The Tale Of A Story Teller - Nidhi Behl Vats

Have you ever felt like you want to rant about your work to your boss? Have you ever wanted to yell at the idiotic drivers in the traffic? Do you not feel powerless when the relatives taunt you for not getting married or not getting a cushy government job? We all have been there. And we all have been powerless, and the reason has been not able to tell your story. Everyone deserves to express their side, their story. 

Today we bring to you the story of Nidhi Behl Vats, founder of the platform formed in 2017, 'storyofsouls.com'. The platform welcomes unheard individuals to express their stories and unleash the 'superman' inside them.

The Story behind StoryOfSouls

As a child, Nidhi was fond of treasures. As she grew up, she realized that childhood was the actual treasure, playing hide and seek with her. And the childhood stories were the most precious jewels of that treasure. Nidhi explains to us the importance of stories. 

"Since childhood, stories have been my way of understanding life, situations, and experiences. When I was a child, I was fond of listening to my seniors, elders, and teachers. And what is life but a long story? Through the shared experiences, stories, and wisdom imparted to me, I learned my lessons and became more skilled and experienced in handling the situations of my life. It has been my way of stepping ahead in life, which led me to think that if I can learn from people around me, why cannot people learn from the real-life stories of others? Someone’s story may hold the key to someone else’s lock. This sharing of motivating life stories and experiences might help many others to believe in themselves. Sharing real stories of how someone crossed over an ardours challenge can make the readers believe that it is possible, and one needs to keep holding onto their faith."

Early Days

Pessimism is the staple diet of our society. When I began StoryOfSouls, people were shocked and surprised that I was eagerly ‘investing my money for the world’. They criticized me, saying that my idea will not generate handsome revenue. But in those times, my hubby supported me and as did some brilliant women. Almost all of them believed in me more than I believed in myself. With time, we started getting great stories. And all good things have a habit of going viral. With each passing day, we started getting more stories. The impact of these great stories was visible. A lot of people joined us, and the chain began. 

The platform, StoryofSouls possess an optimistic vision of being the torchbearer of the uncommon life stories of common men. Our society outlaws many people like acid attack survivors, prisoners, call boys and many others. We wanted people to let go of their emotional burden and heal from it. We wanted the voice of such people to echo amidst white noise. We wanted the world to hear the unheard stories of those people. 

Role Models and Inspiration 

Mother nature has taught us that every butterfly in the park is important, as is every flower in the garden. All the people whom we interact with are role models in one way or the other. Every story is unique. There is some sort of struggle in everyone’s life. But these people fight the tough times, stand out the test of time to come out as a winner. But they are not received with trophies or accolades and they are least bothered with that. This is what inspiration for me. 

I have seen people who have donated with one hand without letting their other hand know. I have witnessed those who willingly help others even when they are in dire need of help. I have seen people who help without money- by referring, co-branding, believing in blessings, doing something without expecting anything in return. There is so much to learn from all these people who are still living in this world. Still, we say people are selfish. NO! humanity is still alive, and my vision is to help by letting these noble activities grow. 

Life Before and Life after the StoryofSouls 

Before initiating this platform, I was working without any vision, and with no confidence or belief in myself. Today, I am confident as the platform is standing strong after four years of existence. The credit goes to the platform, the beautiful people associated with the platform, and their courageous stories. 

StoryofSouls have completely changed my thought process and perspective. I feel happy that I have helped someone just by sitting at home and pursuing my passion. Those who know me respect me for my honesty and integrity. I have my character built in these four years. I thought I was helping them, but in fact, these people have helped me to know what is right for humanity. 

