Dear Fighter,

First, let me tell you this: you are not alone. I know it feels lonely when you're staring into an empty refrigerator or pouring yourself another glass of water to quiet the hunger pangs, but so many people around you—your neighbors, coworkers, strangers on the street—are fighting the same invisible battle. And it is a battle. One where the odds often feel stacked against you, especially when you're doing everything "right" (working full-time, sharing expenses) and still struggling to keep your head above water. It's unjust. It's heartbreaking. And yet, here you are, still standing. That’s no small thing.

Now let’s talk about the things you can do—both practical steps and emotional shifts—to make your fight a little less grueling.

Living in a country like India, where the cost of living can vary wildly depending on your city, even full-time jobs don’t always pay enough to cover basic needs. And let’s be honest: culturally, there’s often a stigma attached to admitting that you're struggling. Society tends to look down on financial vulnerability as if it’s a personal failing, rather than the product of systemic inequities. But let me remind you: your worth is not tied to your income. Struggling to afford food does not make you less capable, less ambitious, or less deserving of dignity.

Let’s be real: skipping meals and worrying about money constantly isn’t just a financial problem—it’s an emotional one. Hunger doesn’t just gnaw at your stomach; it gnaws at your sense of security, confidence, and self-worth.

When the world feels unkind, you must be your own compassion source. So, try this:

• Reframe Your Story: Instead of seeing your situation as a failure, recognize it as a temporary chapter in a much larger narrative. You’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got, and that’s heroic.

• Practice Gratitude: It feels counterintuitive when things are tough, but focusing on small moments of joy—a sunny day, a kind word, or even the feeling of cold water on a hot day—can shift your mindset just enough to keep going.

Even as you’re focused on surviving day-to-day, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Ask yourself:

• Are there ways to upskill or pursue training to increase your earning potential in the long run?

• Could you explore living arrangements or job opportunities in a city with a lower cost of living?

• Is there a trusted family member or friend you can talk to, not for financial help, but for guidance or emotional support?

Remember, this is not your forever. It’s just your for now.

One of the cruelest parts of financial struggle is the shame that often comes with it. But let me tell you: that shame does not belong to you. It belongs to a world that makes it harder for good, hardworking people to thrive. It belongs to a society that prioritizes profits over people. It belongs to a system that was broken long before you ever entered it.

You, my friend, are not broken. You are resilient. You are resourceful. You are doing what it takes to survive, even when it means drinking water to stave off hunger. That’s a testament to your strength, not a reflection of your value.

In moments of scarcity, it’s easy to focus solely on survival. But don’t forget to carve out space for tiny joys. Maybe it’s a ten-rupee chai with your favorite biscuit, a walk in the park, or a call with an old friend. These moments may seem insignificant, but they’re what will sustain you when the road feels endless.

Finally, remember this: Asking for help, sharing your struggles, or even just admitting to yourself that this is hard does not make you weak. It makes you human. And being human is messy and complicated and, yes, sometimes unfairly hard. But it’s also beautiful. And you? You’re right in the middle of that beauty, even if you can’t see it yet.

So keep fighting, keep asking questions, and keep looking for light, even when the darkness feels overwhelming. You’ve already shown tremendous courage by reaching out. That’s the first step toward something better.

Yours in solidarity,

Maddy