Goal @ 35: Travel more!
Join my storytelling journey through slow travel, exploring local cultures, communities, and personal reflections.
A Decade Ago - A Chaotic Millennial Mind
I was 25 when I decided to start a business. It was also the first time I went through a mental health crisis - mild depression.
In my first session with a therapist, she told me that “25 is the new 35”!
The stress, and responsibilities that usually the previous generation had felt during their mid-30s, millennials had started experiencing the same at just 25! She explained the world’s constant obsession with “young achievers” and its effects on the youth.
Suddenly, it was not just our relatives and neighbours, who constantly reminded us that “time is running out” and we need to find someone and “settle down” (whatever that means). There was also social media and its continuous comparisons with friends, acquaintances, the Zuckerbergs of the world and the glorified list of ‘20 Under 20’ & ‘30 Under 30’! Everyone seemed to be achieving more than us, have a better life, or earn way more!
Even after knowing and understanding about the real truth of social media, we still succumb to its pressures, unconsciously – and that’s not our fault! We are humans - messy, vulnerable, insecure and scared along with being strong, intelligent and resilient.
Ask any “strong, independent woman” if they feel “strong, independent” at all times. The answer will be a resounding NO! After all, we are not robots to switch off all the difficult emotions and the chaos within us and in our external environment.
Present Day - Acceptance of Imperfections
I turned 35 this week! As I sat down Sunday morning to write my first post for Substack, I recalled my first-ever therapy session.
Ironically, I feel younger today than when I was 25! I’m far from being a perfectly strong and independent adult. But there is an innate acceptance of all the imperfections and the mess that life brings in!
Today, I am more confident to move forward in life with the zeal to heal and organise the mess realistically with patience, both in personal life as well as professionally.
Moving Forward - from Sustainable Crafts to Mindful Travel Stories
For the last 10 years, I worked in the sustainable fashion and craft sector. Along with the designing process, I had always thoroughly enjoyed my research trips to artisans' villages! These trips were not just about learning about the crafts but also about the environmental and social impact, the artisans’ lifestyles, their local food, and so many little anecdotes about a particular region that I probably would have never known, no matter how much I read about it in books or the internet!
So, here I am starting a long-time goal to document stories - of travels, crafts, environment & slow living!
My professional journey in the last decade varied from designing and founding a sustainable craft label to creating mindful brands with founders and their unique visions, from content strategy and production to managing a remote-working team of a travel startup!
I still want to do all of the above - but travel much more - far and wide!
And write more - professionally and beyond my personal diaries (a habit that I have consistently maintained since 2015).
So feel free to reach out for work, collaborations or even a quick chat! I would love to connect with fellow storytellers and hear your travel stories — and also, make new friends at 35!
The common notion is that it’s hard to build new friendships as an adult - but as cheesy as it may sound - I really, truly feel that “35 in the new 25”, barring the grey hair, backaches and messed-up metabolism (but we are not focusing on that narrative, today).
Happy December!
I am Namrata Gohain, a designer-turned-storyteller, writer and content producer. I document stories on responsible travel, crafts, cuisine, slow living and my creative journey.
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I couldn't agree more, Namrata! I definitely don’t feel like a strong, independent woman all the time, and I’m scared of turning 30 haha. Nice to e-meet you, and welcome to Substack! I would love to chat with you. I have always been fascinated with fashion and crafts in general, although I know very little about them.
Welcome to the community! I identified with all your feelings and musings, as a soon-to-be 30-something. :)