne
- Stardust
Favourite Songs:
- It’s not living if it’s not with you, by The 1975
- Kudi nu Nachne De
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Favourite Games:
- Catan
- Scrabble
- Pictionary
- Codenames
- Chicken Horse
- Mario
- Anything racing or wrestling-related.
Favourite Fairytales:
- SHREK!!
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YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES?
I miss the good ol’ days, back when I was younger, and my grandmother would make swings out of her sari for my brother and me, or my grandfather would call out all the idiots on television. Those were the days.
Sometimes I wish I could bring it all back and relive these memories. Like, my most favourite childhood memories include playing with my friends from 3 pm to 8 pm non-stop, nearly every day.
The food memories that make me all fuzzy are those late nights I’d spend with my best friend, eating instant ramen.
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FINDING HOOGAH DURING COVID
The biggest takeaway from this pandemic is that mental health is of utmost importance.
Sometimes it gets tough for me to deal with my anxiety, but that’s a lifelong battle. I do find my pockets of happiness though, in so many things, whether it’s my friends making me laugh, or my parents being playful, or my brother never giving up on me even when I feel weak and want to give up myself. And of course, in food! I love it when my grandmother makes sweets on birthdays of the people she loves.
During this lockdown, I’ve started gradually getting in touch with my creative side. I’ve been learning design software, and a lot about UI/UX Design, which is super interesting. I’ve started sketching, doodling, and painting, and the work isn’t the best, but who cares? It makes me feel focused and super calm.
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Don’t give up. Focus on silver linings. Always give your mental health the special attention that it needs, and most importantly, make sure your family and friends always know you love them – it’s really important.
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