# The Unseen Layers of My Life #

Yes, Most People Don’t Know About Me 😂😂

Daily writing prompt
What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Hello, dear friends.

I hope this blog finds you smiling and feeling curious today.

I came across a fascinating writing prompt recently: “What’s something most people don’t know about you?” And wow—this one really made me pause.

Because honestly, how often do we actually think about what lies beneath the surface of who we are?

Most people only see what we choose to show—the smiling face, the busy schedule, the achievements.
But behind all that, there are layers of memories, passions, and experiences that quietly shape us.

Sharing those hidden parts can feel vulnerable, but it’s also incredibly freeing—it’s like opening a window to your soul.

So today, I want to peel back a few layers and share something most people don’t know about me.

Most people know me as a retired banker turned artist and writer—someone who now finds joy in creativity, color, and words.

But what many don’t know is that this version of me came to life only after a complete 180-degree turn.

For decades, I lived a life driven by numbers, precision, and structure. I was a man of ledgers, spreadsheets, and deadlines—a banker through and through.

My career was steady and reliable, but if I’m honest, it wasn’t born out of passion. It was a practical choice, one that ensured stability for my family.

Back then, I didn’t imagine that art or writing would ever become part of my life. Creativity was something I admired from afar but never truly embraced. The artistic, reflective side of me lay dormant for years—quiet, unnoticed, waiting for its moment.

And that moment came much later, after I retired.

Retirement, for me, wasn’t just an end—it was a beginning.

After years of chasing deadlines and balancing accounts, I suddenly found myself with something I hadn’t had in decades: time. Time to think, to breathe, and to explore.

One quiet morning, I picked up a paintbrush—something I hadn’t done since childhood. I can still recall that first splash of color on the canvas.

It was imperfect, messy, and spontaneous. But it made me feel alive. That moment rekindled something deep within me—a creative spark that had been waiting patiently for years.

Soon after, I started journaling, writing short reflections, and experimenting with poetry. What began as a hobby slowly turned into a passion. Each stroke of paint and each written word became a small act of self-discovery.

That’s something most people don’t know about me—my artistic and writing journey didn’t begin in my youth.

It blossomed later in life, proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or follow a dream that once seemed distant.

But here’s the deeper truth: this transformation wasn’t just about creativity. It was about learning to be vulnerable.

In my banking days, everything had to be precise—numbers didn’t forgive mistakes. But art and writing? They demanded the opposite.

They invited imperfection. They taught me to let go of control, to embrace mistakes, and to find beauty in the unpredictable.

I learned that the most powerful creations—whether in art or in life—come from authenticity, not perfection.

A crooked line on a canvas, an unpolished phrase in a poem—these things carry truth. They reflect the real, human experience.

Through creativity, I discovered that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s courage. It’s the willingness to show up as your true self, without fear of judgment.

Another thing most people don’t know is that art and writing became my form of healing.

Life, as we all know, comes with its share of challenges— moments of uncertainty, loss, and change. But when I put my emotions onto paper or canvas, they transformed. What once felt heavy became lighter.

Each poem, each painting, became a quiet conversation with my soul. I realized that creativity is more than expression—it’s therapy.

It helps us process emotions we can’t always articulate, and it connects us to something greater than ourselves.

And there’s another secret side of me—my obsession with learning random, unusual skills.

I’ve dabbled in calligraphy, tried playing obscure musical instruments, and even explored astronomy and space facts just for fun!

To some, these hobbies might seem quirky, but for me, they’re little windows into wonder.

They remind me that learning doesn’t end with age or career—it’s a lifelong adventure. Each new skill, no matter how small, keeps my mind fresh and my spirit curious.

So, what’s something most people don’t know about me?
It’s that the person you see today—the writer, the artist, the dreamer—wasn’t always here.

He emerged later in life, after years of routines and responsibilities. And his journey was shaped by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to start anew.

Life has taught me that reinvention is always possible. It’s never too late to listen to that quiet voice inside—the one urging you to try, to create, to explore.

Sometimes, the side of you that’s been silent for years is the one waiting to change your life.

So, dear friends, I invite you to reflect: What’s something most people don’t know about you? Maybe it’s a passion you’ve kept hidden, or a dream you’ve quietly nurtured.

Whatever it is, embrace it. Share it. Because when you do, you not only rediscover yourself—you also inspire others to do the same.

Life is richer than what we show on the outside. Beneath every smile lies a story, and within every heart, an untold masterpiece waiting to unfold.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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 www.retiredkalam.com



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34 replies

  1. This is absolutely breathtaking Verma ji Thank you.🌷🤝

    What a profound and moving reminder that we are all stories in progress, with the most exciting chapters often beginning when we least expect them. Your journey from the structured world of banking to the boundless realm of creativity is more than just a career change; it’s a masterclass in courage and self-discovery.

    The way you reframed retirement not as an ending, but as a long-awaited beginning, is truly inspiring. It challenges the narrative that our passions have an expiration date. You’ve proven that the self we are meant to become can patiently wait for us to finally grant it the time and space to emerge.

