We recently connected with Sweta Vikram and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sweta, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, letβs start with resilience β where do you get your resilience from?
My father, I believe. He didn’t sit me down and have a conversation about resilience. But in more ways than one … he showed me what resilience looks like in our personal and professional lives. Life will always be filled with ups and downs … how we handle it is up to us. Resilience plays a big role. My focus on habits over motivation or devotion to daily discipline or honoring routines helps me build resilience … something I saw Dad follow diligently.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an international speaker, best-selling author of 14 books, Certified Grief Coach, and Doctor of Ayurveda (AD) who is committed to helping people thrive on their own terms without excessive boundaries. I have appeared in NBC, NPR, NYT, Ayurveda documentary, and several other media outlets raising awareness of Ayurveda, mindfulness, and holistic healing. Think of me as a conduit between ancient wisdom and modern day living.
My latest book, The Loss That Binds Us: 108 ππͺπ±π΄ π°π― ππ°π±πͺπ―π¨ ππͺπ΅π© ππ³πͺπ¦π§ π’π―π₯ ππ°π΄π΄ (Loving Healing Press), was released on April 2nd, 2024. It’s a grief manual that contains simple, holistic tips to help people navigate difficult times. Grief is the response to any kind of loss, not just the death of a loved one.
In fall 2024, I am launching a course on “Holistic ways to Navigate Grief.” Because unaddressed emotions are making us sick, impacting our jobs/productivity, affecting our health, and taking a toll on our relationships. Please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (https://swetavikram.com) if you’d like to stay updated or receive information about the course.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
(1) Don’t compete with others: I have always been unapologetically driven and ambitious, but I have never been competitive. Also, authenticity and ethics are everything to me. That’s been possible because I have stayed focused on my growth and learnings versus copying what others are doing. It’s too unanchoring and destabilizing for mental health. If you focus on what sells, even if it means nothing to you, what’s the point? Find your life’s purpose. Spend as much time as you can getting to know the “real” you. You will unlearn habits that no longer serve you. You will also pick up new learnings that empower you.
(2) Relationships matter: At the end of the day, whether you are mourning and celebrating … we all need that human connection and safe spaces. No matter how busy you get, make time for those who nourish you. That hug, smile, meal, moments … that’s what being human is all about.
(3) Make time for joy: This could evolve over time. But outside of work, ask yourself what lights up your heart. Give it due attention. It could be traveling or cooking or dancing or gardening. Don’t make work your identity and don’t wear burnout as a badge of honor. We live in a world where hustle culture is applauded. Don’t fall for it.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My father was an exemplary man who made the world a better place. He taught me that being a good/kind human being should be my highest priority. That quality shouldn’t be impacted by highs or lows … success or failure … joy or sadness. In a world where most of my friends were being asked to become doctors, engineers, and lawyers … he reminded me to find a profession that made me happy but also helped others. He also taught us to give away a certain percentage of our income to those less fortunate than us. He reiterated the importance of financial independence along with holding space for creativity. He was an engineer by day, poet by night, and social activist on weekends. My mom taught me that sometimes a “loss” turns out to be the biggest win in the scheme of things and healthy relationships anchor us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://swetavikram.com
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- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/swetavikram
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/swetavikram
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