The Transformative Power of Pet Adoption: Sauli’s Trip To San Francisco
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the bond between a pet and its owner can offer solace, understanding, and immeasurable joy. “Sauli’s Trip To San Francisco” captures this sentiment beautifully, narrating the transformative tale of a Belgian Malinois and her new owner as they navigate the complexities of companionship and the adoption experience.
Embracing Change
Adopting a pet is not just about bringing a new animal into your home; it’s a commitment to a journey filled with ups and downs. Sauli’s story exemplifies this as she transitions from a life of uncertainty to a loving home. The themes of patience and trust are woven throughout her journey, showcasing the time it takes for relationships to flourish. For many pet owners, this mirrors their own experience as they learn to understand their new companions.
Building Trust
One of the most profound aspects of Sauli’s story is the emphasis on the unspoken communication that occurs between a pet and its owner. Animals, especially those coming from challenging backgrounds, may struggle to trust. Sauli’s new owner quickly learns that building this trust requires not just time, but a deep sense of patience and empathy. This highlights the incredible responsibility that comes with pet adoption — to be a source of safety and love for a creature that may have experienced trauma.
Navigating Companionship
As the story unfolds, we witness the nuances of their relationship grow amidst life’s chaos. Sauli and her owner face challenges, each learning from the other. This dynamic reflects the reality of many adoptive relationships. It’s a reminder that companionship is not one-sided; it’s a partnership built on mutual understanding and support. The more we invest in these relationships, the greater the rewards—moments of joy, laughter, and unconditional love.
The Beauty of Unspoken Bonds
Perhaps the most poignant takeaway from this journey is the beauty found in unspoken bonds. Sauli and her owner communicate beyond words through gestures, expressions, and shared experiences. This silent dialogue enriches their relationship and demonstrates that love can transcend language. It reminds us that the connections we form with our pets can be incredibly profound, often teaching us more about ourselves than we realize.
The Rewards of Adoption
“Sauli’s Journey” is not just a tale about a dog; it’s a celebration of the transformative power of adoption. It reflects the struggle, the growth, and the eventual reward of building a relationship based on trust and companionship. For anyone considering pet adoption, this story serves as a beautiful reminder—while the journey may be challenging, the love and companionship that await are truly worth it.
As we continue to champion the cause of pet adoption, let us remember the importance of patience, empathy, and the unbreakable bonds that can form through these beautiful relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or thinking about adopting for the first time, take a step back and embrace the journey—it just might change your life.
Here, every sip and every bite is more than just food for the body—it’s food for thought. We’ve taken those timeworn clichés you know so well, brushed off the dust, and turned them into something extraordinary. At The Cliché Café, we believe there’s wisdom in the familiar, beauty in the ordinary, and magic in the mundane.
It’s not just a café—it’s a living, breathing reflection of life’s ironies, truths, and lessons, served up with a sprinkle of humor and a dollop of heart.
Step Into a World of Stories
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find yourself immersed in a space where clichés come to life. Each corner is designed to be more than just a backdrop—it’s an experience, a metaphor, a prompt waiting to spark something in you.
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
A dreamy space where soft clouds dangle from the ceiling and silver accents catch the light. Order a cup of our silver-tip tea, close your eyes, and remember that even the heaviest clouds eventually give way to blue skies.
Burning the Midnight Oil
This cozy nook is a haven for thinkers, dreamers, and creators. Dim lighting, shelves lined with books, and a table for one (or two) make this the perfect spot to work late into the night with a midnight snack by your side.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
A quirky, whimsical corner that’s all about celebrating risk and reward. Here, eggs are more than a breakfast staple—they’re the stars of unique dishes that remind you to diversify your dreams and savor the journey.
Clichés on a Plate
Every dish and drink on our menu tells its own story. It’s food for the body, yes—but also food for the soul, wrapped in lessons we’ve all heard but sometimes forget.