Building Resilience 

Being fond of the life stories of people, I am aware that a person overcoming the challenges in their journey is a crucial part. Resilience is the quality of a person to overcome the hurdles of life by using effective coping techniques. These are some activities that have been helping people in building resilience: 

1. Self-talk
2. Meditation 
3. Having Patience 
4. Inculcating Faith 
5. Focus on Self-improvement.
6. Believing in the power of the universe 

Note to the Aspiring Writers

For budding writers, my message is clear and concise. Keep writing, and keep improving. Write with a whole heart; write when your heart is bleeding with emotions. For, writing is an expression of your creativity. Go with the flow and believe in the power of thoughts and words that you write. With time, you will grow as a writer. 

You will shine when your time is right. At the same time, be wary of the fact that you will find great things beyond money in this profession. I have done some assignments in the past not for the money but for the sake of the great stories I believed in. And I have let go of some decent-paying work because I did not believe in the story. 

Thus, I have tried to stay true to my morals and values. Lastly, I would like to say that always think carefully before making a choice and have a clear vision. 

Soul of StoryofSouls 

The platform, the stories, and the people have been so addictive that I have found my new kick in the form of StoryOfSouls. It took me on the beautiful path I was destined to walk on. People are busy finding their calling but I found my calling through this platform. It is said that we must leave something for society before we die. I wish to take this platform to the level where it starts to operate on its own and keep growing even in my absence. Today, I am the one who is representing it, tomorrow someone else would be the promoter. Despite this, the cause must stay intact. 

Awards and Achievements 

I have been associated with several Indian and International magazines. I was awarded as WOW– Social media inspirer and 100x Woman index by Her Story Times. Also, I have been lucky enough to showcase my presence on All India Radio, speaking on how women can work from home successfully. But the best achievement I have ever got would be all these messages which value and admire our stories. 

We never knew we would be an inspiration someday. But these stories have helped several people fight their battle from depression. I believe this fame is nothing but good Karma. I have received several awards, and for me, this is just a blessing. Some people have reached a whole new level. Our stories have played a vital role in guiding some readers on the new path in their life. 

Overcoming the Hurdles 

I am proud of my team members, who have never met me but are always with me. There have been times when we had financial issues. But by grace, we got the necessary help from our well-wishers. My team made a noteworthy contribution when they worked for four months without any pay. They said that it is their passion to promote this and bring these stories to the world. I have specially-abled people on my team, and I honestly want to give them a chance to rise. We are practicing what we are preaching. 

Speaking about hurdles on this journey, my team and I have had our fair share of it. Money, the most necessary evil of all, is essential. Domains, tools, and other gadgets do not understand the concept of humanity or charity. And then comes one of the most notorious societal evil - to doubt the ability of females. 

Another hurdle is to have a sustainable model, especially in the day and age of a pandemic where we often get across trust issues due to the concept of ‘work from home’. Yet, it is their perspective. I merely smile and move on. You usually attain what you focus on, so it is vital to keep your focus right. In my opinion, everything is important, and big if you value it. On the contrary, everything is small if you cannot value it.

Goal 

Since the nascent stage, our goal has been to bring about a change, to give something meaningful to the world. Now that the bulk stories are coming out, we need to work on a sustainable model for this cause. We do not work to meet the deadlines. Rather, we work to impact the lives of our readers. The vibes are still the same within StoryOfSouls, despite the hurdles that were in this journey. 

Life beyond StoryofSouls 

Apart from managing my team and sharing stories, I enjoy meditating, and I love to write. I often tune in to music and songs to keep myself happy. I want to help as many people as I can and I am passionate about it since that is my hobby. 

And Then There Was Pandemic

The dark era of the pandemic has brought a simmering ray of hope for us. 

We have witnessed our website getting ranked on the top page. Throughout the pandemic, we had been busy helping others through the barter system. Staying busy during lockdown is the best part. A busy mind helps in staying active and positive. I have been working from home for the last ten years. Hence, nothing much has changed for me in terms of working. 

Message to the Readers 

Embrace the silence and let it speak to you. You might not know yourself yet. Gradually as you get to know yourself, you will soar high. Every birth has a purpose, find yours, and you will have a life full of abundance. And, last but not least, do not judge anyone; you are yet to know the story of their soul.