My Interview with #EatMyNews

Sonal Chhibber - Define Success on Your Own Terms, Achieve It by Your Own Rules, and Build a Life You’re Proud to Live (Writer From India)

(Award-Winning Author, Influencer, Journalist, Motivational Speaker and Life Coach)

"Never give up on your dreams. It’s difficult to wait, but it is more difficult to regret." Sonal Chhibber is an Indian ex-pat living in Dubai for the past 14 years with her family. She is an Indian-born and Dubai-based Award-winning Author, Content Writer, Poetess, Digital Content Creator, Motivational Speaker, Wellness Influencer, Mompreneur and above all a dedicated Mother.

She is the founder of ‘Living_life_on_own_terms lifestyle blog, which is now considered one of the most loved Lifestyle blogs in Dubai and has grown to become a community. She is a sassy Lifestyle Blogger/ Influencer, who is passionate about Fitness, Fashion, Food, Friends, & Films. She is not only a Social Media Star but is also an Editor, Writer, and a renowned Global Indian Influencer. She started her blog on Instagram @living_life_on_own_terms, due to her passion for sharing her thoughts on women empowerment, parenting, ex-pat life, self-care, beauty, wellness, fashion, food, books, mindfulness, spirituality, and travel. She seeks to inspire and empower women all over the world and believes that women are the cornerstone of family and society at large.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

Hi, I am Sonal Chhibber. I am an Award-winning Writer, International Celebrity Author, Educator, Journalist, Life Coach, Travel Blogger, Global Wellness Influencer, Mompreneur, and most importantly a Mother. I am an Indian ex-pat living in Dubai for the past 15 yrs with my family. Educationally, I have a degree in Business Management and Teaching and had a successful career in the corporate & educational sector, before taking a career break to balance out my family life. While I loved being at home & spending quality time with my family, still a side of me was looking to venture out. That is when I decided to pursue my passion for writing. After winning a writing contest by Khaleej Times, my inputs started getting featured in reputed newspapers, magazines, websites, books, radio, TV & blog portals in Dubai, India, UK, the USA, and South Africa. This got me much needed appreciation, acknowledgement, and respect. So, with encouragement from my family, I decided to follow my dreams and #BustAMyth that women who have taken a career break are less ambitious or committed to their work. As I enjoy writing, communicating, and connecting with people and love to pen down my thoughts, I started my personal blog as an Influencer to share my inputs & experiences, and unleashed my passion for becoming an Author and released my books, and became a renowned Writer. Also as an Editor-in-chief, Content Writer & Journalist for a popular fashion magazine in Dubai, I interviewed many famous Celebrities globally. My favourite self-authored book has been 'Living life on your own terms. This ideology is the basic foundation of my life and the cornerstone of my Instagram blog aptly titled @living_life_on_own_terms as I truly believe in living life on my own terms and encourage others to do the same. I believe in life & let live. I seek to inspire and empower all, especially women. 2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? I used to love reading books and used to write poems and articles when I was in school and used to feel good when my entries were published in school magazines. Then in college, English and Political Science were my favourite subjects. I used to be Chief Editor in my college (St. Xaviers, Mumbai) and was responsible for bringing out a Political science journal named 'Politique'. Writing is something that comes to me naturally and I love to write as it's my inborn talent & passion. Initially, I used to write about Politics but gradually started writing about life and women, as I feel women are the backbone of the family and society at large. Today, as an acclaimed Writer & Influencer, I write on various topics such as Expat Life, Motherhood, Parenting, Kids, Travel, Books, Fashion, Celebrities, Lifestyle, Wellness, etc. I like to share my thoughts and experiences to uplift & motivate people. 3. Is it a financially stable career? Any creative field has its set of challenges, the Writing field is no exception. To get good publishers and regularly paid assignments is a bit of a challenge, but nevertheless if one continues to work hard & produce good content, then in due course of time, one will get good work, recognition & accolades. 4. Who is your favourite writer and why? My all-time favourite Writer is Louise Hay. I love her books as she focuses on how we can change our life by thinking positive thoughts & having a good mindset. She advocates the ideology that ‘No matter what the problem is, it comes from our thoughts, and the solution lies in changing our thought patterns.’ The very fact that ‘We control our thoughts and our thoughts don’t control us’ is an empowering statement for me.

5. Where does your inspiration lie? I think it’s essential to find inspiration from your own life and spiritual experiences. Having been an avid traveller, I observe places, people, surroundings, real-life incidents, deep conversations & divine connect with nature; to form my opinions & thoughts, which helps me to churn out meaningful & relevant content in form of inspirational poems, motivational articles, empowering videos, travel & wellness blogs, exemplary books, etc. I recently got the Best Writer & Poetess Award 2021, Inspirational Woman Award 2021, Best Blogger Award & International Celebrity Author Award. Also, got nominated by Filmfare, WIBA & GCA for Change Maker of the year award, Travel blogger award, Wellness Icon Award, Most Fashionable Influencer award, and Best Lifestyle Blogger Award. I was featured in the "TOP 100 Influencers" list and was awarded & felicitated with Trophy & Certificate, & my life story was published in 'Top 100 Inspiring Stories' by The Child Prodigy Magazine, India.

I've learned 'people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' So, the idea is to be inspired and be inspiring. My success mantra is: “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you're proud to live.”