Food
• Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: A build-your-own cake platter because sometimes, life does let you have it all.
• Spill the Beans: A hearty chili served with thought-provoking conversation starters tucked into the napkins.
• The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Plant-based dishes so vibrant and flavorful, they’ll make you rethink your perspective.
Drinks
• Spill the Tea: A rotating selection of rare teas paired with journaling prompts to help you spill your own thoughts onto paper.
• Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: Signature brews served with motivational cards—a little caffeine and a lot of inspiration to start your day right.
More Than a Café
The Cliché Café isn’t just about what you eat or drink—it’s about what you feel. It’s a space to reflect, create, and connect.
Interactive Experiences
• Journaling Stations: Every table comes with a writing prompt inspired by a cliché, plus stationery to capture your musings.
• Message Wall: Leave your thoughts, your wisdom, your humor on our giant board of shared insights.
• DIY Dessert Bar: At the “When Life Gives You Lemons” station, make your own lemony treats as a reminder to sweeten the sour moments.
• Cliché Challenges: Compete with friends to build “the perfect basket of eggs” or craft your own silver lining.
Events That Spark Inspiration
• Open Mic Nights: Share your stories, poems, or even comedic takes on life’s clichés.
• Book Readings: Dive into Diary of Clichés with live readings and intimate discussions.
• Cliché Improv Nights: Hilarious reimaginings of well-known sayings—because clichés are only boring if you let them be.
Take the Café Home
Love what you see? Take a little piece of The Cliché Café with you. From journals and mugs to “cliché kits” filled with recipes, prompts, and mini-moments of reflection, our merchandise corner has you covered.
And if you can’t visit in person, don’t worry—our Cliché-to-Go subscription boxes deliver the café magic straight to your doorstep.
Who’s This Café For?
• The dreamers who find beauty in the ordinary.
• The thinkers who love to ponder life’s quirks.
• The creatives searching for inspiration in unexpected places.
• The fans of Diary of Clichés who want to live the book’s themes in real life.
Looking Ahead
The Cliché Café is just the beginning. We dream of pop-up locations in new cities, workshops with local creators, and even a cookbook that lets you recreate our iconic dishes at home.
Taglines That Say It All
• “Where clichés come to life, one bite at a time.”
• “Sip. Reflect. Rewrite your story.”
• “Diary of Clichés, now served with your favorite latte.”
A Place to Rediscover the Everyday
At The Cliché Café, we take the overused, the obvious, the predictable—and we turn it into something meaningful. Here, you’ll find yourself laughing, reflecting, creating, and maybe even rewriting the story you’ve been telling yourself.
So come on in. Stay a while. Let’s turn those clichés into moments you’ll never forget.
And while I get ready to build on this World, why don’t you get back to Diary of Cliches and build on your world!
My mission is to empower individuals to embrace their authenticity, rediscover their worth, and embark on a journey of self-healing. Through my book Diary of Clichés, I aim to create a relatable, humorous, and thought-provoking narrative that inspires readers to navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal growth with intention and self-compassion.
By sharing my own experiences with heartbreak, boundaries, and the sometimes-painful process of self-discovery, Diary of Clichés invites readers to reflect on their own journeys in a safe, approachable way. It’s not just a book about overcoming struggles—it’s a guide to finding the humor, resilience, and strength within ourselves, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
Through this work, I hope to make a dent in the realm of mental health and healing by breaking down the stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability and encouraging open conversations about our shared human experiences. My goal is to remind people that growth is not linear, healing is deeply personal, and life’s clichés—those universal truths—are there to guide us, not hold us back. By sparking self-awareness and fostering connection, Diary of Clichés is my way of contributing to a world where mental health is prioritized and healing is seen as an act of courage and self-love.
Diary of Clichés is an integral piece of my mission. It encapsulates the themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and growth in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. At its heart, this book is about navigating life’s complexities—love, heartbreak, identity, and personal boundaries—while embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of it all. It is a reflection of my own experiences, lessons, and failures, but more importantly, it is a reminder that every cliché carries a kernel of truth waiting to be rediscovered.
