I’m on Stage While You’re Reading This

Hey Beyonder!

Right now, as you're reading this, I'm probably standing on a stage in Salem.

But let me rewind a bit. Because getting here wasn't just about the journey from Chennai to Salem.

The Bus Ride From Hell

Last week, I did something I hadn't done in way too long. I went home to see my parents.

I usually prefer buses over trains. But this time? I regretted every second of that decision.

There was this kid in the next seat. She was crying the entire night.

My sleep score the next morning? Let's just say my smart ring was very disappointed in me. (I've got the screenshot, but it's too painful to share.)

Still, totally worth it. Because going home after so long hits different.

The Simple Things I Miss

Whenever I go back home, there's a mental checklist that runs in my head:

Meet my parents (obviously)

Mom's coffee - the one she makes exactly the way I like it

Tirunelveli parotta - you know, the real stuff you can't get anywhere else

My school friends - the guys who knew me before all this content creation madness

I made sure I ticked off every single box.

When Home Feels Different

But here's what surprised me.

I couldn't work properly at home.

I was trying to plan stuff with my team. Setting up foundations for what we're building at TownScholar.

But my mind kept pulling me back.

Home isn't where I work best. Home is where I rest. Where I recover.

And I think that's okay. Maybe even important.

Your brain needs different spaces for different things. Home is my reset button. Not my office.

The Video I'm Dropping Tomorrow

Quick sidebar - I'm posting a video about loneliness tomorrow on YouTube.

If that topic hits home for you, check it out.

Sometimes the things we struggle to talk about are exactly the things we need to talk about the most.

Salem, Parents, and Panels

After the hometown visit, I packed my bags for Salem. And this time, I brought my parents with me.

They're here. Watching me do my thing at this leadership conclave.

While you're reading this email, I'm on stage. Talking to people. Sharing whatever wisdom I think I have (hoping it makes sense).

And here's the thing that's making me both nervous and excited.

Gopinath sir is at the same event.

Yeah. THAT Gopinath sir.

I'm hoping I get to meet him. Maybe shake his hand. We'll see.

One of my co-panelists is Kuppulakshmi - she heads Zoho Startup.

The lineup is insane.

And I'm just sitting here thinking: how did I end up in this room with these people?

Grateful and Grounded

There's something humbling about bringing your parents to an event like this.

They see you on stage. They see people respect what you do. They see you existing in spaces you once only dreamed about.

It grounds you.

It reminds you where you came from. And how far you've come.

What's Next

Next week, I'll tell you how it all went.

Did I freeze on stage? Did I say something smart? Did I embarrass myself? Did I actually meet Gopinath sir?

All of that is coming your way next Wednesday.

But right now, in this moment, I'm just trying to show up. Do my best. Make my parents proud.

And honestly? That's enough.

See you next week.

Cheers,

Epaphra

P.S. Hit reply and tell me