Too #BadAss to be a conventional blogger - Interview

Too #BadAss to be a conventional blogger, featured in the list of top Indian bloggers fighting body shaming. A year back, I was told 'your blog is interesting, but different', which meant you won't survive. I fought fiercely to prove them wrong and this listing is a proof that women are redefining beauty for themselves, thank you for so much positivity.

I am proud to represent women who are unapologetic about their definition of self love, strong women empower each other.

Interview Link: Featured in the list of top Indian bloggers talking about body positivity.

30ish & No Kids Yet - An Uncomfortable Tag

This post was long overdue on 30ish, may be uncomfortable but important to be discussed. I write this blog completely unbiased with highest regard towards all women (single/married/mothers). We are endlessly discussed and spoken for, its time we speak for ourselves.

Women are gradually taking up new roles, being a mother is her ultimate calling no doubt but if she needs time then there shouldn't be a need to justify. Women in their 30's are being separated into two groups- mothers & childfree and surprisingly they are struggling to find a common ground. Some women are ready at 22 and some ain't ready until 32, too personal to be debated. 

Life Hack: Child, planning a child, no child - All these decisions belong to the couple and no one else.

All my work revolves around kids, I love them but every individual has a personal threshold for sharing their life and nurturing a child. Being a mother is a tough journey, I respect your struggle then why don't you respect my hustle?Every time you ask her ‘so when are you planning’ even before checking on ‘how is she doing’ it puts her on the back foot. 

Uncomfortable assumptions people make:

They mustn’t be getting along

She is too career minded

Something is surely wrong

They want to live like college students forever

The age old 'So whats the good news', could mean news things like you starting a new business, planning an adventure trip around  South America, helping our society live better. We belong to a very interesting millennium lets live and love more without putting each other down.

I respect all women who are unapologetic about their decisions, 30ish fights stereotypes and proudly promotes sisterhood, write to us if you would like to discuss anything on this forum.
  

11:00 PM Contractions Have Started - Birth Photography by #PhotoblogHER

Born : 4:33AM, In Labour: 5.30 hours, Birth: Natural - Captured by #PhotoblogHER

'Birth Photography' is the most stunning and misunderstood art/stream of photography. It is very subjective and not everyone would be fine with it, which is perfectly acceptable. If this is the first time you herd about this, please have an open mind. Birth is raw and empowering, there are very few couples in India who are as bold to let someone capture their most vulnerable moment. This experience reassured me that #PhotoblogHER is on the right path, I celebrate women through photography.

Life Hack: I couldn't hold my tears but that would ruin his' first photograph.

I am not writing this to offend anyone but sharing the power I saw which was the most glorious I ever experienced. There is so much trust in the room, the mother trusting her body, baby trusting the mother, the couple trusting each other.

You are one call away, there is no shoot set up, no extra lighting just an ocean of emotions, noise, anxiety, pain, joy, in the delivery room. 

Note: Couples document birth for themselves, we capture every aspect of our lives except birth because it seems intrusive but the truth is that there is nothing more magical than creating life. 

  

Celles De La Terra features 30ish and PhotoblogHER - Beauty is fearless

"My purpose is bigger than me"

Thank you for embracing the power of young Indian women, Celles De La Terre a Paris based international women's group featured stories of exceptional women across the globe, my fight as a body positive activist has a global voice. 

Interview Link(French and English)

The reason why they feel ashamed, is probably because when they were a child they went through a lot of discrimination or kind of feeling of being judged. They felt this at the early age. If they want to fight against body shaming they have to tackle the true causes

  

Eves'dropping - The joy of making audacious plans

Women benefit from many changes in their life, work and beyond. We share our vulnerabilities and experiences to form support groups for each other. This is extremely personal, each one is an important member of the circle. Listen and inspire each other through experience and love.  Confidence gives us what we want, builds us, protects us, hold it tight like your life depends on it, because it does.