This book stands as a humorous and authentic exploration of the human condition. I wanted to create something that not only entertains but also empowers readers to rethink the narratives they’ve inherited. We often dismiss clichés as tired or uninspired, but what if they hold deeper meaning when viewed through the lens of our own lives? That’s the journey I hope to take readers on: a journey of unpacking, reimagining, and reclaiming those well-worn phrases to create something uniquely their own.
Diary of Clichés is also about dating with intention, setting boundaries, and showing up as your authentic self in relationships. It stems from my personal experiences, including heartbreaks, flings, and the moments of clarity that emerged from them. Each chapter captures the rawness of navigating love and loss, while also offering insights into how these experiences shape who we are. By weaving humor into the narrative, I aim to make the process of self-reflection feel lighter, approachable, and even joyful, because growth doesn’t always have to be steeped in solemnity—it can be laced with laughter too.
The book’s humor serves as a way to connect with readers, reminding them that they’re not alone in their missteps, awkward encounters, or moments of doubt. At the same time, it challenges them to ask themselves the hard questions: What do I truly want? Where have I been settling? How can I honor my own needs without fear of rejection or judgment? These questions lie at the core of Diary of Clichés, inviting readers to peel back the layers of societal expectations and step into their own truth.
Above all, this book is a celebration of growth. It’s about turning pain into purpose, heartbreak into empowerment, and clichés into personal revelations. It’s about learning to laugh at life’s absurdities while still taking your journey seriously. Through Diary of Clichés, I hope to inspire readers to show up for themselves with courage, self-compassion, and a willingness to embrace the messy beauty of being human. Because in the end, life is one big cliché—and that’s what makes it extraordinary.
My mission is to explore, heal, and inspire through the power of storytelling, spirituality, and authentic connection. At its core, this mission stems from my own journey—a winding path marked by profound highs and devastating lows, each moment shaping my perspective and deepening my understanding of life’s intricate beauty. It is through this lens that I hope to contribute something meaningful to the world, not by offering solutions or answers, but by extending the courage to ask the right questions, embrace vulnerability, and walk the uncharted roads of self-discovery.
Storytelling is my foundation. Stories have the power to bridge worlds, uncover truths, and create shared spaces where humanity feels less fragmented. In my writing, I often reflect on personal themes—past traumas, spiritual revelations, and even the pain of broken relationships—not to dwell on sorrow but to show how even the most challenging chapters can lead to empowerment. Stories like Weekends with Loretta and Finding Noir stem from the depth of my own experiences but also serve as mirrors for others to see themselves. My work invites readers to peel back the layers of societal expectations and step into their authentic selves, no matter how unconventional or raw that may feel.
But storytelling is only part of the mission. The second pillar is healing. My journey has taught me that healing is not linear; it is messy, painful, and deeply personal. It requires courage to sit with discomfort and compassion to forgive—yourself and others. I’ve come to see healing not as an endpoint but as a lifelong practice. Through my books, such as those focusing on essences and rituals, I aim to share tools that nurture this process. Whether it’s a chakra-aligned essential oil blend or a heartfelt ritual, these practices remind us that healing begins when we reconnect with our inner selves and honor our own journeys.
Spirituality weaves through everything I do. It is the light that guides me, especially when the path feels dark. My spiritual connection with Noir, which inspired Finding Noir, reshaped my understanding of love, purpose, and the soul’s journey. It taught me that spirituality is not just about lofty ideals but about grounding those ideals in the real world—about living with intention, holding space for others, and being unafraid to face one’s shadow. My work reflects this by offering readers both inspiration and practical guidance to walk their own spiritual paths.
