Saturday, 2 August 2025

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My Experience with Game Streaming for the First Time

 I’ve always loved gaming — it was my go-to escape after long days. But streaming? That felt like a different world altogether. I used to watch others stream on YouTube and Twitch, wondering what it would be like to actually go live myself.

Then one day, I decided to stop wondering and just try.

Setting up was the first challenge. I had no fancy equipment — just my laptop, a decent mic, and a lot of Googling. OBS Studio became my new best friend. I customized a basic layout, added some music, tested my audio (a hundred times), and hit “Go Live.”

My heart was racing.

At first, no one joined. I played Fortnite for 30 minutes, talking to myself and pretending I had an audience. But then — a viewer popped in. One viewer. And they said “Hey!” in the chat. That tiny “Hey” felt like a stadium cheering.

We chatted, laughed, and played. A few more people trickled in. I wasn’t a pro gamer, but I was real. And that made a difference.

What surprised me the most was how fun and human it felt. Streaming wasn’t just about playing the game — it was about building a vibe, connecting, and enjoying the moment with whoever decided to drop in.

I learned a lot that day:

  • Always test your audio first.

  • Talking constantly feels weird at first, but gets easier.

  • Even one kind comment can keep you going.

Since that first stream, I’ve kept going — slowly, steadily. I don’t have thousands of followers, but I’ve built a small, cool community. And most importantly, I stepped out of my comfort zone.

If you’ve ever thought of streaming — do it. Don’t wait for perfect gear or the right moment. Just hit “Go Live.” You’ll learn as you go, and you might even love it like I did.

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How I Paid Off My Debt with Tiny, Boring Steps

 Paying off debt sounds dramatic and exciting in headlines. But my journey? It wasn’t thrilling. There were no giant windfalls or viral side hustles. I didn’t win the lottery or sell a startup. I just took tiny, boring steps — every single day.

It started with a spreadsheet. I listed every single debt I had — credit cards, a personal loan, and an overdraft. Seeing the total amount was overwhelming. But I didn’t let that stop me. I picked the smallest one and decided: this is where I begin.

I made minimum payments on everything else and threw every extra rupee at the smallest debt. Even ₹500 from skipping a weekend dinner out went straight to it. It didn’t feel like much at the time, but after a few months, that first debt was gone. That little win gave me a big boost.

Then I moved to the next one. I sold things I didn’t use — old gadgets, clothes, furniture. I picked up small freelance gigs on the weekends. Nothing flashy, but consistent. Every little bit added up.

The biggest game-changer? I stopped emotional spending. I stopped buying things to reward myself for a bad day. Instead, I found free ways to feel better — walks, journaling, talking to a friend.

I didn’t share much with others. No big Instagram moments. Just small, quiet wins that slowly added up. And month by month, my debt shrank. Until finally — it was gone.

There was no magic secret. No shortcut. Just small, repeatable habits: budgeting, tracking, saying no to things I didn’t need, and staying focused.

Debt didn’t disappear overnight. But step by step, I took back control. And honestly? That boring journey felt better than any shortcut ever could.

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A Letter to My Younger Self

Dear younger me,

I know you’re trying. You wake up every day with so many questions and not enough answers. You smile, even when you’re confused inside. You’re figuring out the world while trying to figure out who you are — and that’s not easy. So before anything else, I want to tell you: I’m proud of you.


You won’t always get things right — and that’s okay. You’ll make mistakes that will hurt, trust people who will leave, and miss opportunities that won’t come back. But every wrong turn will teach you something that no textbook ever could. Be gentle with yourself. You’re growing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

There will be days when you feel like you’re behind — like everyone else has it all figured out while you’re still trying to understand what “figured out” even means. You’ll compare yourself, you’ll doubt yourself. But let me tell you something you don’t know yet: you are not behind. You’re on your own timeline. Stop rushing. Everything you’re meant to be is already in motion.

Please don’t be afraid to outgrow people. Some friendships will fade, some will break, and some people will disappoint you. It’s not your fault, and it doesn’t make you unlovable. The right people will find you — the ones who see you, support you, and make you feel safe. And when they do, hold them close.

You don’t need to prove your worth to anyone. Not by your grades, not by your job, not by how you look, and definitely not by how much money you make. You were enough before any of those things. You are enough now.

You’ll learn that peace is more valuable than attention. That silence can be healing. That saying “no” is a form of self-respect. And one day, you’ll wake up and realize — you’re no longer just surviving… you’re living.

I won’t lie: life won’t always be kind. You’ll cry over things you thought you’d moved on from. You’ll get tired. You’ll feel stuck. But I promise — you’ll also laugh deeply, dance freely, and experience joy in moments you never expected. There is beauty waiting for you — in people, in places, in your own heart.

So keep going. Keep dreaming. Keep showing up for yourself even on the days you feel invisible. You’re not lost — you’re on your way home.

Love,

The future you — who believes in you more than ever.

