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A Day Started with a Beautiful Smile and Inner Peace

A Day Started with a Beautiful Smile and Inner Peace
A Day Started with a Beautiful Smile and Inner Peace

“Hey Friends, we’re excited to share with you the magic that happens when you start your day with a beautiful smile and inner peace. Seriously, believe it, it’s #life-#changing.”

“So, let’s rewind to this morning. I woke up to the sound of #chirping #birds and the #sunlight #pouring in. I took a moment to just breathe. You know that moment when you #realize… today is a new beginning? That’s my #secret #sauce.”

“I started by jotting down three things I’m grateful for. Today, I wrote about my #health, my wonderful #colleagues, and the chance to create. #Gratefulness shifts the focus from what’s #missing to what’s present.”

“Now let’s talk about smiling. Did you know that smiling can trick your brain into happiness? It releases those feel-good #chemicals. So, I made a ritual to stand in front of the #mirror every morning and #flash the biggest, #cheesiest smile I can #muster.”

“Now, that might look silly, but it instantly uplifts my mood. Want to join me for a quick challenge? I want you to pause right now, look in the mirror, and give yourself the biggest smile. Ready? Go!”

“After my morning ritual, I moved into some yoga. [Show different poses] Yoga is my anchor, my moment of Zen. It’s where I center my #thoughts and allow peace to flow through me. Each pose feels like a hug for my body and soul. I invite you to find your #peaceful moment in whatever form it takes.”

“And guess what? Nature always helps. I took a walk outside, breathing in the fresh air, soaking in the beauty of my surroundings. There’s something about nature that whispers, ‘Everything will be just fine.'”

“Now, let’s talk about connecting with others. I met up with a colleague for coffee, and we shared stories, jokes, and lots of laughter. There’s undeniable power in human connection. Your smile can not only light up your day but can brighten someone else’s too.”

“Imagine walking into your workspace with that radiant energy! Your positive vibe? It’s contagious! People naturally gravitate towards that enthusiasm.”

“Wrapping up my day, I realized something profound. A beautiful smile and inner peace are not just morning #feelings; they are choices we can make every #single day.”

“So here’s my challenge for you. Tomorrow morning, embrace the power of a #smile. #Cultivate your #inner #peace, and watch how it transforms the rest of your day. Let’s bring that #energy to #LinkedIn and everywhere we go.”

“Thanks for #joining us on this #beautiful #journey today. If you #found this #helpful, give this #article a #thumbs up and #share your #morning #ritual in the #comments below. Let’s spread #positivity together! Until next time, keep #smiling and stay #peaceful!”

Written By

NKS

CEO

The Female Story

A mom is a daughter’s ‘first’ friend. And, through life, becomes her best friend

A mom is a daughter’s ‘first’ friend. And, through life, becomes her best friend One Heart Touching Feeling - “Mother’s love - Cute moments with Mom” The Female Story
A mom is a daughter’s ‘first’ friend. And, through life, becomes her best friend One Heart Touching Feeling - “Mother’s love - Cute moments with Mom” One #Heart #Touching #Feeling - “#Mother’s love - Cute #moments with #Mom” #India #Motherlove #daughterlove #true #friend #womenpower #girlpower #world

One Heart Touching Feeling – “Mother’s love – Cute moments with Mom”

 One #Heart #Touching #Feeling – “#Mother’s love – Cute #moments with #Mom”

#India #Motherlove #daughterlove #true #friend #womenpower #girlpower #world

 “Hey Friends! Today, we want to share something really special to all of us—a story about #friendship, #love, and that #unbreakable #bond, we know as ‘mother-daughter.’

 “Let us take you back to the beginning.

Imagine and remember this: a tiny version of us, may be five or six years old, standing in mom’s kitchen, wearing one of her oversized aprons, trying to help her bake #cookies. Flour is everywhere, and our laughter rings out as we mischievously throw a #handful at her!

