55 Comments
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Wendy  Gray's avatar

Shreya,

It is just now 2025 and I am revisiting this post. Within it, I find love and warmth, and on this cold day where I am, it is one I wanted to 'feel' again. I do hope you are having a hot cocoa and snuggled somewhere warm.

Many blessings to you in the new year and MUCH LOVE,

~Wendy💜🤗✨☕

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Shreya's avatar

Dearest Wendy,

How wonderful to hear from you!!!! Wishing you a new year that's full of as much grace, love, tenderness and compassion as you yourself are… 💕💕💕

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The French Life Journal's avatar

This is beautifully written. I felt warm, comforted and toasty reading your words :)

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Shreya's avatar

Oh thank you Jenny💙 This means a lot. Sending you the warmest and cosiest vibes ♥️

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Maria Leon's avatar

Beautiful description 🌟

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you Maria! 💙

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Lindsey Fears's avatar

This is beautiful and thought provoking to me. I resonate on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad I found you on here - thank you for subscribing to my newsletter - I’m about to hit subscribe so I can follow along your journey!

Also, I’m curious as to what kind of Indian classical music you listen to? I love India - from afar. I’ve never been, but I am so drawn to it. The food, spices and aromas from these spices. The music. The bright colors. Seems like a vibrant and “alive” place. 😊

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Emy Framone's avatar

Thanks for passing by on my Substack and subscribing 🙏🏻 love your writing and this essay.

Substack has also been my discovery this year and is now my favourite place online too. It made me go back to writing, and as for now, it feels the most close to an online home as I have ever experienced since blogging era.

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you Emy! Ravie d'avoir fait connaissance avec vous ici !

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the bast's avatar

This is so beautiful…a “symphony of vibrant voices”…thank you❤️✨

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you soooo much…your words mean the world to me, as does your warm encouragement 💙🤗

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Dr Jo's avatar

I also wrote about home in my latest article- it seems our minds take us to similar places.

I have subscribed because I want to read more!

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you. I am glad that my writing resonates with you. You have a captivating way with words, too. 💙

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Neha Dhami's avatar

Your words radiate so much warmth and a sense of home. Such a beautifully written piece.

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you so much for your kindest words and warm encouragement. It means a lot.

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Audhdpainter's avatar

Beautiful piece of writing, it makes me want to invite you over for a hot chocolate and a chat! I lived in a bedsit years ago and I enjoyed that time of making a space just mine. I would crave hugs too.

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Shreya's avatar

Hot chocolate and a chat sounds so wonderfully cosy!!! Sending you warm hugs.❤️

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Corinne  Rodrigues's avatar

As someone who has never lived on my own - except for a month here or there on work trips - I have often wondered how I would cope. As the years go by and I have started to choose quiet over chaos, I realise that I might actually manage if and when that time comes!

Your ways of choosing meaningful things to do, is very inspiring. I love the warm community of your own you have created here. Hugs

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you for your kindest words Corinne! That feels like a hug❤️

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Kyn's avatar

👏

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Wake Lloire's avatar

I was just waking up when my phone notified me that someone was hearting my posts in rapid succession. I’m hoping that you haven’t been taken over by a bot (I’ve had to block so many of late) because when I read this writing of yours I found it gentle and compelling.

I’m running a small story gathering today at 1pm my time, which is noon Eastern Standard Time. If you’d like to be invited. It’s a gentle virtual gathering with not many people…but perhaps it will offer some community comfort in this season of change? Plus you seem cool and like someone I’d like to know.

(If you are a bot, then I guess you wouldn’t be able to attend, but if you’re a human, you are more than welcome to send me a private message to get to link)

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Shreya's avatar

Hahaha. Good morning, I'm definitely not a bot.

Your posts are delightful. I couldn't stop myself from liking all of them in rapid succession.

I would love to attend one of your gatherings someday soon! Keep writing 😍

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Wake Lloire's avatar

Awww! Thank you! I look forward to reading more of your writing!

And you are absolutely welcome to join the gatherings (I think my last one for the year is December 1st, but I’ll likely bring them back in the new year)

I hope your Sunday is beautiful, and thanks again for reading my words!

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Sanskriti Bhatia's avatar

What a gorgeous essay, Shreya! Felt every word and emotion. Thank you for articulating this beautifully! It was also heartening to find the mention of my Substack and perhaps, the warmth you receive from us, fellow writers, is a reflection of your own light <3

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Shreya's avatar

Sanskriti, your words and lavish praise always make my day so much brighter and more positive. I am endlessly glad and grateful to have found a writer who is as compassionate, eloquent, and sensitive as you. Loads of love💖

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Sue Dhillon's avatar

Beautiful Shreya. Loved reading this and much like you I love essays and getting lost in other's words and worlds. And thank for the list of recommendations. I'll be checking those out.

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you so much, Sue, and also for writing the way you do - so soulful and gentle. 💕

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Sue Dhillon's avatar

Thank you. I am so happy we connected. I feel there is definitely a kinship beyond just our words.

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Halle Martin's avatar

Ah! This is so beautifully written 🤍

And so relatable as we are all searching for warmth during this chilly season.

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Shreya's avatar

Thank you so much. Much love♥️

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