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Things School Never Taught Me About Money

I spent over 15 years in school learning equations I never used, memorizing historical dates I soon forgot, and writing essays about people I never met. But no one ever taught me how to manage a salary, build savings, or deal with credit card debt. For something so important — money — we were never really prepared.

No one told me that earning money is only the first step. What truly matters is how you manage it. In school, we’re taught how to get good grades so we can get a “good job.” But no one explained that even a good salary can disappear fast if you don’t budget. I learned the hard way — after spending entire paychecks in the first 10 days of the month.

No one taught me about debt traps. I thought credit cards were a symbol of success. Free money, right? Until I realized what 42% interest actually looks like when you miss a payment. I didn’t know about credit scores, EMIs, or how late payments can silently mess up your future loan chances. I just kept swiping because no one said I shouldn’t.

No one talked about investing. All we heard was “save money” — but where? How? In a piggy bank? I didn’t know that money sitting idle loses value because of inflation. I didn’t know what mutual funds were. I thought investing was only for rich or old people. If someone had explained compounding to me at 18, things would’ve looked very different now.

We were never taught to question lifestyle inflation — that trap where your expenses rise as your income grows. We assume more money means more things: better phone, fancier clothes, costlier dinners. But happiness doesn’t scale with spending. Freedom does. And financial freedom only comes when you learn to live below your means — not just within them.

No one explained the emotional side of money either — the guilt of spending on yourself, the shame of asking for help, the pressure to earn more, the comparison with others. Money is not just numbers; it’s deeply tied to our self-worth, family expectations, and sense of security. I wish school taught us that part too.

And perhaps the biggest lesson school missed: money is a tool, not the goal. It’s not about being greedy or obsessed — it’s about creating options, building peace of mind, and taking care of the people you love. Money won’t solve everything. But not having money can make almost everything harder.

Now, I’m learning — slowly, through mistakes, books, podcasts, and trial & error. I wish I had learned all this earlier, but I’m grateful I’m learning it now. Because once you understand money, you don’t just handle your finances better — you live more freely, more confidently, and more intentionally.

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How to Stay Motivated When You Feel Like Giving Up

We all hit that point — when you’re tired, drained, and it feels like nothing is working. Whether you’re chasing a dream, building a business, studying for an exam, or simply trying to get through tough times, there comes a moment when giving up seems easier than pushing forward. I’ve been there. And over time, I’ve learned a few things that help me stay grounded and keep moving forward — even when I want to quit.

First, remind yourself why you started. When things get hard, it’s easy to forget the bigger picture. Maybe it was to give your family a better life, to achieve financial freedom, to make your parents proud, or simply to prove to yourself that you can do it. Take a moment, close your eyes, and think about the person you were on Day 1 — full of energy and hope. That version of you still exists. You just need to reconnect with your “why.”

Next, stop aiming for perfection. Sometimes, we lose motivation because we expect everything to go perfectly. But life doesn’t work like that. Mistakes happen. Plans fail. People disappoint. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be perfect — the goal is to keep showing up. Even small progress is progress. One step forward today is better than standing still for a week waiting to “feel ready.”

Break your big goal into smaller, achievable steps. Often, we feel overwhelmed not because the task is impossible — but because we’re trying to do too much at once. Instead of focusing on the final result, just focus on the next 24 hours. What’s one thing you can do today to move forward? Make that call. Write that paragraph. Pack that order. Study that one chapter. Motivation grows when you start taking small actions consistently.

Surround yourself with the right energy. If your environment is full of negativity, criticism, or people who constantly doubt you, it becomes 10x harder to stay motivated. On the other hand, even one encouraging friend or an inspiring video or podcast can shift your mindset completely. Protect your space — online and offline. Follow people who uplift you, not drain you.

Celebrate how far you’ve come. So many of us keep chasing the next milestone without acknowledging what we’ve already achieved. Think back to 6 months ago or 1 year ago — you’ve grown, learned, and overcome more than you give yourself credit for. Take pride in that. Motivation isn’t always about pushing harder; sometimes, it’s about pausing and appreciating your journey so far.

Lastly, allow yourself rest without guilt. Burnout can disguise itself as “lack of motivation.” Maybe your body or mind just needs a break. Take a walk, sleep early, unplug from social media, or do something creative that makes you feel alive again. You’re not a machine — and even machines need recharging.

The truth is, everyone feels like giving up at some point. But the ones who succeed aren’t the ones who never feel it — they’re the ones who keep going despite it. You’re allowed to rest, to cry, to slow down — just don’t quit on yourself. You’ve come too far to only come this far.

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What I Wish I Knew About Money in My 20s (That Could’ve Saved Me Lakhs)

When I look back at my 20s, I remember being full of energy, dreams, and… poor financial decisions. No one really teaches you how to manage money — not in school, not in college, and often, not even at home. We’re expected to just “figure it out” as we go. Unfortunately, this trial-and-error approach can cost you years of financial stress and thousands of rupees. If I could sit my 20-year-old self down for just one conversation, this is what I would tell them.



