What My Best Friends Have Taught Me

I was recently reading an article on female role models it got me thinking about the women in my life. Growing up I did not have a lot of girl friends, but over the years I have met some incredible women, I am lucky to call my closest friends today.

From each of them I have learnt something valuable and keep learning something new all the time. They all have incredible qualities that not only makes them amazing, but also so inspiring.

Emily

When I first met Emily, the first thing I noticed about her was how inquisitive she was. When we were first introduced, we met at a friend’s party and everyone she met with, she was really interested and invested in. She instantly made me feel at ease around her and radiated such a warm persona. She has since met a bunch of my friends and they all feel the same.

She has this incredible quality of reading people and making everyone feel comfortable and loved.

It might seem like an easy task however, from someone like me who can be socially awkward sometimes, I can vouch that this quality is rare and precious and something I am now trying to develop in me.

Bhumika

Bhumika is one of the most positive and free spirited people I know. While I have always thought of myself as a positive person, I often find myself restricting my thoughts in constraints, walls and blocks I build.

Bhumika has taught me to be open to change and not be afraid of it. She embraces change so positively, its inspiring and almost infectious.

I have learnt to have a more open mind to everything and to take things as they come. I still question things as they come along, but am more receptive to change.

Joanne

I can sometimes tend to faff around before I get to the point. Jo is the opposite of me in that sense. She is clear, precise and to the point. It a quality I appreciate a lot.

In fact, she is the only person I trust to proof read any of my most important work, because she is brutal, but honest and helps me get my best work out.

Every time I find myself faffing, even if its in my own thoughts, I ask myself WWJD- ‘What would Jo Do’ and then just get on with it!

Nishita

I met Nishita at 18, which means I have known this gem for 12 years!

Although there are many things I love about Nishita, perseverance is something that I admire the most in her. She is one of the most hardworking and also smartest working women I know. Nishita never gives up and recently shared a story of applying for 300 jobs in 7 days to find her dream job- which she did land on!

I mean, if that is not perseverance, what is? She keeps motivating me to never give up.

Anusha

Anusha was the first friend I made at uni, in?Leeds. Anusha has taught me to be fierce and fearless about my passions. She gave up a high paying job at a multi-national company in Marketing, to follow her passion of food and launch Salt Sisters. She’s bringing smiles to everyone she touches through her food.

Her ability to leap into the unknown for something she believes in, inspires me to be a little braver every day too.

Uma

Uma is my oldest friend in the world. She and I have been friends since kindergarten and is still the only other person, except my parents, whose landline number I know by heart.

Uma has this incredible knack of being a really good planner. This allows her to be a calmer person. She also makes being calm seem very seamless, but it is this incredible ability to plan ahead and be really organised that truly keeps her on top of her game always!

This year, I am consciously trying to be more organised in life and thought and Uma inspires me to do this everyday.

Mayuree

By nature I am a worrier, so if ever, I do hit a roadblock, my natural tendency is to worry. Mayuree, has taught me that there is always a solution. Being her friend has taught me to take a step back and analyse the situation before jumping to conclusions.

Also, the best piece of advise she ever gave me was that one must pick and choose their battles. I use this advise every single day.

Ishita

In the 12 years that Ishita and I have been friends, the one thing I’ve always noticed radiate from Ishita is her authenticity. She doesn’t claim to be anyone she’s not. She is grounded, realistic and never afraid to speak up when someone or something is not right. I have tremendous respect for her for this. Also, she has an incredible sense of humour that I love.

She motivates me to be myself and to love and accept all that it entails.

No matter where they live in the world, each of these women are my inspiration in so many ways and more. I’d love to hear how the women in your life have inspired you.