In the dynamic realm of BirlaSoft, Susanna Jacob is a 37-year-old dynamo in the Talent Acquisition team, embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery through YourDOST. Scepticism loomed as a cloud over her initial thoughts, but a colleague’s endorsement convinced her to give it a try.
“I still remember how I randomly selected Ms. Akila as my counselor, little did I know that this choice would be a pivotal change in my life when I took my first therapy session.”
She mentioned that her battle with overcommitment and the inability to say no began to transform under Akila’s guidance. She warned her that facing backlash was inevitable when setting boundaries, but gradually, Susanna found the strength to prioritise, discern when to speak up, and when to maintain silence.
The journey wasn’t a walk in the park, but she explained that since June 2023, her life has witnessed significant improvements.
“Reflecting on my past, I realised that my life had been about others’ happiness, neglecting my own. The change in priorities stirred resistance from those accustomed to my self-sacrifice, but I stood firm in my newfound self-awareness.“
Hobbies were a luxury for her, having taken on responsibilities from a young age. Cooking experiments and occasional reading were her solaces, but the desire to travel loomed in the background—a dream she hoped to fulfil.
Akila, also hailing from Kerala, shared a common ground, offering a deeper understanding of my challenges. Her empathy became the guiding light in navigating life’s complexities.”
Delving into the emotional turmoil that led her to YourDOST, a series of setbacks unfolded. She articulated that her attempt to complete graduation in Delhi became a crushing blow when technical glitches dashed her plans.
This triggered a profound sense of despair, and thoughts of not deserving happiness took hold. It was around this time she decided to give life one last chance, leading her to YourDOST.
“I spoke highly of Akila’s approach, appreciating that she let me speak without imposing an agenda. Box breathing exercises, journaling, and calming music became tools in my emotional toolkit. Admittedly, following these techniques consistently was a challenge, but gradual incorporation into my routine proved beneficial.”
Positive changes started emerging; she learned to choose where to invest her energy, confidently saying no when necessary. The newfound self-confidence allowed her to navigate difficulties without letting them linger.
“Expressing gratitude for Akila, I acknowledged the difficulty of putting on a smile amid personal struggles. My admiration for Akila extended beyond words, recognizing the dedication and resilience required for such a profession.”
During her transformation, she offers advice to those facing similar struggles. Acknowledging her troubled past, she urges others not to succumb to despair.
Life may knock you down, but small steps toward change can make a significant difference. She emphasises the impermanence of troubles and emotional turmoil. Her message resonates with the idea that our impact on others is limited and temporary.
In terms of her improvement post-therapy sessions, she rated a 3 on a scale of one to five
Her story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of counseling, which aims to inspire and instil hope in those facing their battles.
Susanna’s Warrior Tips:
1.”If you are somebody struggling do not give up, as ending your life won’t change things or make a big difference.”
2.”Make small goals and changes instead of thinking of the big picture.”