 “In that moment, our mom wasn’t just our #mother—she was our first friend, our partner in #confusions, my #confidante. And #honestly? We didn’t even realize it back then. We built a world together filled with #giggles, flour fights, and #precious #memories.

Imagine and remember this: a tiny version of us, may be five or six years old, standing in mom’s kitchen, wearing one of her oversized aprons, trying to help her bake #cookies. Flour is everywhere, and our laughter rings out as we mischievously throw a #handful at her!
Imagine and remember this: a tiny version of us, may be five or six years old, standing in mom’s kitchen, wearing one of her oversized aprons, trying to help her bake #cookies. Flour is everywhere, and our laughter rings out as we mischievously throw a #handful at her!

Ahh, don’t we all remember that phase? #Hormones, #crushes, and the #constant need to find ourselves. It was a rocky road. we pushed our mom away, felt #embarrassed about her cooking in #lunch #boxes, and cringed at her ‘#cool’ #dance moves.

 “But you know what? Even when we was stomping away in our teenage angst, she was still there—always ready with a heartfelt hug and ridiculous advice that, deep down, we knew was #crafted from love.

 “Then, reality hit. we went off to college, discovered independence, and suddenly the world felt HUGE! All those late-night phone calls with our mom? They became what we leaned on the most.

“Mom taught us how to navigate that massive expanse of life— from relationships, to career goals, and everything in between. We started to understand: she wasn’t just a mom; she was our best friend.

“Mom taught us how to navigate that massive expanse of life— from relationships, to career goals, and everything in between. We started to understand: she wasn’t just a mom; she was our best friend
“Mom taught us how to navigate that massive expanse of life— from relationships, to career goals, and everything in between. We started to understand: she wasn’t just a mom; she was our best friend

 “Now, as we stand here, living life, taking on challenges, and celebrating victories, We see it clearly—every laugh, every tear, and every lesson… they’ve only deepened that bond.

Mom is our anchor, and our friendship has blossomed into something so beautiful.

“When you think about it, a mom is your ‘first’ friend. Through every chapter of life, she becomes the one we rely on the most, the confidante with the best advice—whether we want to hear it or not.

“Just last month, we faced a setback at work. I remember calling my mom, completely overwhelmed. She listened, asked the right questions, and, of course, made us laugh in that mom way that only she can! It’s in those moments that we realize; we are beyond lucky to share this friendship.

 “So, to all the moms out there and daughters who may not realize it yet—cherish that bond! Embrace those awkward teenage years, the messy kitchen moments, the late-night phone calls. Because it transforms – it becomes a friendship that we carry throughout our lives.

 “Let’s celebrate this unique relationship! Maybe reach out to your mom today or text that daughter of yours. Remember: she is, was and will your first friend, and with every passing year, she can become your best friend too.

“Thanks for reading and remember to spread love! Until next time!”

Please share your experience and thought about mother or daughter’s love, we will share your unique mother’s or daughter’s precious moments here.

Being good people in real life, not just on social media

Being good people in real life, not just on social media #femalestory #inspiring
Being good people in real life, not just on social media #femalestory #inspiring

Hey friends! Today, we want to chat about something that’s been buzzing around in our mind lately. It’s a little thing called authenticity, and how it’s so easy to be a “good person” on social media, but sometimes trickier to get it right in real life. So, grab your coffee, kick back, and let’s dive in!

Let’s start with a scenario we can all relate to. You finish scrolling through your #Instagram and other social media platform ‘s #feed and what do you see? A highlight reel of people doing incredible things—volunteering, donating, being there for their friends—and it’s inspiring, right? But then you might catch yourself thinking, “Wow, I’m not doing enough!”

But hold on a second! Just because someone posts about their charity work or their latest act of kindness doesn’t mean they’re actually a good person in real life. we mean, we all know that sometimes social media is more about flashy photos and captions than genuine compassion and kindness. Think about it—how many times have you seen someone post a heartfelt message but then turn around and speak poorly about someone behind their back? It’s easy to look good online, but what about when the camera’s off?

So, how do we bridge this gap between our online personas and our real-life selves? Well, we’ve got a few thoughts on that.

