Strokes and Life Goals: Exploration of Consequential Decisions
In the heart of Delhi, amidst the smog and chaos, a makeshift classroom hums with the chatter of women. Little faces burst into grinning smiles and hurriedly pull their cloths back over their heads. There's a familiar, electrified face among them - it's Simla. The Mauritian-born entrepreneur, who miraculously survived two life-threatening operations and lost two months of memory by the age of 25.
Before, Simla was lost in a whirlwind of Tiffany jewelry, shoes, and bridal modeling, dreaming of being a wedding planner, all while juggling accounts. But a cancelled wedding, an awakening experience, and a second chance at life changed everything. This unlikely catalyst led her to found Hands on Journeys - a bucket list project that brought her and me, a travel blogger, together as friends.
Through her close-knit community living on the edges of Indian society, she opened doors to schools, homes, and lives that welcomed this outsider warmly. Simla, with her unstoppable energy and passion, had a dream – to fly. But flying for her meant more than just taking to the skies; it symbolized freedom, exploration, and the chance to change lives.
I stared into the beautiful smiles and eyes filled with unspoken words of the children we met in the slums of Delhi. Seeing myself reflected in them was both a melancholy and eye-opening experience. I knew then, that Hands on Journeys was far from just another excuse for volunteerism – it was about empowerment.
Through a series of slums, schools, and conversations with Simla, I began to understand the profound impact that traveled experiences could have on both the traveler and the local community. The concept seemed mad at first - blending travel and charity, but it works.
Funds help support sanitation and provide jobs, all while the 'tourist' is educated on the realities of the world. It was a question I pondered countless times since - why wait until we potentially die to chase our passions? Why not live intentionally, with a heart full of purpose?
In the end, our 'bucket lists' may still have elements of world-class heritage sights, breathtaking experiences, and personal dreams. But Hands on Journeys taught us that it's not just about the big moments; it's about recognizing the power within each individual's journey to create positive change.
Simla once looked into the mirror and asked, "Who on earth is that?" She realized she had a second chance at life, and it was her purpose to make it count. It's a powerful reminder to each one of us, to chase our passions and remember what we want to be remembered for. #HandsOnJourneys #Empowerment #TransformativeTravel #PurposeDrivenLife
- Simla's journey post her near-death experiences led her to establish Hands on Journeys, a platform that not only blends travel and charity but also empowers individuals, bridging the gap between medical-conditions and health-and-wellness in the slums of Delhi, thus making a significant impact on both the traveler and the local community.
- In the midst of the bustling lifestyle of Delhi, Simla's initiative, Hands on Journeys, aims to inspire people to prioritize health-and-wellness, travel, and lifestyle choices that foster empowerment, encouraging everyone to pursue their passions purposefully, as illustrated by her own transformation from a luxury-centric lifestyle to one focused on medical-conditions and social justice.
