We are doing everything but have forgotten to live

The feeling of being kind, generous and empathetic define your academic achievements

Archana Kapoor Nagpal

Our readers would like to know about your academic achievements in various streams of education?

Education itself is an achievement, and I always impart the same in my talks, or sessions. Being a topper, or a gold medalist doesn’t guarantee that you are educated. The feeling of being kind, generous and empathetic define your academic achievements. People will not remember your gold medal, or trophies but they will always remember your way to treat them. My achievements doesn’t make me educated but my education makes me achieve right things.

How was your journey from your initial education to being a life executive coach?

Journey was like a bumpy ride. A true roller coaster of mixed emotions. Resuming profession after 15 years of break, and 13 surgeries on my body – it seems another life. Life Coaching interests me as in today’s world, life is the most compromised thing. We are doing everything but have forgotten to live. To be on this journey, I had to live both ups and downs, gracefully.

Why you chose to be a child psychologist as your career?

Children attract me a lot. Mind is my favourite subject. After my NLP and certification in Life Coaching, I opted to study Inclusive Education for a shorter while. Neuroplasticity, and Inclusivity took me to schools where children with special needs are attended.

Unknown of my hidden affection for children, I enrolled for a course in Child Psychology, and since then never looked back. One feels fresh and young when you are among children. Undoubtedly, children give you a lot of good energy and love. Who doesn’t need love in this world, so I chose Child Psychology, to be a Child Psychologist.

What are the must have qualities of a successful TEDx speaker?

A TEDx is a platform where you speak for a purpose to enlighten paths of many others. Originality of content, humility, humbleness, and above all good qualities as a speaker is what all you need.

Before you dispell the darkness in others lives, you need to light up your own path. An optimistic mind, and a balanced thought process is mandatory, in my understanding.

How would you like define “self love” in the present scenario of hi -tech and materialistic life style?

Narcissism is quite often confused with self-love. If you love yourself without affecting happiness and peace of others – it is self-love. Anything outside this understanding, is being narcissist only.

Can you tell us about your achievements as an author?

At the age of 17, I was honoured with Hindi Sahathiya Akademi, Honourable Mention. 8 books, 21 credentials in haiku poetry, and the honour to be published in more than 100 journals, globally are my few achievements as an author.

How do you relate meditation with overall health and wellness of a person?

Meditation teaches you the technique to live and let go. If you learn the art to let go both good and bad, you reach the state of stoicism. This is state where you are unaffected by anything, you know your purpose, and you are immensely contented.

Hence, meditation is the only road to overall good health, and wellness.

What are your focus areas in social entrepreneurship. You you manage time for your social work with other responsibilities?

Awespire Foundation is my registered NPO working in social sector for the last 3 years. We have 9 chapters, but the two main focus areas are Educational Sponsorship for upto 15 children every year, and Menstrual Hygiene Awareness as India stands 4th in Cervical Cancer.

What were the challenges you faced to win the title of Mrs India 2018?

Honestly, I faced no challenges. I participated very casually, indeed I assume when you set no expectations, you perform better. I participated with no expectations and maybe that’s how I won.

You are a winner with multiple awards in various fields of creativity. Which is the biggest award for you in this journey?

I am still waiting for that one award. The day my Foundation functions without my support, and I can bring better changes through my Foundation in many more lives.

You are an icon of women empowerment. How would you like to define women empowerment in present scenario?

Women are already empowered. All they need is to be educated around that empowerment. They need to be made aware of their rights. Women empowerment doesn’t mean to demean men, it means to respect them creating your boundaries of respect. It means to walk shoulder to shoulder with men with mutual respect and understanding.

What do you think is the reason behind a large number of people having to deal with mental illness today specially women?

Poor lifestyle, and influence of social media where we are comparing our life with others. Earlier we lived privately. Now we want to announce everything to the world. In the whole process, we lose peace of mind, and value of life, compromising our mental health. For instance, you post a picture, and then you login to check who all liked, or how many people commented – this is a common act of anxiety. When you start seeking validations from others, you are opening doors to unwanted stress, and anxiety.

Who inspired you the most in life?

Life inspired me the most. Mistakes I made, and lessons I learnt, inspired me the most!

You are always fit and energetic. What is the secret behind your fitness?

I have a sound mental health. I do not lose patience very easily. I am born with immense contentment, and I value my anger so I spend it, wisely. To be physically fit one has to be mentally fit and fine. As quoted by Mahatma Gandhi, I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.’