Life Hack: Eves'dropping is going to listen to you with a woman's sensibilities 

 Visit: poojakochar.in

 What is Eves'dropping?

Eves'dropping is an initiative that connects and empowers women entrepreneurs, it took a community to get here. Every start-up has its own struggles and path, but there is lots we can learn from each other. We unite women on their core strength of character and desire to disrupt boundaries. I am creating a space which allows you to experiment and grow your network through strong conversations and interesting workshops.

Our first workshop was hosted this March'2016, 

Eves'dropping is on a multi city tour, we are visiting Hyderabad on 29th April. I am in awe of women who look beyond themselves because my purpose is bigger than me. You can drop an email  at 30ish.blogging@gmail.com to be a part of our May workshop in Mumbai.

  

CrossFit, Raise The Bar.

Lift like a girl, translates as 'lift like a beast'. First rule of CrossFit is to never have a routine, every WOD (workout of the day) is a blend of strength, endurance and agility training. The first time I stepped into the box (gym) it was sweaty, intense and loud, you will be intimated by how complicated it seems to an outsider. Everybody who joins CrossFit seems to be obsessed with it, I tried it a couple of years back but my body wasn't ready for such a strict regime, so this time when I decided to give it try I was much more prepared to enjoy the soreness. 

Life Hack: Raise the bar for yourself, raise the bar for a stronger you. Hard is not bad, hard is just hard and requires more discipline.

Personally I have never put myself through anything so physically challenging, it is my attempt to increase my threshold for pain.You are, what you repeatedly do when things get hard.

CrossFit is extremely rigorous, it takes time for your body to adjust to the new regime but if you are persistent it will start getting you stubborn about your workout goals. Hard work and the way your body looks is directly proportionate to each other, as women we need to give more importance to mobility, strength and intelligence. 

Beauty is measured in joy and pride, every time I walk out with all that sweat and soreness, I feel beautiful.  I am recognising and accepting my body's gifts and shortcomings, I understand my body much better now.

"I can do that, may be not that fast, may be not that heavy but I can do it.. and I will”.

I train with RudeBox Fitness @BeatNBounce, incase you are interested.

  

Brain Is The New Ass - Breaking Stereotypes

Brain is the new ass, sorry Kim K. Although I am quite sure it's the brain of her entire family that contributes to their stardom. She is the epitome of everything glamorous but are we as women limited to the way we look? I use this phrase as a reality check, we have been living the “sexy lie” for years. Stereotypes are not just unreal but also incomplete, because they never let you complete your real story. 

Life Hack: I was asked to pick a side, I chose to be real. 

What was your biggest learning from last year? I lived on my own terms, tried lot of things that would have scared me in 2014 and lot’s that will freak me in 2016. As I stand on the edge, I would say 2015 taught me to be a tough iron jawed lady. 

My brain is going to be twerked and flashed because an intelligent woman is tenacious and extremely attractive. 2015 was the year of change, making it messy and uncertain but that's the beginning of everything big. Failure is the only thing that will define the way you look at success. When you are in a good relationship with yourself it holds you still, don't let the burden of stereotypes unbalance this equation. 

Discussing women's issues over coffee is not my agenda, everyone has varied boundaries but some issues are universal. I am planting this vision into the real world, its the right time for 30ish to get loud.

  

WIfeFI Connecting

We are discussing the transformation stage. This post is not going to glorify the ladies, neither is it going to bash the men. It's just me, tickling the lighter side because every good relationship has one. 

Life Hack (Peacock version): There’s no IDEA that can change your wife, so stop being a pirate and just settle down.

We asked the ladies their version of this transformation. Top 2 concerns.

What happened to the romance?

I thought, it was going to be exciting

Gentlemen’s club

I am “NUTS” about you, this is romantic!

You are my 'butter half', this is exciting errrr..

Not a relationship expert, every couple has their own dynamics. A good laugh will just make you great friends that’s what matters, right? Every human love's differently, if we accept this then WIfeFI will be as exciting as free WIFI.
  

Wanna'preneur?

