When I began my small home bakery in Lucknow, I imagined achievement would always be about "more"—more orders, more followers, more expansion. And truthfully, on the slow days, when the oven remained still and my phone didn't ring, I would grow restless and even a bit defeated.

But then, something changed. Rather than just looking at what wasn't, I began paying attention to what was. A customer comment about how my cake is what made a child's birthday extra special. The aroma of chocolate wafting through my home as I worked in my own area, at my own pace. The simple fact that I even had the option to create something I love from home.

That's when thanks came in—and it turned everything around. No, it didn't magically remove difficulties, but it eased them. It made the late nights, the setbacks, and the waiting periods less heavy.

Gratitude helps me remember that even when things don't go perfectly, there's always so much beauty in the process. And perhaps that's the true secret—achievement isn't just about pursuing what comes next. Occasionally, it's about taking a moment to appreciate life for where you are.