Finally, there is the importance of authentic connection. In a world that often feels disconnected and performative, I believe in the power of honesty and vulnerability to bring people closer. Whether through the characters in my books, the stories I tell, or the rituals I craft, I strive to create moments of resonance—moments where someone feels truly seen. I want people to know they are not alone in their struggles, that their imperfections are what make them human and beautiful.
Ultimately, my mission is not just about my own journey but about holding space for others to embark on theirs. I want to inspire people to ask: Who am I, beneath the layers of expectation? What lights me up? What wounds am I ready to heal? By exploring these questions, we become not just storytellers but creators of our own lives. Through my work, I hope to be a guide, a companion, and a spark—helping others find their way to themselves. In doing so, I believe we can collectively create a world that feels more compassionate, vibrant, and whole.
My mission is to explore, heal, and inspire through the power of storytelling, spirituality, and authentic connection. I aim to create meaningful works that encourage self-discovery, foster resilience, and celebrate the beauty of transformation. Whether through books, rituals, or shared experiences, I hope to guide others on their journeys toward authenticity, empowerment, and inner harmony, while staying true to my own.
My biggest challenges are like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope stretched between two very different worlds. On one side, there’s the dream version of me—living in a sleek high-rise, navigating modern relationships with confidence, sipping on oat lattes, and effortlessly advocating for a life that’s bold, non-traditional, and unapologetically mine. On the other side is the grounded, culture-steeped version of me—back in India, surrounded by family, community, and tradition, rediscovering what it means to serve and belong.
It’s the tension between those two versions of myself that often feels like the hardest part: reconciling the ambitious, adventurous dreamer with the deeply rooted, culturally attuned realist. Can I weave these two selves into one cohesive identity? Or will they always tug at me in different directions?
Then there’s the challenge of living authentically while also being vulnerable enough to share my journey through writing. I pour my truth into every word I write, but that comes with its own set of insecurities: Will people understand me? Will they judge me? And, perhaps most pressingly, will they see their own truths reflected in mine?
Writing itself is a challenge—one that I gladly accept but never underestimate. It’s like trying to catch a fleeting thought, holding it just long enough to shape it into something meaningful before it disappears. Some days the words flow like a river; other days, it feels like wringing water from a stone.
Yet, for all its challenges, life has a funny way of offering answers in the most unexpected places. A hike through Yosemite, a late-night diary entry, a conversation with a friend—all of it reminds me that every challenge is also an opportunity to grow, to stretch, and to learn something new about myself.
So, yes, my biggest challenges might feel like a balancing act on a tightrope, but isn’t that where the best views are?
Relationships that have a positive impact on me are those that feel like safe havens and secure bases—a delicate balance of comfort and challenge. They’re the connections that allow me to stay rooted in the rhythm of the ordinary while also encouraging me to dream beyond it. These relationships don’t demand perfection or performance; instead, they celebrate authenticity, resilience, and growth.
I think of the people who have shaped me in ways both profound and subtle. My parents, with whom I share a complex dance of tradition and individuality, have taught me the strength in cultural roots. Then there are friends like Loretta, who enter your life like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, offering a quiet kind of wisdom that reshapes your understanding of love and support. Even the stories I’ve written—fictional characters like Noir and Kayra—feel like relationships in their own way, teaching me lessons about vulnerability, self-discovery, and spiritual connection.
But perhaps the most impactful relationship is the one I’ve built with myself. It hasn’t been easy; there were times I felt invisible or unheard, times when self-doubt crowded out self-love. Yet, through journaling, writing, and introspection, I’ve learned to treat myself with the same kindness and curiosity I offer to others. This relationship has taught me that I’m allowed to evolve, to dream of lives that feel far from my current reality, and to embrace every cliché along the way.
These relationships—be they with family, friends, fictional creations, or myself—aren’t about grand gestures or perfect harmony. They’re about showing up, being present, and holding space for growth. They’re about finding the people and moments that make you feel both grounded and limitless. And that’s exactly the kind of connection I hope to inspire through Diary of Clichés—because sometimes, the most impactful relationships start with a simple story.