Wanna'preneur is a syndrome that makes you believe that being an entrepreneur is going to solve all your problems.

Life Hack: No one can fire you… you can’t quit either.

Reality Check

Lets get it straight, every entrepreneur has his “I do not wannapreneur days” they are almost equal to the actual number of days you spend being happy about your kick (your own) ass move. 

Stuff like Aamir Khan’s opinion on 'intolerance', and Modi’s global tours makes no difference to your life. You are beyond social trolls.

Self doubt is going to be your new hobby, it's just the way it is.

A good sense of humor is going to add balance to your emotional turmoil. It won't make you happy but stronger. (most imp tip)

Super Power Dismantled

You will grow as a person, and find capacity that didn’t know was possible. Every time someone puts you down you will find more energy to bounce back. Every knock gets you more stubborn about your goal. Its a space that will test every inch of your persistence. Bend, but do not break (no pun intended)

CAUTION: Not for the weak heart. 

If you have a survival tip, please leave a comment for my readers.
  

Dil*wali Diwali

Airports are packed, everyone is trying to get home. Online portals and App's are promising best deals, crazy jams are making sure you spend maximum time being “30ish and stuck in traffic”. 

Imagine a hypothetical situation, what if lord Rama was returning from his exile in 2015 (2001 to 2015). He would definitely be offered a wild card entry into BigBoss season 9 because they need to jumpstart TRP’s. Sita’s entry song would be “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” and her jewellery will be sponsored by TBZ. Snap Deal, Amazon and Pepper Fry will be event partners. Google Maps shall track his exact location. How confused Rama would be? India has changed drastically in 14 years of his absence, we are embracing consumerism in full glory.

Life Hack

Dimaag - Mere paas saare amazing patake hai.

Dil - Mere pass maachis hai beta

Blogger’s are pushing products left, right and centre for diwali discounts, I refuse to join the band wagon because there is no discount for a blog that talks deeper than fashion and lifestyle. So, 30ish is going to talk to you about a Real Deal - I mean Real Dil :D 

This Diwali, follow your heart. If there was this one thing that was always on your bucket list but never got real, sort that. Let the rocket of your dreams take off, gift yourself the courage to dream big.

Blogger’s are pushing products left, right and centre for diwali discounts, I refuse to join the band wagon because there is no discount for a blog that talks deeper than fashion and lifestyle. So, 30ish is going to talk to you about a Real Deal - I mean Real Dil :D 

This Diwali, follow your heart. If there was this one thing that was always on your bucket list but never got real, sort that. Let the rocket of your dreams take off, gift yourself the courage to dream big.

Statutory Warning: This post is not sponsored by Big Boss, Snapdeal, Amazon, Pepperfry, TBZ, Google or Salman Khan. It's a property of Mumbai traffic jams, because that’s what sparked this IDEA. No no, Idea Cellular hasn’t sponsored it either. You get the drift!
  

Date your Glorious Mistakes - Life of a blogger

Today is my 100th day as an entrepreneur. #BetOnYourself

Thank you for the surprise feature @SocialSamosa #WIN15
Link: 30ish featured in #WIN15, India's top Blogger Conference and Awards

Now that I have the very overwhelming title of being the “Founder of 30ishblogging and PhotoblogHER” Its a struggle to match the hyped digital persona. Not easy, you make glorious mistakes before it seems right (to others).When someone says Entre-Pre-Neur, it actually means 'enter at your own risk'. 

As part of my business strategy, I meet high profile digital consultants who shred every bit of brand 30ish. These meetings leave me feeling like a neon bulb who’s mistakes are visible like dinosaurs. Trust me it takes 24hours to recover from such panic moments.

Life Hack: You had a purpose before they had an opinion, stick to it. 

Thanks for trying to kill my vibe but over time I have become very possessive about my mistakes. They are my true treasure. As long as I am making mistakes, I am growing. 

Ever tried dating your mistakes? It's a safer option than taking them too seriously.

