My Journey to Creating Safe Space: Purpose and Vision Unveiled.
- Mayuri Murali
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 26
After 12 years of working in the field of mental health in the United States, I returned home to India leaving behind a life of independence and stepping back into a space filled with familiarity, family, and unexpected uncertainty. The transition was anything but seamless. My first month back was filled with small, significant shifts--- including deep-cleaning my parents' house, making the decision to part ways with two maids who worked for my parents (admittedly, due to my difficulty relinquishing control), and concluding each Friday evening with a glass of wine. It didn’t feel like a fresh start--- it felt more like the quiet unraveling of the routines and values I had carefully built throughout my twenties, gently bringing me back to a version of myself I hadn’t seen since before I truly became an adult. In all this discomfort though, I found something valuable--- space.
Space to pause. To reflect. To ask a simple but powerful question: What now?
Everyone around me had suggestions. Conversations with friends, family, and even distant relatives came with advice--- some helpful, some humorous, most well-meaning. As a single, reserved woman navigating a career transition, working independently, and adjusting to life back at home, I quickly became a magnet for unsolicited advice. The most frequent one being:
"Become an influencer. That’s how you make an impact."
Whether it was therapy, fitness, philosophy, cooking, art, or fashion, the proposed path was clear.
And so, true to my nature, I took action. I started creating content across different platforms. I explored every avenue in search of clarity, seeking my true path--- yet all the while, I carried a lingering sense of doubt. I questioned whether my pursuits were driven by external pressures or if they truly reflected my own desires. The deeper I ventured into the world of social media, the less inspired I became. I started to feel a bit too invisible--- more than the introvert in me was comfortable with. Surrounded by the polished, curated lives of influencers--- and witnessing the relentless cycle of criticism and judgment they faced--- I began to carry a quiet sadness. I empathized deeply with these creators. Part of me felt the pressure to keep up: to produce, to perform, to stay visible. Yet another part of me simply wanted to reach out and encourage them to keep going, to keep sharing their stories and passions. It didn’t matter whether they were fellow mental health professionals, lifestyle influencers, or trailblazers in their fields--- hate was a constant. And watching this unrelenting cycle of creating only to be torn down affirmed the quiet, hesitant part of me that questioned whether it was safer to stay unseen.
Eventually, I made the decision to take a break from social media. Not a complete disconnect though--- after all, I still needed my memes--- but I did take a deliberate step back to reclaim space for myself.
During this time, I immersed myself in quieter joys--- listening to audio books, writing, offering counsel and guidance in a private capacity, caring for my family and home. And then something unexpected happened; I realized that these seemingly separate activities all shared a powerful common thread--- my deep love for active listening, and to give people a sense of relatability. As an introvert, writing has always been my strongest form of expression. Through my words, I hope to offer a steady, grounding presence and a genuine sense of connection for those navigating their own unique journeys. It was right there, all along.
My purpose is rooted in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported--- whether that’s through therapy, through fitness or gaming, over food, or in conversation.
Fortunately, I have the credentials to support this deep passion. So, whoever you are, however you identify yourself as--- if you are navigating mental health challenges, uncertainty, ambition, or are seeking a sense of belonging, I’m here. Not to provide all the answers, but to walk with you as we navigate the journey together.
I am a licensed master social worker and a counselor by profession. I have 12 years of experience in the field of mental health counseling, social work and case management. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring a variety of hobbies, which I’ll continue to share here.
This website is designed to offer a blend of thoughtful counsel, real-life experiences, and insights rooted in peer-reviewed research, infused with a touch of humor of course--- all with the aim of fostering genuine connection and a sense of belonging.
Welcome to Safe Space!
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