Man Ka Ho Toh Accha aur Man Ka Na Ho Toh Aur Bhi Achha

This famous quote by none other than the great Amitabh Bachchan is what Sonia Anand lives by.

Imagine a scenario where, after 18 years of marriage, and 3 years of abuse, you have no choice but to walk out of a bad marriage and are left alone to fend for yourself and your kids? You have been a home maker all along, with no ambitions of having a career or owning a business. But all that suddenly changes and you have to find work, settle down, manage the kids and start afresh – all on your own.

Daunting isn’t it? This is exactly the situation faced by Sonia Anand. But she was not one to give up. Today, she is a leading counsellor who follows her heart truly.

This is her story, as narrated to Team Laja.

Coming from a Brahmin family of scholars, with everyone in the family being well read and holding post graduate degrees, Sonia too, was selected for MBBS, but could not fulfil her dreams of becoming a doctor due to financial crisis in the family.

Looking back today, she feels that she had a chance to say no to such an early marriage (she got married when she was 20), and regrets that she didn’t take that chance.

The biggest challenge she faced after her marriage ended, was finding work – with no prior experience and at the age of forty, it was a struggle. But Sonia faced the challenge head on. In her own words, “NEVER say that you cannot do it. You may be tired, but that is the time you need to push yourself most”.

Today, work is easier to come by. Clients believe in the quality of her work and recommend her strongly to others. She feels that formal education does play a role in work life, but it is the experience which is the bigger teacher. It is this experience which has taught her that adding a fun quotient to work by cracking jokes and asking riddles to kids has its advantages. It is what brings a smile to their face and makes her work lighter. Her mantra is “Smile and Have Faith and you shall see all problems vanish”

She derives great satisfaction from the fact that she can help people who are depressed. She can counsel them, give them confidence and offer them a safe haven where they can express their feelings freely.

Her greatest motivation is life itself – and of course her kids. According to her, in the early years of motherhood, she could have been a better mother, but she was more focussed on being a good wife. She realizes that she cannot change that, but look to the future and be the best mom to her kids. On parenting she says. “Allow your kids to make mistakes and let them know you have their back.”

A typical day in her life revolves around her kids and her work. The day begins with enjoying a cup of tea with her elder daughter, followed by preparing lunch and dinner. Her work begins at 3pm in the afternoon and goes on till 9pm. Dinner time is relaxed – a great opportunity to spend quality time with the kids. Weekends are a time for masti and relaxation.

On being asked as to how she would define success, Sonia says” Success is having a good meal with your loved ones. It is having food, clothing and a safe and secure place to live in. Success means to be satisfied in the knowledge that you have not wronged anyone. And finally, it means seeing your Mai Apni Favourite Hoon… Greatest Inspiration in Life Parents, Lord Shiva, Quote by Amitabh Bachchan Book/s that inspired you most Many including Bhagvad Geeta What you love about yourself? I love myself 100% What you dislike about yourself? Nothing What motivates you? My life and my kids Favourite Quote you live by Man Ka Ho Toh Achha aur Man Ka Na Ho Toh Aur Bhi Achha. children achieving their goals and having a good life”

Sonia derives great strength from her parents who have instilled in her the values of honesty and determination and also from her faith in Lord Shiva.

Looking back, Sonia reveals to Team Laja, how, she had to let go off her troubled marriage and leave behind so much to reach where she is today. But, in the process she found the most important person in her life – HERSELF! And that assures her that it was all worth it.