Dating is when you are in the early stage of your relationship, where you meet and know each other better. More like a prelude to being a fully fledged couple, without any serious hang ups. Similarly I prefer dating my mistakes, evaluate pros and cons. I want to know the beast, few mistakes are discovery to your next step, some are purely waste of effort. So take a call and move on.

When the time is right, your mistakes are taken as jokes. Other way round and your jokes are labelled as mistakes. So I guess, there's no right or wrong to this. 

Step One - Date mistakes

Step Two - Accept

Step Three - Learn 

Step Four - Laugh and Forget
  

#30ishTALKS, being a Coach'ar.

Taking 30ish* to LIVE audience was electric. I have lived this brand like a zombie in the last one year. When I stood on that stage, one thing was very clear that 30ish is much bigger than the vision I started with. Being authentic has made 30ish flaming and stunning. Thanks for believing in me.

Public speaking is one of the top 3 social fears known to humans, interesting trivia. Just breathe and hold the bull by its horns! My first and most iconic experience of public speaking was when I forgot the definition of “Inflation”(Economics, BMM). If you are born in the 80’s every professor will give you the example of onions being affected by inflation, thats exactly what I blanked out at. Till date onions represent tragedy.

#Life Hack: Every speech is spilt into 3. What you prepared for, what you delivered and what you could have.

My Day in a nutshell, comedy of errors

Every time they cheered, the excitement made me forget the next point :D

Not making this melodramatic, because days like these remind you that 'life is a joke' and overthinking just makes it worse. Was so hyper that I blow dried my hair for 45 minutes and slept, its a miracle they are still intact. Kept thinking I will wear “That Grey Dress” but “That Grey Dress” was with the dry cleaner (quite organised) 

Should think before you get on stage

Focus

Read your lines

Practice your speech

Should not think, but I did.

Why does my right lense seem clearer than left, what if I trip.

I need water now, or I will choke

I should distract myself, may be update my FB profile (which I did)

What if John Snow is alive, (obsessive GOT repeat watching syndrome)

I think the show MC is forgetting her lines (forgot this could happen to me as well)

Book an Ola

But FIRST please try to breathe and concentrate

Don't fear perfection, acting silly is a hidden weapon. You will always remember the kid who forgot his lines and bounced back with a cuter goof up. Connect with their heart, be real. 30ish is now a movement in progress, thanks to all our goodwill ambassadors. Leave your comments, I will get back with a giant smile.

Being a Coach'ar, but my way.

Pooja Kochar.

  

Mom @30ish, congratulations you a warrior

Featured by #YouthKiAwaaz, 30ish and PhotoblogHER are challenging conventional beauty through photography 

Article Link: http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2015/11/photographing-young-mothers/ 

Every mother is fighting a silent battle. I am very attached to one of my projects #PhotoblogHER, where  I narrate the story of her motherhood through photographs. Moments of her holding the baby, telling them stories, building their dreams is what stays back as a priceless memory. This post is a reflection of my interactions with all the mothers in the past 6 months. 

#Life Hack: Imperfections make us unforgettable, they remind us of our struggles and our victory. Ask a mother to define her stretch marks and she will say, ‘a beautiful battle’ where I won. 

New mom’s apologise “Sorry I am not in the best shape, but can you make me look slimmer, prettier, sexier”. My reply surely, we can work on the lighting and angles. But the fact is that no photoshop will hide her battle lines. They are her identity. 

It’s a very difficult space, food, career, relationships and social pressure are always playing hide and seek. The only way to fight back is to accept it. Your beauty is beyond your insecurities and the texture of your skin. As a woman, I love your stretch marks, dark circles, love handles and cellulite..because thats life.

Bloggers are supposed to be influencers. This power should be used to tell women across the globe that their body type does not need a stamp from the society. You are not a fruit basket.. apples and pears are for the farmers market. A mother will always choose strength, thats your reality.

Leave your comments & share the post, it will inspire other women. 

Love and Grace

30ish