In today's fast-paced world, where families are becoming smaller and more nuclear, the need for emotional support and guidance has never been more crucial. Shivangi Maniar, a parenting coach and the co-founder of Otlo, an initiative focused on fostering emotional well-being, joined us on the India Career Centre podcast to share her insights on the challenges and opportunities of modern parenting.
Self-Discovery
Shivangi's journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. She recounts how she faced numerous setbacks and rejections early on, but instead of giving up, she chose to reframe her perspective and embrace her empathetic nature – a quality that was not always valued in the corporate world. This led her to create Otlo, a platform that serves as a "temporary shelter" for individuals seeking a safe space to unburden themselves and gain clarity on their emotional challenges.
Importance of Community Conversations
One of the key themes that emerged from the conversation was the importance of community and the shift away from the traditional joint family structure. Shivangi fondly reminisces about her time in Baroda, where the sense of community and the willingness to share and support one another left a lasting impact on her. In contrast, she notes the isolation and lack of emotional support that many families experience in the modern, nuclear household setting. This shift has had a significant impact on parenting, as Shivangi explains. With fewer outlets for emotional expression and processing, parents often find themselves unprepared to handle the challenges that arise with their children.
Emotional Turmoils
The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has brought these issues to the forefront, as parents were forced to confront the emotional needs of their children that had previously been overlooked. Through Otlo, Shivangi and her team work to address these challenges by guiding parents through a process of self-discovery and emotional healing. By helping parents reconnect with their inner child and address their own unmet needs, Shivangi aims to empower them to become more authentic and empathetic in their approach to parenting. The examples Shivangi shares from her work are both heartbreaking and inspiring. From the case of the German family on the brink of divorce to the countless families struggling with issues ranging from bullying to generational trauma, Shivangi's approach of fostering open communication, empathy, and self-reflection has helped transform lives.
Healing The Past
As the conversation progressed, Shivangi emphasizes the importance of letting go and processing emotions on time, rather than allowing them to simmer and fester. She acknowledges that this can be a daunting task, especially in the fast-paced modern world, but argues that it is a necessary step towards healing and growth. The insights shared by Shivangi highlight the evolving nature of parenting and the growing need for emotional support and guidance. In a world where traditional support systems have eroded, initiatives like Otlo offer a glimmer of hope, providing a haven for individuals and families to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Through her work, Shivangi Maniar is not only transforming the lives of her clients but also shedding light on the importance of emotional well-being in the parenting journey. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of empathy, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace the messiness of the human experience.
Variety of Emotional Therapies
Shivangi's unique approach to emotional coaching sets her apart from traditional therapists and psychiatrists. She believes that while psychologists provide an open space for clients to arrive at their conclusions, an emotional coach can be more directive, offering specific steps and strategies to help individuals find immediate relief and a sense of empowerment. As a psychologist herself, Shivangi understands the importance of empathy and compassion in the healing process. Her own life experiences, including the loss of her father at a young age and her struggles with her career path, have equipped her with a deep understanding of the emotional challenges individuals face. This personal journey has made her a warm, supportive, and encouraging presence for her clients, serving as a "cheerleader" who helps them navigate the ups and downs of life.
Interestingly, Shivangi also acknowledges the importance of collaboration with other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, when necessary. She is vigilant in recognizing signs of self-harm or the need for medical intervention, and she is quick to involve her supervisors and senior colleagues, including psychiatrists, to ensure the well-being of her clients.
Coaching Single Parents
One of the key areas Shivangi focuses on is supporting single parents. She recognizes that parenting can be overwhelming, even with two parents, and the absence of a "soundboard" or partner can make the daily routines and decision-making process even more daunting. Shivangi's role as an emotional coach provides a much-needed outlet for single parents to seek guidance, validation, and a sounding board, helping them to navigate the complexities of parenting with more confidence and self-assurance.
About Her Book: Parenting Pickles & Popsicles
Shivangi's journey as a writer and the publication of her book, "Parenting Pickles and Popsicles," further exemplifies her dedication to supporting and empowering parents. The book, which she describes as a vulnerable and honest exploration of the challenges of parenting, aims to provide comfort and a sense of camaraderie to weary parents, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Understanding the Need of Emotional Support
As we delved deeper into the conversation, Shivangi shared her insights on the importance of addressing the "dormant stuff" within our psyche – the unresolved emotions and experiences from our past that can hold us back from reaching our full potential. She emphasizes the need to sit with these "heavy" feelings, acknowledge them, and ultimately integrate them into our lives, a process she believes can lead to true emotional liberation and brilliance.
Throughout the discussion, Shivangi's passion, empathy, and commitment to her work shone through, inspiring us to reflect on the power of emotional coaching and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and families. Her story is a testament to the importance of finding one's purpose and using it to uplift and support others on their journeys.
For those seeking emotional support or guidance, Shivangi's message is clear: when you start feeling "heavy," when getting up in the morning becomes a chore, and when smiling becomes a task, it may be time to reach out to an emotional coach like herself. By embracing the discomfort and facing our inner demons, we can unlock the path to true emotional freedom and fulfilment.
Conclusion
This conversation with Shivangi serves as a powerful reminder that emotional well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity. Her approach, grounded in empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the human experience, offers a beacon of hope for those seeking to navigate the complexities of life with greater resilience and joy.
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Useful Links about the Guest Speaker;
Parenting Pickles & Popsicles: https://amzn.in/d/bdPIPo8
OTLO Website: http://theotlo.com/
LinkedIn Profile of Shivangi: http://linkedin.com/in/shivangimaniar
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