{"id":1911,"date":"2024-02-28T23:21:54","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/?p=1911"},"modified":"2024-06-15T15:06:57","modified_gmt":"2024-06-15T07:06:57","slug":"monica-mathur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/?p=1911","title":{"rendered":"Personal Connection with Monica Mathur."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-6.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-6.png 1600w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-6-300x135.png 300w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-6-1024x461.png 1024w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-6-768x346.png 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-6-1536x691.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ranjeeta &#8211; Hello <em>Monica<\/em>, I&#8217;m glad we could connect this morning. I warmly welcome you to my series, &#8220;Personal Connections.&#8221; It&#8217;s been a pleasure getting to know you a bit, and I find myself feeling inspired every time we meet. Your demeanor and the way you interact with others are genuinely uplifting. Despite being in your late 60s, you exude a youthful spirit from which we can all learn. I&#8217;m curious to know more about your journey. Have you always been this cheerful and enthusiastic? Could you share with me how your life has been in Singapore? I would love to share your story in your own words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1915\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1915 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 768px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 768\/1024;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1915\" src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m4-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1916\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1916 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 768px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 768\/1024;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1916\" src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/m1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unsure of what to do next, I tapped into my passion for music and began teaching. With over 12 students, I specialized in training voices, believing that once you understand how to use your voice, you can sing almost anything. Unfortunately, the onset of COVID-19 forced me to transition from in-person to online classes. After four years, I realized I was dedicating much time to others and neglecting my aspirations. Consequently, I discontinued the music classes and pursued my goals, such as starting a book club, joining a bridge club, and actively participating in a music group and a coffee club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diving in misery doesn&#8217;t lead you anywhere, right? No one else can magically pull you out of that misery; you must act. So, the antidote to despair is finding happiness. Identify what brings you joy and pursue it. For me, reading has always been a source of happiness. Music has been a constant source of pleasure whenever I&#8217;ve felt down. I adore singing, teaching others to sing, and being in music-filled environments. I pursued music until the day of my marriage. My husband&#8217;s fondness for singing encouraged me to develop my skills further. Music has always been my passion, and I discovered a particular love for ghazals. With my affinity for Urdu, I naturally gravitated towards singing more ghazals and refining my technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1917 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-scaled.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 768px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 768\/1024;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/782324DF-9E6F-4672-B7E9-B204FC9A52D6-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, I am particularly fond of Ganpati idols and Buddhas, evidenced by their abundance throughout my home. Whenever I encounter a Buddha, I feel drawn to it, and despite concerns about space, each Buddha finds its place effortlessly. Among other blessings, I have two little granddaughters whom I adore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ranjeeta\u2014Monica, I genuinely appreciate your willingness to share your life experiences. Being in your company is always a pleasure; I&#8217;m sure others feel the same way. We&#8217;re lucky to have you as a part of our lives, and I must say, you&#8217;re one of the most genuine individuals I&#8217;ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today, I am thrilled to introduce our next guest, Monica Mathur, a vibrant and intelligent woman who radiates charm with her ever-present smile. When I arrived at her doorstep for the first book club session she organized in our condominium, I was pleasantly surprised by her welcoming presence. Monica&#8217;s lively nature and effortless ability &#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1976,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1911"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1911"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1911\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3681,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1911\/revisions\/3681"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ranjeetarekhi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}