Through the pages of Diary of Clichés, I invite readers to examine the relationships in their own lives—those with others, with their dreams, and most importantly, with themselves. We often overlook the quiet, everyday connections that shape us in profound ways, just as we dismiss clichés as trivial. But within those seemingly mundane expressions and encounters lie universal truths, the kind that make you pause, reflect, and perhaps even smile knowingly.
For me, the act of writing became a bridge between who I was and who I wanted to be. It gave me permission to explore the dichotomy of my dreams and reality—the Silicon Valley high-rise life I once imagined versus the cultural rootedness of my middle-class existence in India. It helped me reconcile the feelings of being torn between wanting adventure and craving stability, between daring to embrace the extraordinary and finding peace in the ordinary.
And isn’t that what relationships, at their best, do for us? They challenge us to grow while reminding us of where we came from. They hold up a mirror, showing us our potential even as they ground us in our flaws. They allow us to be both dreamers and doers, to straddle the line between ambition and contentment.
Some relationships feel fleeting yet transformative, like my brief encounters with new friends or even strangers who left a lasting impression. Others are steady and enduring, like the bond I’ve built with my family and closest confidants. And then there’s the complex, layered relationship I have with myself—a work in progress, but one that grows richer with each page I write, each story I tell.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that relationships with a positive impact are not always easy or straightforward. They can be messy, imperfect, and sometimes even painful. But they’re also where we find our strength, our joy, and our purpose. Whether it’s the parent who teaches resilience, the friend who listens without judgment, or the diary that silently absorbs your thoughts, these relationships shape the story of who we are.
So, when I think about the question, “What relationships have a positive impact on you?” I realize it’s not about the grand gestures or dramatic declarations. It’s about the quiet moments of connection, the spaces where you feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about the people and experiences that help you uncover your authentic self, even if that journey takes you through heartbreak, healing, and a healthy dose of clichés.
And as I continue to write, dream, and reflect, I hope that Diary of Clichés becomes a positive relationship for others—a companion to those navigating the twists and turns of life, offering solace, laughter, and perhaps a new way of seeing the world. Because at the heart of it all, that’s what relationships are meant to do: remind us that we’re never alone, that our stories matter, and that there’s always beauty to be found in the chaos of life.
Of all the colleges I attended my experience at Harvard stands out the most.
I attended Harvard to specialize in Business Analytics through the Harvard Business Analytics Program. It was a unique program for executives at the frontiers of Data Science and Machine learning. In many ways it was a pioneer experience where Harvard Business, John Paulson School of Engineering came together to tailor a unique experience for Executives pursuing Management in the field of Data and Engineering.
Right around the end of our first trimester and the beginning of the second the World got hit by the pandemic.
We were scheduled to attend two Immersive experiences after every trimester while finishing our coursework and attend virtual classes over a period of 24-months.
But I had given myself one year to finish it all. And that year happened to be the year of the pandemic.
So we had to finish it all virtually. The shift to an entirely virtual experience was both challenging and enlightening. Harvard adapted swiftly, leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain the rigor and engagement of the program. Despite the physical distance, the sense of community among the cohort was remarkable. My classmates, accomplished professionals from diverse industries, brought an array of perspectives that enriched our discussions and collaborations.
The virtual format did not dilute the intensity of the program. On the contrary, it demanded greater discipline and adaptability. The coursework was rigorous, and the immersive sessions, though held online, were meticulously planned to ensure interactive and practical learning. We explored real-world case studies, tackled complex datasets, and debated strategies for harnessing analytics to drive organizational transformation.
Completing the program within a year during the pandemic required a heightened level of focus and commitment. Balancing the demands of the program with the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world was no small feat. Yet, it was during this period that I experienced some of the most profound growth, both professionally and personally.