First off, let’s practice kindness in our everyday interactions. It sounds simple, right? But think about the last time you smiled at a stranger, helped a coworker who was struggling, or just listened to someone who really needed to vent. Those moments don’t come with a “like” button, but they definitely create ripple effects of positivity in our lives and communities.

Secondly, embrace vulnerability and honesty. Instead of posting the perfect picture of your life, share your struggles too. Open up about the tough days and the messiness of being human. It’s okay to be real, and it can inspire others to do the same! we remember a time we posted about failing to meet a goal, and the amount of support and connection it generated was incredible. Authenticity breeds authenticity!

And here’s a tip: try doing good in secret! This trend has really resonated with us. Whether it’s anonymously paying for someone’s coffee or helping a friend move without posting it all over social media, the satisfaction that comes from selfless acts can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, you get to boost your intrinsic motivation instead of worrying about how many likes you’ll get!

Lastly, remember to be intentional. It’s so easy to get caught up in the social media whirlwind! Take a moment to define what it means for you to be a good person and actively look for ways to embody that in your everyday life. Whether it’s through random acts of kindness, supporting local causes, or simply being present for the people you care about—commit to it wholeheartedly.

So, our challenge to you is this: Let’s commit to being good people in real life, not just on social media.

Let’s create authentic connections, uplift others, and spread kindness—because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters. If you’re up for it, drop a comment about a small way you plan to spread kindness this week!

Thanks for hanging out with us today! Remember, let’s keep it real out there. See ya next time!

Special #Article// Happy Ganesh Chaturthi //

the festival honoring Lord #Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Imagine this: families bursting with #excitement, streets lined with #beautiful decorations, and the air filled with the #aroma of #delicious foods!"
the festival honoring Lord #Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Imagine this: families bursting with #excitement, streets lined with #beautiful decorations, and the air filled with the #aroma of #delicious foods!"

“Hey there, LinkedIn family! 🌟

Today, we want to dive into something that’s not just a personal celebration for us, but also a beautiful reminder of culture, community, and connection—

Ganesh Chaturthi!

Now, you might be asking, ‘What does #GaneshChaturthi have to do with my career?’ Well, let me take you on a quick journey that’ll not only #enlighten you about this #festive occasion but also inspire you to find #connections in your own life!”

“Every year, millions of people all around the world come together to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi—

the festival honoring Lord #Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Imagine this: families bursting with #excitement, streets lined with #beautiful decorations, and the air filled with the #aroma of #delicious foods!”

“The preparation begins weeks in advance! Think about the teamwork involved—the decorations, the sweets, the vibrant clothing, and of course, the meticulously crafted idols of Ganesha! It’s breathtaking to witness this effort; it’s like a microcosm of what we do in our professional lives—coming together to create something beautiful.”

“Now, let’s talk about the impact of this festival. You see, when we bring #Ganesha into our homes, it’s not just about festivities; it represents new beginnings. As a #business #professional, we believe this is a pivotal lesson, we can all learn from: starting fresh, embracing new #opportunities, and removing those proverbial #obstacles in our #careers !!”

“Every day during this festival, families gather to laze around with friends, sharing stories and delicious food. And let us tell you, the joy of coming together is unparalleled! It’s like a team brainstorming session, but instead of #PowerPoint presentations, we get to taste some amazing #Modaks !! And who doesn’t #love food, right?”

“But here’s the kicker—while we cherish these moments of togetherness, we also take a moment to reflect. We give thanks, we set intentions, and we invite growth and abundance. It’s a beautiful reminder that, of course, our careers can shine just as brightly if we have clarity in our goals and the support of our networks!”

“So, as you #navigate your professional #journey, remember the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi: collaboration, celebration, and courage! Whether it’s tackling a challenging project, networking with a new connection, or even stepping out for that ambitious #career leap—embrace those obstacles like Ganesha does! He #teaches us to turn #challenges into opportunities.”

