RUNNING TOWARDS HERSELF : SHWETA MAURYA'S PATH TO FULFILLMENT

RUNNING TOWARDS HERSELF :
Shweta’s Path To Fulfillment
Shweta Maurya's life is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of family, ambition, and self-discovery. Growing up in Delhi and Faridabad, surrounded by the warmth of her Punjabi family, she was immersed in a world of academics and, later, the bustling hospitality industry. Her early years at Summerfield’s and Modern School laid the foundation for her degrees in Hotel Management and Marketing.
Her first professional steps were taken at the Park Royal Hotel. It was there, amidst the lively atmosphere, that she faced a personal challenge. While the staff was fun-loving, she felt a sense of loneliness. She struggled to connect with her colleagues, particularly the women, whose lifestyle choices – like smoking – clashed with her own principles. She chose a different path, focusing on her passions like dancing, fitness, and painting. She firmly believes in saying no to smoking, drinking, and drugs. "Say no to smoking" became her mantra, a simple yet powerful message she wanted to share.
Marriage to Neeraj in 2004 brought new joys and challenges. They moved to Bengaluru, where she embraced homemaking while supporting Neeraj's business. Their involvement with two schools led her back to academics, and she pursued her B.A., M.A., and B.Ed., all while juggling family life and motherhood. The birth of their daughter in 2007 added another beautiful layer to her life.
However, life also presented its hurdles. A painful miscarriage and subsequent thyroid issues impacted her health. Thankfully, her mother's wise counsel led her to yoga and pranayama, which became her sanctuary, restoring her physical and mental well-being.
Then came the turning point: the Decathlon Sarjapura event. Never a sporty person, she surprised herself by completing the 10K run, securing second place among the women in their group. The thrill of running ignited a passion she never knew she had. It was exhilarating!
From that day on, running became a part of her life. Neeraj and she started participating in events across India, often with their children joining them, turning these runs into family picnics. It was a shared joy, a way to connect and celebrate life.
As her passion for running grew, so did her desire to share its benefits with others. She noticed how many people used "lack of time" as an excuse to avoid exercise. She realized that true motivation comes from within, not from external pressures or the opinions of others. It's about prioritizing your health and well-being, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
Through running and other activities, she connected with a wonderful community online. The support and encouragement she received were incredible. She remembers one contest, the '10 Best Pacer Photograph-Online Award,' where her online community rallied behind her, helping her win with an overwhelming number of votes. It showed her the power of connection and shared passion.
Her journey has taught her the importance of pursuing one's passions. It's not always easy. Life often pulls us in different directions, and it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. But we must remember that true success lies in finding balance between our personal and professional lives. We need to nurture our passions, those things that bring us joy and fulfillment.
Earning money is important, but it shouldn't come at the cost of our happiness and well-being. We need to prioritize our personal growth, our creativity, our connections with others. It's about finding what truly makes us happy and pursuing it with all our hearts. That's the secret to a life well-lived.
WILLIAMSJI MAVELI