What Is the Most Inspiring Story You’ve Ever Heard?

A rags-to-riches story of a business tycoon? A sportsperson’s incredible comeback after a bad phase? A heartwarming success story of an influencer you follow on social media? I’m sure your mind is flipping through memories, searching for that one inspirational story.

Let me introduce you to Smitha Menon.

Smitha was a bank employee working far from home. She was an ordinary woman, dedicated to her family, living a simple life with no big dreams. Every day, she commuted by train to work, spending more than three hours traveling back and forth. To pass the time, she read books and chatted with fellow passengers.

One day, while traveling, Smitha noticed a magazine that a stranger was reading. The cover had a stunning image of colorful flowers with the title “Valley of Flowers.” She couldn’t resist her curiosity and asked if she could read it. It was a copy of Namaskar, the Air India in-flight magazine.

The article was a travel story written by someone who had visited Uttaranchal — now known as Uttarakhand, the 27th state of India. The traveler described his journey to this breathtaking place, filled with rare flowers and rich wildlife. The words painted a magical picture of Devbhoomi (the land of the gods).

As Smitha read, an unexplainable desire grew within her — she wanted to visit this place. She quietly promised herself that one day, she would.

However, life went on. As she returned the magazine and stepped off the train, reality took over. Like many working women, she buried her dream under daily responsibilities and almost forgot about it. But she was content with her life.

One day, while traveling with her husband and little daughter, something unexpected happened. Another vehicle suddenly appeared in their path. In a split second, her husband swerved to the side, and their car crashed into a roadside fence.

All of them were seriously injured, but tragically, her husband did not survive. Smitha was hospitalized for a long time. She and her daughter miraculously survived, but their lives changed forever.

Her happiness ended that day. From then on, her focus was only on her career and raising her daughter — with the support of her parents.

To find solace, she started a small garden. She nurtured plants and flowers, speaking to them as if they were her children. She shared her sorrows with them, and in return, they gave her peace. She also had a passion for photography and used a small camera to capture the beauty of her garden.

Years passed. One day, while working at the bank, she was helping a customer when she casually asked what he did for a living.

“I’m a photographer,” he replied. “I also organize travel camps across India and abroad. My next trip is to Valley of Flowers.”

Smitha couldn’t believe her ears! After so many years, someone had mentioned her dream destination again. She immediately asked if she could join the trip. The photographer agreed and asked her to prepare for the journey.

Excited but nervous, she shared her plans with her mother. However, her mother was hesitant. She was worried about leaving a teenage girl alone at home and also about how society would judge a widow traveling alone.

Smitha was shocked but determined. She decided to go ahead with her plan.

She started preparing — reading more about the Valley of Flowers, walking regularly to get fit for the hike, and buying warm clothes. She shared her dream with her daughter, who supported her decision. Though her family was skeptical, her parents were happy for her. Her colleagues cheered her on for finally chasing her long-lost dream.

A Journey to Remember

Finally, the day arrived. She traveled with a group of photography and travel enthusiasts, all excitedly sharing their past travel experiences Smitha listened silently, enjoying every moment.

After reaching Rishikesh, they traveled to Govindghat, where they stayed overnight. The next morning, the real journey began — a 16-kilometer trek to the Valley of Flowers.

Every step was a step toward happiness. Even though the hike was tiring, everyone enjoyed the adventure. And then, at last, she arrived.

She stood in the middle of a breathtaking landscape — a sea of colorful flowers with towering mountains in the background. She felt so small in front of nature’s beauty.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She opened her arms and whispered, “I made it. I finally made it.”

In that moment, all the pain, struggles, and sorrows of her life seemed to fade away. She felt free for the first time.

When she shared her story with me, I could feel her happiness. A woman who had always put her dreams aside, who had lived just for the sake of living, had finally found a purpose.

And this was just the beginning. She continued traveling and following her passion for photography.

Today, Smitha is retired from her bank job and lives in an apartment in Kochi. Her daughter is happily married, and they have a beautiful little girl.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I asked her, “Isn’t it boring to stay at home all day?”

She just laughed and said, “I have my small balcony garden, and butterflies visit me. I’m happy watching them play around.”

Inspiring, isn’t it?