“And let’s not forget the power of gratitude. As we show gratitude during this festival, it strengthens our bonds. Likewise, gratitude in our professional lives enhances our workplace culture. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way in building relationships and achieving success!”

“As we conclude our little journey today, I encourage each of you to draw #inspiration from Ganesh Chaturthi. Embrace new beginnings, surround yourself with a #supportive #community, and do not hesitate to celebrate your small wins. Because #trust us, like a grand Ganesh #procession, every little step #counts!” “Happy Ganesh Chaturthi in advance, everyone! May your paths be #cleared of obstacles, and may you thrive in all your #endeavors! Don’t forget to #share your #thoughts and let me know how you celebrate new beginnings in your life. #Like, #comment, and let’s #ignite this discussion! Until next time, keep #shining! 🌈✨”

Top 10 ways to #encourage #sharing of #LinkedIn #Articles

Top 10 ways to #encourage #sharing of #LinkedIn #Articles
Top 10 ways to #encourage #sharing of #LinkedIn #Articles

Hey there, It’s your friendly neighborhood Today, We are super excited to dive into a topic that’s ON FIRE right now: how to encourage sharing your LinkedIn articles! Let’s be real—writing them is just the first step. Getting people to SHARE them? That’s the gold mine, right?

So, We’ve compiled our **Top 10 Ways** to make your articles not just read—but SHARED! Buckle up, we’re about to hit some engagement high notes!

First up… **Captivating Headlines.** You want your article headline to grab attention faster than cat videos on a lazy Sunday. Use action verbs, pose intriguing questions, or create a sense of urgency. Like… “5 Steps to Boost Your Productivity TONIGHT!”—that’s a headline begging to be clicked!

Number two: **Deliver Value.** Think about it. No one shares mediocre content! So, craft articles that solve problems or spark curiosity. Remember, sharing is caring—especially when you’re offering something valuable to their network!

Next: **Eye-catching Visuals!** Your article needs to dance off the page! Incorporate info graphics, images, or even short videos. A picture is worth a thousand words—and a thousand shares, too!

Here’s a secret tip: **Just Ask!** At the end of your article, invite readers to share it. A simple line like, “If you found this helpful, share it with your network!” can work wonders. You’ll be surprised at how many people will help amplify your voice!

Phew! We’re only #halfway through! Let’s keep this momentum going!

Number five: **Network, Network, Network!** Share your articles in industry-relevant LinkedIn groups where your audience hangs out. But remember, add value in those groups too—don’t just drop links like they’re hot potatoes!

Sixth up on our #checklist: **#Hashtags! ** Use them wisely. Include 3-5 targeted hashtags that relate to your content. This will #help #expand your reach and get your article in front of people who want to hear what you’ve got to say!

Number seven: **Engage with Comments!** When people comment on your articles, respond to them! This helps create a sense of community and encourages more interaction, leading to more shares. Plus, who doesn’t love a good convo about their insights?

Eighth: **Share Snippets!** Create engaging snippets or quotes from your article and share them as standalone posts. This acts as a teaser and can compel your followers to click on the full article—leading to increased shares!

Number nine is over-the-top powerful: ** #Collaborate with #Influencers.** Finding the right influencer in your space to share your article can skyrocket readership and shares. It’s like getting a golden ticket to the engagement express!

And finally, number ten: **Seasonal and Timely Themes.** Align your articles with current events or seasonal trends! People love sharing what’s relevant. Be the go-to source for timely information, and watch those shares roll in!

There you have it, folks—our **Top 10 Ways** to encourage sharing of LinkedIn articles! Remember, it’s all about creating value and engaging with your community.

If you found this helpful, We’d love for you to share it with your #connections! Let’s spread the knowledge, inspire each other, and elevate our #LinkedIn game together!

Don’t forget to drop your thoughts in the comments below! What strategies have worked for you? Until next time, let’s keep sharing and shining out there.

Stop feeding our insecurities, they don’t define us

Stop feeding our insecurities, they don't define you
"When we focused on our strengths instead of our fears, everything changed. we stopped comparing ourselves to others and started celebrating small wins – like simply showing up and doing our best."

