# My Passion for Self-Expression #

“Passion is the fire that lights your soul, even in the darkest hours.”
—Vijay Verma

Daily writing prompt
What are you passionate about?

Hello, my friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful and inspired mood. Today’s writing prompt stirs something deep within me: “What are you passionate about?”

It’s a simple question, yet it unlocks the vast chambers of the heart, revealing what truly sets our souls on fire.

Passion is the unseen thread that intertwines purpose into our lives. It is what causes our hearts to beat a little faster, our eyes to shine a little brighter, and our days to feel more meaningful.

If you’re fortunate enough to discover what you are passionate about, you have found a treasure more valuable than gold.

For me, passion arrived like a guest long overdue. In the early part of life, I was immersed in the world of finance, figures, and balance sheets—a stable, respectable career in banking.

But like a painting that hides its true colors beneath the first few brushstrokes, my life held more beneath the surface.

Only after retirement did I truly discover my passions—writing, painting, storytelling, and connecting with people through emotions.

It’s strange how we can live for decades without fully listening to the whispers of our inner selves. But when I finally did, it was as if a thousand silent songs burst into melody.

Writing has become the language through which I understand myself and the world.

Whether I’m writing a heartfelt poem, a short story, or a thoughtful blog post, I feel alive when I write.

Words allow me to freeze fleeting emotions, give shape to memories, and create bridges between people’s hearts.

Through my blog, I’ve found not just an audience, but a community—a fellowship of readers who laugh, cry, and reflect with me.

Writing helps me dig deeper into life’s questions, especially the ones we often brush aside in our busy routines.

Then there’s painting—a passion I never knew I had. My brushes are now my companions, and every blank canvas is a doorway to imagination.

Abstract art especially thrills me. There’s freedom in it. No rules, no boundaries—just colors flowing like feelings, sometimes chaotic, sometimes serene.

I often paint late into the night, when the world is quiet and my thoughts are loud. It’s meditative, a way to express what cannot be said in words.

Every stroke is a heartbeat. Every hue is a mood. And every finished painting is a piece of my soul made visible.

Passion also resides in my love for storytelling. I believe we all carry countless untold stories within us—stories of love, loss, triumph, and longing.

When I narrate these tales, whether through spoken word or written prose, I feel connected to something eternal.

There is magic in storytelling—it connects generations, preserves culture, and heals wounds. When I see a reader resonate with a story I’ve written, I know my passion has served a purpose beyond myself.

Why does it matter what we care about? Because our passions bring meaning to everyday moments.

They help us stay strong during tough times and give us something to look forward to each day. Passion makes us feel truly alive—not just existing, but living.

I often meet people who say they haven’t yet found their passion.

And I tell them gently—sometimes, passion is not found, but rediscovered. It may be buried under years of duty, fear, or neglect, but it’s there, waiting patiently for you to uncover it.

You may find your passion in music, in gardening, in cooking, in teaching, in volunteering, or even in raising your children with love and wisdom.

No passion is too small, and no one is too old to begin. I started exploring mine after retirement, and today, I feel more youthful and spirited than ever.

The beauty of passion is that it doesn’t demand perfection—it only asks for presence. It’s not about applause or recognition. It’s about joy. If you love what you do, you’re already successful.

So, dear friends, ask yourself today:
What makes your heart sing? What do you lose yourself in so completely that time vanishes? That is your passion calling. Don’t ignore it.

I am passionate about creating beauty—through words, colors, and emotions. I am passionate about connecting with people, learning their stories, and sharing mine. I am passionate about living fully, joyfully, and creatively.

If this blog inspires you even a little to find or reignite your passion, then I have done justice to today’s writing prompt.

With warm regards and a hopeful heart,
– Vijay Verma
(Retired banker turned artist, writer, dreamer, and joyful soul)
Please visit http://www.retiredkalam.com



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51 replies

  1. I liked your post and I am glad you are doing all that you want to do. Long back my husband’s cousin, who lived in a village said sadly that in the village there is so much work to do that women have no rime to discover their talents. She wrote poems whenever she got time. I love reading and listening to audio books. I have been blogging for almost 15 years and it is a pleasure. Thank you for the post.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing such a heartfelt reflection.
      It’s true—so many hidden talents remain undiscovered, especially when life’s responsibilities take center stage.

      I truly admire your husband’s cousin for nurturing her poetic spirit despite all odds—that is the quiet strength of creativity.

      Fifteen years of blogging is such a remarkable journey! Your dedication is inspiring, and I completely agree—blogging is a beautiful form of self-expression and connection. I’m glad we share this joy of writing, reading, and listening to stories that nourish the soul.

