Blogging: My Journey, Lessons & Joy

Dear Readers,

Today marks a very special milestone in my life — the sixth Blogiversary of RetiredKalam.com.
As I sit down to reflect, my heart overflows with gratitude for this extraordinary path paved with passion, perseverance, and purpose.

RetiredKalam.com is not just a website; it is a castle built on four strong pillars:

• My Thoughts
• Your Comments and Advice
• Meaningful Content for Society
• My Enthusiasm

Together, these pillars have created a sanctuary where I’ve discovered new dimensions of myself, found joy in creativity, and connected with kindred spirits across the world.

🌱 How It All Began

Back in 2020, soon after retiring from a long career in banking, I felt an emptiness — a search for something to fill my newfound free time with meaning.

Books had always been my refuge. During my college days, I wrote stories and poems, but corporate life slowly pushed my creative side into hibernation. Reading rekindled that spark, soothing a restless mind.

One afternoon, while chatting with my younger son, I confessed, “I’m bored — maybe I’ll start a blog.”
He grinned and replied, “Yes, why not!”

That simple moment lit a fire in me. I opened WordPress, typed in RetiredKalam.com (a name suggested by my son, reflecting my love for learning and creativity), and clicked Create.

Little did I know, I had opened the door to an entirely new chapter of my life.

🎨 Unleashing My Inner Muse

They say retirement is the end of the road — but for me, it was the beginning of a vibrant highway leading to creativity.

Who could have imagined that, after decades in the structured world of banking, I would find joy in writing, painting, and storytelling? On this platform, I am not Mr. Verma, the banker; I am a dreamer, poet, artist, and observer of life’s gentle nuances.

Every blog post, poem, or painting I share is a reflection of my soul — a celebration of thoughts that once hid behind spreadsheets. Each published piece is a small triumph; every comment, a warm embrace.

✍️ The First Post & That Digital Thrill

Creating the blog was easy; deciding what to write was harder.

As a senior citizen, I wanted to share something meaningful, so I wrote about staying active and content in later years. That first post, “How to Stay Active and Content,” was a heartfelt guide born from personal experience.

When likes and comments started trickling in, I felt my first digital thrill — the joy of being acknowledged not for my past career or status, but for my words. That moment gave me courage to keep writing.

🌐 Lesser-Known Facts About Blogging

Over six years, I’ve uncovered truths that many new bloggers don’t realize:

• Blogging predates social media. The first recognizable blog appeared in 1994, long before Facebook or Instagram.
• Consistency beats perfection. Regular posts, even simple ones, build a loyal audience.
• Engagement is the heartbeat. Replying to comments and reading fellow bloggers’ work fosters a supportive circle.
• Words live long online. A thoughtful post can resurface years later, inspiring someone you’ve never met.

Blogging is more than just pressing “publish.” It’s about crafting something that endures.

🌸 The Rewards & Challenges

Blogging demands patience, creativity, and discipline. There are moments of writer’s block, self-doubt, and the pull of everyday life.

But the rewards have been immense. I’ve written 5,000+ posts, connected with 3,000+ followers, and welcomed nearly two lakh visitors, generating over six lakh views.

WordPress even celebrated my 1,600-day posting streak — proof of my commitment. Yet, beyond numbers, I treasure the friendships: poets, storytellers, and readers who’ve turned this space into a warm, welcoming home.

💫 Blogging as a Teacher

This blog has been one of my greatest teachers. It has shown me how to slow down, find joy in simple things, and approach life with curiosity rather than hurry.

Through WordPress, I’ve gathered courage to submit poems to anthologies, experiment with painting, and share my thoughts on well-being and aging gracefully. Each creative risk has helped me grow as a writer, artist, and human being.

🌉 Building Bridges & Capturing Life

One of the unexpected blessings of RetiredKalam.com is the community of kindness that has blossomed here.

Readers from across the globe leave thoughtful words, share their own stories, and remind me that writing can heal, inspire, and unite.

Every post becomes a time capsule, preserving a fragment of thought or feeling — a legacy for future generations, etched in the pixels of the internet.

☀️ Sharing the Sunshine

In a world often weighed down by negativity, I’ve always believed in shining a little light. Through articles on mental well-being, creativity, and everyday joys, I aim to offer hope and positivity.

If even one reader finds comfort or courage in my words, my purpose is fulfilled.

🌟 Looking Ahead: Dreams Still in Bloom

Six years may have passed, but my creative journey is far from over. I dream of:

• Publishing more books of poetry and reflections
• Creating art that speaks to the heart
• Exploring podcasts and short video storytelling
• Continuing to make RetiredKalam.com a sanctuary of light and learning

Because the joy of learning never retires.

🥂 Gratitude & The Road Ahead

As I celebrate this sixth anniversary, I’m excited to set new goals, share more stories, and keep growing with this beautiful community.

To everyone who has read, liked, or commented on my posts: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support keeps me inspired and motivated.

And to anyone considering starting a blog: take that leap. You don’t need a perfect plan — sometimes the best adventures begin with a spontaneous click.

Here’s to more words, deeper connections, and quiet joys discovered through writing.

With gratitude and love,
Vijay Vijay Verma
www.retiredkalam.com

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #Blogging, #Blogiversary, #creativity, #happiness, #Life, #wellness, blog, creative-writing, featured, writing