“Hey everyone! Welcome back to your own The Female Story channel. Today, we’re diving deep into something that affects all of us… insecurities. Yes, those pesky little voices that tell us we’re not enough. I want to talk about how we can stop feeding our insecurities because, you know what? They absolutely do not define who we are.”

“Picture this: you’re scrolling through your feed, and you can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. You see colleagues crushing it, launching new products, or reaching incredible milestones. Meanwhile, you’re sitting there, feeling like an imposter in your own skin. Sound familiar?”

“When we focused on our strengths instead of our fears, everything changed. we stopped comparing ourselves to others and started celebrating small wins – like simply showing up and doing our best.”

“It starts with positive self-talk. Replace those negative thoughts with affirmations. Try saying, I am capable, or I have valuable skills to share. When you catch yourself spiraling into insecurity, hit pause and consciously redirect your thoughts.”

“Also, surround yourself with a community that uplifts and inspires you. We’re social creatures, and sometimes, we just need that support to feel validated.

“So, let us start by sharing a little story. Just a few years back, a girl named Suhana (Imagination name) found herself in a situation that really tested her self-worth. She was scrolling through social media, and she couldn’t help but compare herself to others. Their perfect lives, radiant smiles, and seemingly flawless bodies made her feel… well, less than. Have you ever felt that way?”

“She started feeding her insecurities, believing the lie that she needed to look a certain way or achieve specific milestones to be accepted. She was giving those insecurities power over her. But tension grew inside her, and she knew something had to change.”

Understanding Insecurities // Self-Doubt // Fear //

“So, what are insecurities? They’re rooted in fear, comparison, and societal expectations. But here’s the kicker: inconsistency is the common thread that holds them together. They can twist our self-image, making us feel like we don’t measure up.”

“But let’s pause for a moment! Remember… insecurities are not facts; they are merely perceptions we’ve adopted. And guess what? Those perceptions can be shifted!” —

Back to Suhana // “However, there’s a powerful exercise She has done that she want to share with you! It’s called ‘flipping the script.’ It’s simple and oh-so-effective. Whenever an insecurity creeps in – like ‘she’s not smart enough’ or ‘she’s not attractive,’ challenge it! Ask yourself, ‘Is this true? What evidence do she has to support this thought?’”

“For instance, if she think, ‘she’s not good enough at her job,’ she remind herself of that promotion she received last year or the kudos she got from a colleague. That’s flipping the script!” —

“Now, here’s a little secret – embracing vulnerability is a game-changer. She’s learned that sharing her insecurities with trusted friends or even with you all here creates a powerful connection. We stop feeling alone, and that’s when growth happens.”

“So, we invite you to do the same. Open up to someone you trust about what you struggle with. You’d be surprised by the support and strength that emerges when vulnerability is shared.” —

Action Steps for Growth // “Alright, now let’s talk action! Here are three steps to start starving those insecurities and nurturing your self-worth instead.”

1. Practice Gratitude: “Every day, jot down three things you appreciate about yourself. Big or small, it all counts!”

2. Limit Social Media Exposure: “Create boundaries. Remember, people show only their highlight reels. Limit time spent comparing yourself to others.”

3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: “Seek out friends, content, and communities that uplift you. Be intentional about your environment.” —

“So, here’s the bottom line: Stop feeding your insecurities. They don’t define you! You are enough, exactly as you are.

Remember, you have the power to flip the script and reclaim your narrative.”

“If you resonated with this message or know someone who needs to hear it,

Please hit that like button, share this video, and let’s spread that positivity!

Don’t forget to comment below with your own experiences or tips.

Let’s support each other in this journey of self-discovery.”

Stop feeding our insecurities, they don’t define us

Dj Dark – Chill Vibes

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love (Dj Dark & Adrian Funk Remix)

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Silicon Valley Guru Affected by the Fulminant Slashed

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Watch Awesome Kate Go Full Cooking Pro in England this Week

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.