The program’s interdisciplinary approach, blending business acumen with engineering precision, equipped me with a deeper understanding of how data and machine learning can be leveraged to solve complex problems. The lessons learned extended beyond the technical; they included leadership, resilience, and the ability to navigate ambiguity—skills that are invaluable in any domain.
Looking back, my time at Harvard during such a pivotal moment in history stands out as an extraordinary chapter in my journey. It was a testament to the power of adaptability, the value of collaboration, and the endless possibilities that arise when challenges are met with determination and innovation.
Today I feel nostalgic about food, Julia the show and Julie and Julia the movie and the numerous hours I have spent with Mrs. Child watching her do her magic in her beautiful kitchen.
Julia Child has a very special place in my heart. She was my post-Covid late-night go-to haven. I remember those nights after a long day of remote work and a nice meal inspired by Mrs. Child, I used to go to the movie Julie and Julia, my favorite late-night watch, and fall asleep somewhere in the middle of the scene where she spoke to her favorite lobster, Lou…
I got hit by Covid really bad. It was so bad that amidst the cognitive confusion and the brain fog, my taste buds forgot to taste. For me, the recovery from all the things I lost in COVID-19—my taste buds, my curves, my creativity—was a long road. That’s when I discovered the show Julia on HBO. And Julia brought me back on track—one recipe at a time.
I started my mornings trying to make eggs the way she did, pouring coffee the way she did, and tossing and twirling in the kitchen as she did.
Julia became my support system, my food guru, and my creative confidante during my COVID recovery days. Maybe I sound like Julie from the movie, but maybe I had watched the movie so much—especially my subconscious mind—that I became the movie.
There was something profoundly comforting about Julia Child’s voice, her mannerisms, her unapologetic love for butter and cream. She wasn’t perfect in the traditional sense, and that imperfection was her magic. It was what made me, in my vulnerable and battered state, feel seen.
When you’re recovering from something as intense as Covid, there’s an odd loneliness that accompanies the process. Even if you’re surrounded by loved ones, it’s easy to feel detached—like a part of you is stuck somewhere else, struggling to catch up. Watching Julia Child whip up soufflés, debone ducks, and laugh at her own blunders reminded me that life is a series of imperfect attempts. And that trying, even when it feels messy, is worth it.
I started small. One day, it was a simple omelet. Another, it was crepes. Slowly, my taste buds began to return, one dish at a time. I remember the moment I first tasted the rich, velvety warmth of her boeuf bourguignon recipe—it was like my taste buds were welcoming me home after a long absence.
But it wasn’t just about food. Julia gave me permission to embrace creativity again. In her kitchen, there were no rules, no rigid standards—just joy, curiosity, and a willingness to make a mess in pursuit of something beautiful. I found myself not just cooking but writing again, sketching ideas, and tinkering with projects I had abandoned long ago.
Julia wasn’t just teaching me how to cook; she was teaching me how to live. How to find joy in the mundane, how to laugh at my mistakes, how to embrace the process instead of fixating on the result.
There’s a moment in Julia where she talks about the power of food to bring people together, to nurture and heal. That message hit me deeply. In a time when I felt disconnected from myself and the world, cooking Julia’s recipes became my way of rebuilding those connections. It was my love letter to myself, my family, and the little joys I had overlooked.
Even now, long after my recovery, I find myself returning to Julia’s world. Her voice is a constant reminder that life is better when it’s seasoned with laughter, butter, and a pinch of perseverance.
So, here’s to Julia—my late-night haven, my culinary muse, and my unexpected guide through the fog. In her own words, “Bon appétit!”
As the world slows down, the air fills with laughter, the glow of twinkling lights warms every heart, and the smell of freshly baked treats wafts through cozy homes—it’s Christmas.
This season is a gentle reminder of all that truly matters:
✨ Kindness that lights up someone’s world.
✨ Generosity that expects nothing in return.
✨ Love that bridges gaps and brings us closer.