      Wishing you many more fulfilling years of creativity and discovery. Let’s keep inspiring each other. 🙏✨

      Liked by 2 people

  2. very nice .

    Liked by 3 people

  3. This is inspiring. More power to you, sir😊

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the post.
      Your appreciation means a lot and encourages me to keep expressing and sharing from the heart.
      Stay connected—more reflections and stories coming soon! 😊🙏

      Liked by 1 person

  4. exquisitely written; my passions are writing and telling stories es;p funny ones; my friends and family are my audience 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  5. This is a breathtaking ode to passionVerma ji !! how it awakens, transforms, and gives life its deepest meaning. Your journey from banking to writing and painting is a testament to the soul’s quiet rebellion, the way it *”whispers”* until we finally listen.

    The imagery of *”a thousand silent songs burst into melody”* captures that seismic shift when passion takes hold. Your love for words and art isn’t just skill; it’s alchemy—turning emotions into connection, blank canvases into *”pieces of [your] soul made visible.”*

    And storytelling as *”the eternal flame”*? Chills. You don’t just create; you commune, heal, and bind hearts across time. This isn’t just about finding passion—it’s about letting it *unfind* you, breaking you open to a life more vivid and true. A masterpiece of self-discovery. ✨

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much for this incredibly moving and soul-stirring response. Your words touched me deeply—more than I can express. ❤️

      You’ve beautifully echoed the very essence of what I hoped to convey. Passion truly is that quiet rebellion of the soul, and once we listen, it transforms not just our path but our entire perception of life. I’m humbled by how you felt the rhythm, the imagery, the pulse behind my journey—from numbers to narratives, from routine to resonance.

      Your reflection is a work of art in itself—graceful, insightful, and full of light. Let’s keep celebrating the magic of expression and the courage it takes to follow where the heart gently leads.

      Thank you again for such generous words. 🙏✨

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for this incredibly moving and soul-stirring response. Your words touched me deeply—more than I can express. 🌸

      You’ve beautifully echoed the very essence of what I hoped to convey. Passion truly is that quiet rebellion of the soul, and once we listen, it transforms not just our path but our entire perception of life. I’m humbled by how you felt the rhythm, the imagery, the pulse behind my journey—from numbers to narratives, from routine to resonance.

      Your reflection is a work of art in itself—graceful, insightful, and full of light. Let’s keep celebrating the magic of expression and the courage it takes to follow where the heart gently leads. Thank you again for such generous words. 🙏✨

      Like

  6. Amazing post full of heartfelt emotion. Writing is my passion as well. I adore writings free-spirited and curious nature. Most of all, I love that I can connect with others on a spiritual and emotional level through writing. They say the eyes are the gateway to the soul but I believe art such as writing, painting, music etc are the true gateways.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much for your beautiful and deeply felt words.
      I completely resonate with your thoughts—writing, like all forms of art, truly is a sacred gateway to the soul.
      It allows us to reach beyond the surface and touch hearts in ways spoken words often cannot.

      Your love for writing shines through, and I admire the way you describe its free-spirited and curious nature.
      It’s a blessing to share this creative journey with kindred spirits like you.
      Let’s continue to express, connect, and elevate through our art. 🌿✨🖋️

      Liked by 1 person

  7. This is a wonderful and heartfelt post. I enjoyed reading this, such a lovely post! My passion is writing too. Writing is a powerful gift that helps us to connect to each other and express ourselves! Its free spirited and creative nature is a joy to witness and experience.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind words.❤️
      I’m truly glad the post resonated with you. It’s wonderful to hear that writing is your passion too—yes,
      it truly is a powerful gift. Through it, we not only discover ourselves but also build bridges of understanding and emotion with others.

      Here’s to the joy, freedom, and beauty that writing brings into our lives—may we continue to express, connect, and inspire through every word we write. ✨🖋️

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Premkiran S L N R Mannava (M P Kiran)'s avatar

    Nice one

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Vijay, this is such a beautifully written reflection on passion! Your journey from banking to storytelling, painting, and writing is truly inspiring. Passion has a way of arriving when we least expect it, and your words remind us all that it’s never too late to embrace creativity and joy. Thank you for sharing your wisdom—it’s a gift to those who read it!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much for your heartfelt and encouraging words.❤️
      It truly warms my heart to know that my journey resonated with you.
      You’re absolutely right—passion often arrives quietly, sometimes later in life, but always with the power to transform.

