The Lifestyle Portal by Tanya Munshi

Blooming TanMan is a heartfelt initiative started by Sagarika Banerjee, a mother and teacher, in memory of her son Tanmay. The program supports marginalised children by promoting mental health awareness, life skills, and emotional wellbeing. What began in one school in Pune has grown into a community movement—powered by volunteers, love, and resilience. From art therapy to counselling sessions, Blooming TanMan creates safe spaces where children can heal, express, and thrive. It’s a tribute to a son’s vision and a mother’s mission to bring hope and care to those who need it most. Read our special feature here.

Essays & Short Stories Pep Talk

July 22, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

The Mentor Effect: Why Professionals Can’t Afford to Skip It

Chanakya is one of the finest examples of a mentor in Indian history. His priceless mentorship and strategic guidance gave rise to Chandragupta Maurya — a young boy with potential — who went on to become one of the most prolific rulers of ancient India. Mentorship helps you create that delicate balance – as it is not always that you can make a lucrative profession out of a passion, but a mainstream career can help you keep your passion afloat. If you’re at those crossroads or feeling stuck or unenergetic at work or at a personal stage in life where you want to turn things around, a dedicated mentorship is just the nudge that you need.

Essays & Short Stories Film, TV, Art & Music Parenting Pep Talk

July 14, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

Sitare Zameen Pe: A Tribute to a Geneticist from my Mentorship Journey

Watching Sitare Zameen Pe with my daughter was a heartwarming experience. The film’s message about accepting children with special needs reminded me of my mentorship with Dr Shruti Bajaj, a leading geneticist. During our writing sessions, she helped me understand Down Syndrome in a clearer, more caring way. Her words stayed with me and echoed through the film, helping me explain the condition to my daughter with kindness and confidence. This piece isn’t a review—it’s a reflection on how stories, both from films and real life, can change how we see, feel, and accept with greater empathy

Essays & Short Stories Parenting Pep Talk

July 9, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

Parenting Without Guilt: Reclaiming Joy and Self-Worth

Parenting today often feels overwhelming, with constant pressure to do more and be more. Guilt creeps in—whether it’s returning to work, choosing daycare, or simply taking time for yourself. I’ve seen how guilt can silently drain even the most loving, dedicated parents. But guilt doesn’t serve us—it holds us back. Our children need happy, balanced parents, not ones running on empty. That’s why I created the 7-Day Parent-Focused Workshop at The Write Compass—a safe space to rediscover self-worth, set boundaries, and parent with confidence, not sacrifice. Let’s move from guilt to growth—one mindful step at a time.

Essays & Short Stories Pep Talk

July 2, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

Workplace Monitoring: Why Long Work Hours May Not Always Reflect Productivity

Strict time tracking doesn’t always mean better work. Based on real experiences and research, we explore how constant monitoring and micro management affects employees—and how mentorship can help deal with a claustrophobic work environment. When people feel supported and trusted, they do better. Because productivity isn’t just about numbers and hours—it’s about balance, purpose, and feeling valued.

How my 12-year-old is setting healthy boundaries with humour and creativity The DND Effect: When Kids Teach Us Boundaries with a Smile

Essays & Short Stories Parenting Pep Talk

June 14, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

How my 12-year-old is setting healthy boundaries with humour and creativity

Ever seen a cat with an attitude? It claims the best spot in the house, sets its own rules, and somehow, everyone respects its boundaries. My preteen has perfected this feline wisdom—setting up her own playful “DND” sign while sketching, studying, gaming, or lost in music.
This little sign works wonders. She emerges for snack breaks, cracks jokes, shares an unexpected hug, and then retreats back to her world. As a mum, it reminds me to honor her space, fostering trust and understanding.

Essays & Short Stories Hobby Pep Talk

June 9, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

From a Small Interview to BBC Fame: The Journey of Kahani Wali Nani

In 2017, The Lifestyle Portal became the launchpad for an inspiring journey. When I interviewed Sarla Aunty—Kahani Wali Nani—her heartfelt storytelling gained a platform beyond her immediate circle. That feature opened doors to widespread recognition, leading to interviews with BBC and some of India’s leading publications, including SheThePeople, YourStory, and Dainik Bhaskar. What started as a grandmother’s passion for narrating stories blossomed into a movement connecting generations. Her journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and how sincere efforts, paired with the right platform, can create a lasting impact.

Essays & Short Stories Pep Talk

June 5, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

Writing Through Pain: How Mentorship Helped Two Sisters Rebuild Their Lives

Two sisters, grieving the loss of their parents, found solace and strength through mentorship in writing. What began as a way to sharpen their skills evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery. Writing helped them process their emotions, build confidence, and rediscover purpose. As they embraced storytelling, they unlocked new career opportunities and even embarked on a road trip to reconnect with their roots. Their transformation is proof that mentorship isn’t just about learning—it’s about rebuilding, rediscovering, and reclaiming your future.

Essays & Short Stories Pep Talk

May 17, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

Why Small Wins Matter. The Importance of Acknowledging Everyday Victories

In a world obsessed with big wins, we often overlook the quiet victories that truly shape us. Small successes—mastering a new skill, pushing through a tough day, or finding joy in simple moments—deserve celebration. Growing up, winning a game of chor-police felt monumental, not because it was shared online, but because it was felt. Today, we tie success to visibility, forgetting the personal triumphs that build resilience. True fulfillment isn’t found in social media metrics but in the satisfaction of progress. Pause. Reflect. Celebrate every step forward—because each win, big or small, is a part of your story.

Essays & Short Stories Film, TV, Art & Music Pep Talk

May 12, 2025 The Lifestyle Portal

A Netflix Movie’s Unexpected Lesson on Career, Life & Meaning

If you only had one week to live, what choices would you rethink? How differently would you approach your days, your ambitions, and your relationships?
“Life or Something Like It” (2002) delivers a surprisingly profound take on self-reflection—challenging how we define success, purpose, and identity beyond the confines of an office cubicle. This isn’t a film review, but rather a glimpse into the life lessons it offers for a corporate soul seeking meaning beyond job titles and promotions.