News Story:
Title: From Forced Laughter to Authentic Self-Expression: A Journey of Finding Strength in Kindness
In a world where kindness is often mistaken for weakness, one woman’s journey from being a doormat to standing up for herself is a powerful reminder that true niceness doesn’t come at the expense of self-respect.
Kalyani Abhyankar, a professor of law and mindset coach, shares her personal story of realizing the difference between being kind and being a doormat. From her days in seventh grade, where she would force a laugh as her classmates made jokes at her expense, to her teenage years of being the designated “good sport” who could take any joke, Kalyani realized that her silence was not a sign of maturity, but a betrayal of her own self-worth.
The turning point came during her first year of college when a teammate made a cruel joke about her work ethic. Instead of laughing it off as she had done for years, something inside Kalyani snapped. She realized that her laughter was not a sign of resilience, but a defense mechanism that was slowly dimming her light.
Through therapy, self-help books, and open conversations with friends, Kalyani learned the importance of setting boundaries and standing up for herself. She discovered that true strength lies in acknowledging when something hurts and addressing it directly, with calmness, dignity, and firmness.
Today, Kalyani considers herself a kind person, but she no longer sacrifices her dignity for the sake of niceness. She has found a balance between being kind and being assertive, and she encourages others to do the same.
To those who find themselves in a similar situation—laughing when they want to cry, smiling when they want to scream—Kalyani’s message is clear: Your feelings matter, your discomfort is valid, and your voice deserves to be heard. Being nice doesn’t mean being silent, and standing up for yourself doesn’t make you any less kind.
The journey from forced laughter to authentic self-expression is not easy, but it is necessary for rebuilding self-worth and finding true strength in kindness. Kalyani’s story serves as a reminder that the strongest form of kindness is the kind you show yourself.
As Kalyani continues to inspire others through her work on LinkedIn and beyond, she hopes that her story will empower individuals to find their voice, set boundaries, and never again laugh at the expense of their own dignity.