Let’s celebrate not just with gifts but with moments—shared stories, hearty laughs, and quiet gratitude for the people who make life meaningful. Whether it’s a call to a distant friend, a hug to a loved one, or a simple act of care for someone in need, let’s spread the magic of this season far and wide.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of togetherness. 🌟
Welcome to Diary of Clichés, a podcast hosted by Kay, the storyteller behind Kay’s Odyssey and the author of the bestselling book Diary of Clichés. Here, Kay shares her personal journey through secret confessions, tales of adventure, and bittersweet lessons learned along the way, while inviting you to explore your own story. In this candid and captivating podcast, Kay dives into: 📚 The Healing Power of Books: From Sylvia Plath’s poignant poetry to the transformative wisdom in Women Who Run with the Wolves, and of course, the life lessons in her own Diary of Clichés, Kay reflects on how mindful reading and writing can change your perspective. 😂 Funny and Awkward Moments: Laugh along as she shares her unexpected encounter with Ashton Kutcher at a hackathon tackling human trafficking and child abuse, causes close to her heart. ✈️ The Magic of Travel: Relive Kay’s love affair with the electric charm of San Francisco and the transformative experiences that travel can bring. 🍿 Food & Film: Celebrate the unsung hero of cinema—food!—as Kay discusses how it can upstage even the most dramatic plot twists. ❤️ Love & Relationships: Drawing from her own Diary of Clichés, Kay unpacks the complexities of modern relationships with personal musings and heartfelt short stories. 🍛 Family Dynamics: Laugh along as she explores the chaos, humor, and love bubbling in the modern Indian kitchen. 🎤 Public Speaking & Improv: Discover how Toastmasters and improv turned Kay into a confident speaker, and how Diary of Clichés became a testament to her storytelling journey. 📖 Nostalgia for Childhood Books: Revisit the beloved books of Kay’s childhood and the lasting impact they’ve had on her life—and how her own book might just become a favorite for someone else. With relatable stories, humor, and heartfelt insights, Diary of Clichés celebrates the universal experiences that connect us all. Kay proves that even the most familiar tropes—those clichés we all know—can hold profound meaning and unexpected beauty. Grab your copy of Diary of Clichés, tune into the podcast, and start uncovering the magic in your own story.
Episode 1: Diary of Cliches: Introducing Kay
Welcome to Diary of Clichés, a podcast hosted by Kay, the storyteller behind Kay’s Odyssey and the author of the bestselling book Diary of Clichés. Here, Kay shares her personal journey through secret confessions, tales of adventure, and bittersweet lessons learned along the way, while inviting you to explore your own story.
In this candid and captivating podcast, Kay dives into:
📚 The Healing Power of Books: From Sylvia Plath’s poignant poetry to the transformative wisdom in Women Who Run with the Wolves, and of course, the life lessons in her own Diary of Clichés, Kay reflects on how mindful reading and writing can change your perspective.
😂 Funny and Awkward Moments: Laugh along as she shares her unexpected encounter with Ashton Kutcher at a hackathon tackling human trafficking and child abuse, causes close to her heart.
✈️ The Magic of Travel: Relive Kay’s love affair with the electric charm of San Francisco and the transformative experiences that travel can bring.
🍿 Food & Film: Celebrate the unsung hero of cinema—food!—as Kay discusses how it can upstage even the most dramatic plot twists.
❤️ Love & Relationships: Drawing from her own Diary of Clichés, Kay unpacks the complexities of modern relationships with personal musings and heartfelt short stories.
🍛 Family Dynamics: Laugh along as she explores the chaos, humor, and love bubbling in the modern Indian kitchen.
🎤 Public Speaking & Improv: Discover how Toastmasters and improv turned Kay into a confident speaker, and how Diary of Clichés became a testament to her storytelling journey.
📖 Nostalgia for Childhood Books: Revisit the beloved books of Kay’s childhood and the lasting impact they’ve had on her life—and how her own book might just become a favorite for someone else.