    Your reflection on vulnerability and imperfection—”a crooked line on a canvas, an unpolished phrase in a poem”—resonates so deeply. You’ve articulated a universal truth: that our most authentic connections with ourselves and others are forged not in perfection, but in the beautiful, honest mess of being human.

    This piece isn’t just a story about you; it’s an invitation to everyone who reads it to listen to their own “quiet voice inside.” You’ve turned your personal revelation into a gift for others. Thank you for having the courage to open that window to your soul. Your untold masterpiece is a wonder to behold.🙏🏼💐

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful words.
      Reading your reflection feels like a warm embrace — you’ve captured the heart of what I was trying to share so beautifully. 🌷
      It means a lot that my journey resonates and inspires, but even more that it sparks reflection in others about their own quiet voices
      and untold stories. Vulnerability is never easy to share, yet your words remind me that honesty
      and imperfection can indeed create the deepest connections.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. So inspiring post! Thank you for sharing your personal journey to creativity! Have a beautiful day!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. “Wow! 🙏 Your writing truly touched my heart. Your story shows that neither age nor circumstances can stop our creativity and dreams. The transformation you experienced after retirement is not only inspiring but also a beautiful reminder that true joy and self-expression can begin at any stage of life. Reading about your journey filled with vulnerability and curiosity motivates me to explore my own hidden passions. Thank you for sharing this with us. 🌟”

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much for your heartfelt words! 🙏✨
      I’m truly touched that my journey resonated with you. It’s amazing how sharing our stories can spark reflection and courage in others. Keep nurturing your own passions—they’re waiting patiently for you, just like mine did.

      Your curiosity and openness are already the first steps toward your own beautiful discoveries! 🌟💛

      Liked by 1 person

  4. very nice .

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Interesting! Very nice post Varma Ji!👏

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Thank you for sharing this story! I’m 38 and still trying to figure out what life is about. I truly feel art is something that’s been missing in my life since leaving high school. I bought an art set almost 2 years ago and have yet to use it. I think it is because of fear. I’m not a trained artist and so I know I will make garbage. But I think I understand now that creating a masterpiece is not the point. It’s just about doing it for the enjoyment and relaxation and not allowing sucking at something to hold me back.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you for sharing so honestly! 🌟
      You’ve already taken the hardest step—recognizing that fear and perfectionism are holding you back.
      Art isn’t about creating a masterpiece; it’s about expression, joy, and giving yourself permission to play and explore.
      Every stroke, every color, even the “messy” ones, are part of your journey.
      Pick up that art set, start small, and just enjoy the process—you might be surprised at how freeing and healing it can be. 🎨💛

      Liked by 2 people

  7. An perfect way to describe what it feels like to write about yourself. Standing in the middle of the crowd shouting “This is who I am and what I believe!”

    Thank you

    Liked by 1 person

    • So true — and so beautifully said! 🌟 Writing about ourselves often feels like an act of courage and authenticity, a declaration of identity in a noisy world.

      I’m really glad my words resonated with you — thank you for feeling it so deeply. 🙏✨

      Like

  8. Very inspiring post. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Beautiful post Verma! Thank you for your vulnerability and courage to share this. You’re truly an inspiration to young creative minds like me. As well as those that are deciding on taking that first step on the path of creativity;) .

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! 😊
      It means a lot to hear that my sharing can inspire others.

      Keep nurturing your creativity — the first step is always the bravest, and every small effort counts. 🌸✍️✨

      Liked by 1 person

  10. It is a blessing of God, that you found your great passion in writing, painting, and creativity. Very opposite to your experience, someone very close to me, who was a great artist, singer, reader, and writer, gradually left all her passion after retirement and slowly descended into doing nothing. Finally becoming too dependant on other’s for even doing basic chores. The talented person lost her talents.

    I think it is ultra important for retired people to find new and hidden passions. That is the secret to a long, healthy, and contributing life.

    And Verma’ji, you are a great inspiration to many of us in this domain.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and thoughtful reflection. 🙏
      What you’ve shared truly resonates with me.
      It’s both touching and a little heartbreaking to hear about your close one —
      a talented soul whose creative spark slowly faded with time. Sadly, this happens more often than we realize.
      Retirement, though meant to be a period of peace, can sometimes become a void if one loses touch with purpose or passion.

      You have expressed a profound truth — the secret to a fulfilling and graceful life after retirement lies in staying engaged, curious, and creative. Whether it’s through art, writing, gardening, music, or even mentoring others, every little pursuit adds vitality to our days and meaning to our years.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I found this article quite helpful. Looking forward to more content like this.

    Like

    • Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! 🙏✨
      I truly appreciate your kind words and am glad the piece resonated with you. It’s always heartening to know that these reflections inspire deeper thought and connection. 🌿💫

      Like

  12. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very insightful and thought-provoking.

    Like

    • Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! 🙏✨
      I truly appreciate your kind words and am glad the piece resonated with you.
      It’s always heartening to know that these reflections inspire deeper thought and connection. 🌿💫

      Like

  13. I found this article quite helpful. Looking forward to more content like this.

    Like

    • Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊
      I’m really glad you found the article helpful.
      Your encouragement means a lot and inspires me to keep sharing more thoughtful content.
      Stay tuned — more is on the way! 🌸✍🏻✨

      Like

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