Sonder: The Connection Between City Lights and Stories

This post, and probably this entire blog, is an ode to the towering, glinting buildings and cityscapes in which I have found solace. There is something about being a city girl (or perhaps it’s the artist in me), that’s always drawn to the view from a window — whether it’s the buildings, the streets, the mountains, or the people moving through it all. Growing up in Mumbai, I’d lose myself in the view from the highways, especially my favorite—the Lalbagh Flyover—watching the buildings, houses, and clouds zip past. And now, as a student in Canada, I find the same quiet fascination in the glow of yellow lights from the windows outside my balcony.

There’s just something about the views – it feels dreamy and inspiring.

All my life I have been a thinker – a deep thinker and observer. And somewhere between all the thinking and observing, I fell in love with the art of storytelling and writing. I remember the thrill I’d feel as an 8- or 9-year-old when my mom would challenge me—she’d jot down a random set of words on a piece of paper and tell me to spin a story out of it. I’d rush to the smallest room in the house, close the door, and scribble away. Sometimes I’d fill pages, and other times it’d be just enough to cover that same sheet she’d given me.

I’ve been inspired by many things—books, filmmaking, screenwriting, and digital content, it all serves as a reminder of the impact storytelling can have on you. I want to be a part of that. And I’m sure you know that feeling—when a good movie, a heartwarming book, or even a deep conversation leaves you inspired like John Keating from Dead Poets Society does. Yeah, me too.

Creative writing and content creation have an irresistible charm to me because they offer a way to shape the intangible — thoughts, emotions, and ideas — into something others can experience and connect with. There’s an inherent magic in starting with a blank page or blank reel and bringing entire worlds to life, letting characters breathe, and expressing the subtleties of the human experience. One of the most endearing aspects is the sheer vulnerability that comes with creating such kind of content, both written and visual. They are sharing a piece of themselves, whether it’s a fleeting feeling, a deep conviction, or a wild imagination. It takes courage to reveal your thoughts and ideas – to be real and unscripted. Yet, precisely this exposure makes the work you put out there so much more beautiful, right?

Storytelling taps into the universal human desire to make sense of the world. That is what art is to me, what visual and written stories are to me, just us trying to understand ourselves and the lives we live. We want to find a way to dig into those messy parts of our lives, analyze them, and find a way to express them with clarity. And that is precisely what I like about the city lights, they are tiny squares giving you glimpses into people’s lives and how they are living out their existence in their homes. In my life, there is a huge connection between the cityscapes and my creative expression. Standing on a balcony or glancing through the window, I see more than just buildings – I see life happening, and it fuels the storyteller in me.

As a word I recently learned comes to mind: Sonder-noun–the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. Each person is navigating their own narrative, much like characters in a story. And, as a writer, I find comfort in this, especially during tough times. Knowing that others are out there living through similar highs and lows adds a profound sense of connection to my work. My content isn’t just about me – it’s a reflection of the shared human experience, one that connects people across time and place (oh, I can go on and on about this!!)

So, when I’m looking out at views filled with buildings, streets with endless lights, colorful people, and intricate architecture, it serves as both a muse and a reminder of the vast array of stories waiting to be told. In the moments when I feel overwhelmed or disconnected, the view from the balcony, or a drive through the city, sparks that sense of excitement and purpose again. I see in those city lights the stories I have yet to write and the impact I have yet to create on others.

The stories I write, the videos I film, the various kinds of content I create, it all is so, so freeing. In this creative expression, I am free to defy logic, invent new possibilities, or reflect reality in its rawest form. There’s no single “right” way to create. Every new project is a journey for me – a chance to discover new parts of myself or the world and a chance to break boundaries and write the untold.

So, whether I’m gazing out at the flickering city lights from a balcony, or weaving together stories from my own experiences, one thing remains constant: the magic of observation, of connection. There’s always something new to learn, a fresh perspective to explore, and countless stories yet to be told.

In the end, maybe that’s why I keep coming back to this — writing, creating, sharing. It’s my way of making sense of this chaotic, beautiful, mysterious world and, hopefully, leaving a little bit of myself in it too. And who knows? Maybe next time you’re walking down a city street or glancing out at the skyline, you’ll see the stories waiting to unfold too. And you’ll find your own ways to express it. After all, we’re all just tiny lights in a vast city, each with our own authentic tale to tell. Until next time, keep looking, keep wondering, and keep writing your own story.

To all the city lights and tiny characters within them – thank you.