Nepal, March 8 -- Living life with a little bit of positivity and a whole lot of courage

80-year-old Thuli Maya Sunuwar is up hours before sunrise and starts work much before many of us have even had our morning cup of tea or coffee. Her knees and back hurt, she has troubles with her sight, and she can feel her body slowly giving up because things she once did with ease take a lot of effort now. However, she continues with her regime, one she has followed for the last decade and makes her way to her small stall in front of the Tudal Devi Mandir in Bishal Nagar, Kathmandu. Throughout the day, she makes and sells what is arguably the best 'aloo parathas' (round flatbread with potato fillings) in the valley.

She comes to her stall at six i...