      I’m grateful for the chance to share my story, and even more grateful for thoughtful readers like you who find meaning in it.
      Let’s continue to embrace creativity, joy, and the beautiful surprises life has in store.

      Your kindness is deeply appreciated! 🙏✨

      Liked by 1 person

      • Vijay, your words truly resonate with me. Passion has a way of arriving when we least expect it, sometimes as a whisper, other times as a force that refuses to be ignored.

        For me, writing has always been a deep part of who I am—a space where I explore resilience, personal growth, and the beauty of storytelling. It’s how I process life, connect with others, and create meaning beyond myself. But painting? That was a surprise.

        I never imagined art would become a part of my journey, yet here I am, finding colors that express what words sometimes cannot. There’s something freeing about letting creativity flow through both ink and brushstrokes—shaping emotions in different ways.

        I love how you remind us that passion doesn’t have a timeline. It’s always waiting to be embraced, to bring us joy and fulfillment. Here’s to continuing this journey, celebrating creativity, and finding beauty in life’s unexpected gifts.

        Again, thank you for sharing your story—it’s inspiring to know that passion continues to evolve, no matter where we are in life! 💙✨

        Liked by 1 person

        • Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a deeply moving and beautifully expressed message. Your words truly resonate with me, as if echoing my own journey. Isn’t it incredible how passion often enters quietly, yet transforms us so profoundly—sometimes through words, sometimes through unexpected colors on a canvas?

          I’m touched by how writing has been your lifelong companion, a space for healing, reflection, and connection. And your discovery of painting—what a beautiful surprise! I wholeheartedly agree—there are feelings too vast for words, and it’s through brushstrokes that they finally find their voice.

          Yes, passion knows no deadline. It arrives on its own terms, waiting for us to say yes. I’m so glad we’ve both embraced it, allowing creativity to shape and expand our lives in meaningful ways.

          Thank you once again for your heartfelt reflection—it encourages me as much as you say mine inspired you. 💙🎨✍️✨

          Like

          • Vijay, your words truly mean a lot. Passion has a way of finding us when we least expect it, and painting was just that for me—an unexpected, but deeply fulfilling discovery. With each brushstroke, I’ve found another way to express emotion, much like storytelling but in color and movement.

            I look forward to sharing more about how painting became part of my creative journey. Stay tuned for my next post, and if you’d like to follow along, please like and subscribe to my page at http://www.echoesofthewillow.com

            Let’s continue celebrating creativity together! 💙🎨✨

            Liked by 1 person

            • Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt journey—it truly touched me.
              I completely resonate with what you said about painting being another language of emotion, one that flows beyond words.
              It’s amazing how creativity finds us, often when we least expect it, and transforms the way we experience life.

              I’m genuinely looking forward to your next post and exploring more of your artistic path.
              I’ve bookmarked your page and will gladly follow along—Echoes of the Willow already sounds poetic and inviting! 🌿✨

              Here’s to continuing this shared journey of expression, inspiration, and the joy of creating from the soul. 💙🎨✍️

              Like

  10. Canwe proceeds on WhatsApp so i can send you details on the brand

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Beautifully put! I am the same way. I appreciate others art because it is an amazing way to show how different we while freeing our thoughts and imagination! Writing is so cathartic because there are no judgements and art ignites the fire in our souls. Great reflective piece. Maybe one of these days, I’ll see insight from you on my blog. 🙂 Beautiful work!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your kind and uplifting words.❤️
      I absolutely agree—art in all its forms is a beautiful expression of our individuality,
      and it’s truly magical how it frees the mind and nourishes the soul.

      Writing is cathartic—like speaking directly from the heart without fear of judgment.
      And yes, art does ignite that inner fire, helping us connect not only with ourselves
      but with others on a deeper, more authentic level.

      I would be honored to visit your blog sometime and explore the insights you so passionately share.
      It’s a joy to connect with kindred creative spirits like you.
      Keep shining through your words and art—you’re an inspiration too! 😊✨🎨✍️

      Like

      • I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for your thoughts, they’re beautiful! My blog is eulogyoftheblacksheep.wordpress.com . I look forward to your future posts ❤️

        Liked by 2 people

        • Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your beautiful blog.
          The title “Eulogy of the Black Sheep” is powerful and intriguing—I’m already looking forward to diving into your reflections.

          It’s a joy to connect with fellow writers who embrace authenticity and creativity with such heart.
          I’ll definitely be following along, and I’m honored to share this journey with you. Here’s to many more meaningful exchanges ahead! ❤️✨✍️

          Like

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