Budgeting isn’t restrictive — it’s freedom. For a long time, I thought budgeting meant I had to cut down on all the fun in life. I used to avoid tracking my spending because it felt tedious and limiting. But the truth is the opposite — knowing where your money goes actually gives you control. Once I started budgeting regularly, I stopped overspending, saved more, and reduced anxiety about money. You don’t need fancy tools to get started. A simple Google Sheet or apps like Goodbudget or Walnut can help you gain clarity over your finances.

Start investing early — even if it’s just ₹500. One of my biggest regrets is delaying investing because I thought I needed a lot of money to begin. The truth is, time is more powerful than the amount. Starting early lets you take advantage of compound interest — something I didn’t fully appreciate until much later. Whether it’s mutual funds through SIPs or a basic index fund, even small investments add up massively over the years. Don’t wait to “earn more” — start with what you have.

Credit cards are tools, not free money. My early relationship with credit cards was… reckless. I used them without fully understanding how they worked — especially the sky-high interest rates. I’d make minimum payments, thinking I was handling things fine, not realizing I was falling into a debt trap. Now I treat credit cards like debit cards: I only spend what I can pay in full before the due date. Used smartly, they help build your credit score and give you rewards — but misuse them, and they’ll cost you your peace of mind.

You don’t have to impress anyone with your spending. Peer pressure and social media can push you into a lifestyle you can’t afford. In my 20s, I spent a lot just to “keep up” — expensive clothes, weekend trips, the latest gadgets — all for a temporary high and some Instagram likes. Eventually, I realized no one’s really paying that much attention. True confidence comes from financial security, not flashy things. Living below your means is powerful, not boring.

Learn to earn beyond your salary. In today’s world, relying on just one source of income — your job — is risky. I wish I had explored side hustles earlier. Whether it’s freelancing, selling handmade crafts, tutoring, or starting a small blog — there are countless ways to earn extra. In my case, even a small side income helped me pay off debt faster and invest more consistently. You don’t need to quit your job; just find something that adds value and builds an extra stream of income.

Financial education is more valuable than it seems. We spend years studying math, science, and history — but almost nothing about how to manage money. I had no clue about interest rates, taxes, or inflation. Only after reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Psychology of Money, and Let’s Talk Money by Monika Halan did I understand the basics. Podcasts and YouTube channels like “CA Rachana Ranade” or “Labour Law Advisor” also helped a lot. Financial literacy isn’t boring — it’s empowering.

Emergency funds are not optional — they’re essential. One medical emergency or job loss can derail your life if you’re not prepared. I learned this the hard way when a family emergency drained all my savings. That’s when I understood the importance of an emergency fund — ideally, 3–6 months’ worth of basic expenses. Even if you can only save ₹500 a month, start now. Keep it in a separate savings account and don’t touch it unless it’s truly an emergency.

If you’re in your 20s, know this: it’s okay to make mistakes — we all do. But it’s never too early to get financially smarter. Money doesn’t solve all problems, but it gives you freedom, peace of mind, and the ability to build the life you want. Start where you are, use what you have, and keep learning. Your future self will thank you.

Friday, 1 August 2025

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The Day I Stopped Saying Yes to Everything

 For most of my life, I thought saying “yes” made me helpful, reliable, and kind. I said yes to extra work, yes to weekend plans even when I was exhausted, yes to doing favors I didn’t have time for — just to avoid disappointing anyone.

But slowly, that one small word started draining me.

I was constantly overwhelmed. My calendar was full, but my energy was gone. I was doing so much for others, I had no time left for myself. And worst of all — I started resenting the very people I was trying to please.

Then one day, I reached a breaking point. After saying yes to back-to-back tasks at work, skipping lunch, and committing to a late-night Zoom call, I snapped. That night, I sat down, stared at my phone, and realized: No one else is going to protect my time. I have to.

So I made a simple rule:
If my first reaction to something wasn’t an enthusiastic “Yes!”, then it had to be a “No.”

It wasn’t easy. The guilt crept in fast. Saying “No” felt rude at first. But something amazing happened — the more I did it, the lighter I felt. I had fewer commitments, more time, and more mental space. I wasn’t constantly overbooked or rushing.

Even better, I realized that the right people understood. My real friends respected my boundaries. My work didn’t fall apart. And those who didn’t understand? Well, maybe that told me something too.

Saying “No” didn’t make me selfish — it made me more intentional. It allowed me to say “Yes” to what truly mattered: my well-being, meaningful relationships, and time to grow.

Now, when I say “Yes,” I mean it. It’s not out of pressure, guilt, or fear — it’s a choice. And that has made all the difference.

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My Experience with Game Streaming for the First Time

 I’ve always loved gaming — it was my go-to escape after long days. But streaming? That felt like a different world altogether. I used to wa...