There Is No Finish Line, Only Forward
Writers Theatre. A microphone. A spotlight. A story I was once too ashamed to tell.
Dear Duniyawaalo (People of the World),
On May 13, 2025, I stood on stage at the beautiful Writers Theatre in Glencoe in Illinois, and shared something deeply personal.
The theme of the night was “Work in Progress.”
And that is exactly what I am.
I told the audience about a time when I weighed 311 pounds, was drowning in depression, and waking up every day just trying to exist. My healing did not happen in a flash of inspiration.
It came through one mindful step at a time. Learning to run, learning to eat differently, and most importantly, learning to listen to myself without judgment.
I have now lost 70 pounds. I have run three marathons.
But those numbers are not the story.
The real transformation was on the inside.
Because when you are a work in progress, there is no finish line.
You do not arrive.
You evolve.
What I Learned on That Stage
Telling my story publicly was not just about performance.
It was an act of integration. A reminder that healing is not something you “achieve.” It is something you live. Daily. Imperfectly. Compassionately.
And that night reminded me that we all have something unfinished inside us. Something we are still trying to understand. A voice we are still learning to trust.
The stage was electric. The audience warm.
And sharing it with my two sons, Utkarsh and Aakarsh, and my dear friend Seshu, made the moment even more meaningful.
To be seen and supported by the people who matter most. There is no substitute for that.
For You, Reader
If you are reading this and feel like you are stuck or spiraling or “too far gone”, I want to tell you something I wish someone had told me:
You are not broken. You are becoming.
You do not have to sprint. You just have to take one honest step forward.
A Gentle Nudge
If my story speaks to something in you, I hope you will take a few moments to reflect:
Where in your life are you still evolving?
What small, loving step can you take today?
Who do you need to forgive, starting with yourself?
If you ever get the chance to share your story on stage or page, do it. Not for applause, but for connection.
Because sometimes, speaking your truth out loud is what helps someone else start healing quietly.
Thank you, Writers Theatre, for holding space for stories like mine. And thank you, dear reader, for being part of my journey.
Let us keep evolving.
Together.
❤️ Rajneesh