Real thoughts. Real experiences. Real lives.
A quiet collection of reflections from young people who discovered they were not the only ones carrying these questions.
A collective journal
Over the years, I have had the privilege of listening to hundreds of young people from different cities, backgrounds, families, and walks of life.
Their stories are all unique. Yet many carry similar questions about belonging, family, loneliness, identity, and hope. The reflections shared below are based on real conversations and experiences, shared with permission and adapted to protect privacy.
Family & home
“I love my parents, but they are constantly fighting. It has become one of the biggest sources of anxiety in my life. Sometimes I avoid asking for things I need because I don’t want to create more stress. Talking about it has helped me see things differently and feel less overwhelmed.”
Age 18“For a long time I felt worthless because of the things that were said to me at home. I believed those words. Over time, I realised that I cannot control what others choose to say, but I can choose how I respond and what kind of life I want to build for myself.”
Age 19“I love my family deeply, but sometimes I feel every act of care comes with an expectation that I should always be grateful, obedient, or indebted. Learning to appreciate my family while still having my own voice has been difficult.”
Age 20“I study in another city. Every time I go home, I find myself counting the days until I leave again. I miss the idea of home more than the reality of it.”
Age 22Identity & freedom
“There are many decisions about my life that I am not allowed to make. Sometimes it feels like I am constantly being judged for who I am. I am looking forward to the day I can make my own choices and discover who I want to become.”
Age 18“My family believes emotional struggles should simply be ignored or overcome through willpower. What I needed most was not advice. I needed someone to listen.”
Age 18Anxiety & emotional wellbeing
“No matter how hard I try, it often feels like someone finds fault with what I do. Sometimes I wish people understood how much constant criticism can hurt.”
Age 21“After losing someone important in my life, I struggled with anxiety and fear for many years. What helped most was discovering that I didn’t have to carry everything alone.”
Age 17Feeling lost
“A close friend left home because life there had become unbearable. It made me wonder why some families hurt the people they love. I still don’t fully understand it.”
Age 20“I am in my twenties and still don’t know what I want from life. I feel disconnected from my studies, uncertain about my future, and often alone. Some days I worry that everyone else has figured things out except me.”
Age 22A note from Himadri
For every story shared here, there are many more that remain untold. Different circumstances. Different lives. Different struggles.
Yet beneath them all is something deeply human: the desire to be understood, the need to belong, and the hope that things can get better.
You are not alone
If you recognised parts of yourself in these stories, please remember that many young people are navigating similar questions, worries, fears, and hopes.