With relatable stories, humor, and heartfelt insights, Diary of Clichés celebrates the universal experiences that connect us all. Kay proves that even the most familiar tropes—those clichés we all know—can hold profound meaning and unexpected beauty.
Grab your copy of Diary of Clichés, tune into the podcast, and start uncovering the magic in your own story.
One thing I hope people say about me is that I made them feel seen, heard, and understood—not just in a surface-level way, but truly, deeply, in a way that helped them connect with the core of who they are. I hope my words, whether written or spoken, reminded them that their story—no matter how messy, complicated, or unconventional—is valid, beautiful, and worthy of being told.
That’s the heart of Diary of Clichés. When I sat down to write it, I wasn’t just creating a collection of stories. I was opening a window into the raw, unpolished moments of my life, hoping that somewhere, someone would read it and feel less alone. Whether it’s navigating heartbreak, finding humor in the chaos, or learning to see clichés as universal truths that connect us, my goal has always been to inspire others to embrace their own narrative.
So, if someone can look back and say, “She inspired me to live authentically and to love my story, flaws and all,” that would mean the world to me. Because at the end of the day, Diary of Clichés is more than just a book—it’s an invitation to rediscover yourself through the shared experiences that make us human.
I’ve always believed that stories have an incredible power to connect us, even when we’re miles apart in experience or circumstance. They act as bridges, spanning the gap between “me” and “you,” reminding us that beneath the surface, our fears, joys, and dreams are often strikingly similar. If there’s one thing I hope people say about me, it’s that I built those bridges—that my words made them feel less alone, less invisible, and a little more hopeful.
When I began writing Diary of Clichés, I didn’t set out to craft a perfect narrative or even a particularly polished one. Instead, I wanted to hold up a mirror to the kind of life we all live but don’t always talk about. The life filled with contradictions, failed plans, and moments of sheer absurdity that somehow manage to teach us the most profound lessons. I wanted to write something that didn’t just sit prettily on a shelf but leaped into people’s lives, offering them solace, a laugh, or even just a quiet moment of reflection.
Writing has always been my therapy. There’s something about putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—that allows me to process emotions in ways I can’t otherwise. It’s as if the act of writing gives me permission to admit the things I’m afraid to say out loud. For years, my journal was the one place I felt free to be completely honest. There, I could lay bare my insecurities, wrestle with heartbreak, and even laugh at my own expense without judgment.
But as I poured my thoughts onto those pages, something surprising happened: I began to notice patterns. Stories I’d thought were unique to me turned out to be universal. Phrases I’d dismissed as tired clichés—like “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” or “love is blind”—started to resonate in unexpected ways. These clichés weren’t just filler; they were shorthand for the messy, complicated truths of life. And that realization became the foundation for Diary of Clichés.
The book isn’t just a collection of stories; it’s a journey through the clichés we live by, often unknowingly. It’s an exploration of how these overused phrases, when viewed through a personal lens, can hold surprising depth and meaning. It’s about taking the tired and making it transformative. And through that process, I hope readers feel a little braver about embracing their own lives—the glorious highs, the crushing lows, and all the awkward in-betweens.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that writing can heal in ways we don’t fully understand. It helps us untangle the mess in our minds, putting structure to chaos. And when we share those writings with others, we invite them into a space where they can find their own meaning, their own healing. With Diary of Clichés, I wanted to create that space. A space where readers can laugh, cry, and maybe even roll their eyes, but ultimately walk away feeling seen.
So if someone, somewhere, reads this book and says, “She made me feel like my story mattered,” then I’ll know I’ve done my job. Because at the end of the day, that’s what I hope people remember about me: that I encouraged them to own their stories, to find beauty in the imperfections, and to know that they’re never alone in the chaos.
Life isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about embracing the journey, clichés and all. And maybe, just maybe, Diary of Clichés will inspire others to do the same.
Kay’s Odyssey 