Hello, my friends!
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood. Today’s writing prompt resonates deeply with many of us: Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?
It’s a simple question on the surface, yet it carries profound weight. It nudges us to pause, reflect, and truly examine how far we’ve come—emotionally, creatively, spiritually, and personally.
A year ago, like most people, I had dreams, goals, and visions of who I hoped to become. Some were clear and ambitious; others were gentle whispers of hope.
As I look back today, I’m amazed at how life unfolded—sometimes according to plan, sometimes in beautifully unexpected ways, and sometimes with lessons wrapped in challenges. Let me walk you through my reflections.
Dreaming of the Future
Last year, I imagined a life brimming with creativity, connection, and purpose.
I wanted to expand my writing, dive deeper into painting, and embed healthier routines into my daily life. I set ambitious yet meaningful goals:
- Publish 1,500 blogs
- Complete 51 artistic projects
- Spend more intentional time with family
- Maintain better health and balance
Most importantly, I pictured myself enjoying precious moments with my granddaughter—memories that would warm my heart for years to come.
These goals were not unrealistic, but they required consistency, discipline, and resilience. So how did the year unfold?
The Reality Check
As we all know, life’s journey is anything but linear. Looking back, I realize my year blossomed in ways I imagined—and in many ways I never could have predicted.
My Creative Pursuits
My creative journey this year has been nothing short of extraordinary.
I published 1,006 blogs, covering everything from self-growth to health to happiness.
While I didn’t reach my 1,500-blog target, each piece I wrote connected me with readers and strengthened my voice as a writer.
Writing became my sanctuary—my daily ritual of calm, clarity, and expression.
My painting journey flourished too. I created 31 abstract pieces this month alone, pouring colors, emotions, and imagination onto the canvas. Although I didn’t complete all 51 planned projects, the creative process enriched me far more than the numbers ever could.
And perhaps the most thrilling highlight—two of my books, Meri Kalam Se and Adhuri Prem Kahani, were published and are now available on Amazon. Holding my work in book form felt like a dream materialized.
Health and Wellness
My health journey had its triumphs and hurdles.
My decade-long thyroid condition continued to be a steady companion, demanding awareness and discipline.
Yet, I made progress—embracing regular exercise and even venturing into kayaking, an adventurous surprise I never saw coming.
Though I’m not exactly where I envisioned myself health-wise, I’m proud of the progress I did make. Small victories matter.
This is Family Time
Family remained at the heart of everything.
I cherished moments with my partner—like peaceful walks along the sea beach—and treasured laughter-filled memories with my granddaughter.
These simple, heartfelt experiences reminded me that joy often hides in the ordinary. These moments became the emotional anchor of my year.
Unexpected Surprises
Life sprinkled the year with surprises—spontaneous trips to Darjeeling and Gangtok, sudden inspirations, and soulful experiences that were never part of the plan.
These detours brought happiness, adventure, and new perspectives.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the past year, a few truths stand out:
1. Dreams Are Dynamic
Visions give us direction, but flexibility allows us to grow. Life’s detours are not distractions—they’re often the path itself.
2. Progress Over Perfection
Even if we fall short of our targets, progress—no matter how small—deserves celebration.
3. Gratitude Transforms Everything
Appreciating the present moment, the people in our lives, and the experiences—expected or unexpected—makes life far more meaningful.
The Illusion of Control
We often step into a new year with resolutions neatly written down—“be healthier,” “travel more,” “save better,” “be happier.” But life has its own rhythm. It rearranges our maps, redirects our paths, and sometimes redirects us.
And that’s okay.
The beauty lies in adapting, learning, and embracing what comes our way.
Growth happens quietly—through patience, boundaries, resilience, and new passions we never expected to discover.
Looking Ahead
So, is my life today what I pictured a year ago?
Partially, yes. But in many ways, it is richer, deeper, and more fulfilling because of the unexpected twists and turns.
I didn’t achieve everything I planned, but I achieved things I didn’t even know I needed.
As I step into the new year, I’m dreaming big again—but leaving space for life’s surprises. Because sometimes the unplanned chapters become our favorites.
Now, dear friends, I invite you to reflect:
Is your life today what you envisioned a year ago?
Share your thoughts—let’s inspire each other to keep dreaming, growing, and embracing the beautiful unpredictability of life.
BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
If this post inspired you, show some love! 💙
✅ Like | ✅ Follow | ✅ Share | ✅ Comment
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: infotainment
Retiredकलम 
very nice .
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this and also I can not put measures on creative (should I say non work) endeavors
I kick myself for setting reading goals on Goodreads.
Soon I’ll be doing daily status reports.
When I retired my boss said to me. Mark I shall miss your status reports
LikeLiked by 2 people
That made me smile — and it lands with such relatable truth.
You’re absolutely right: the moment we start putting metrics on the things meant to nourish us, they stop being sources of joy and start feeling suspiciously like work. Reading goals turn into deadlines, hobbies become checklists, and suddenly we’re filing emotional “status reports” on our own free time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Verma ji, It’s great how you’ve embraced life’s ups and downs with an open mind and heart. Your story about creativity, family, and staying positive really motivates me to keep going no matter what surprises come my way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, dear,
I really appreciate your kind words. Life’s twists and turns are easier to navigate when we approach them with curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of humor.
I’m glad my reflections resonated with you—it’s encouraging to know we can inspire each other to keep moving forward, no matter what comes our way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You remind us that life takes interesting turns, Vijay. We need to be patient through the rough times.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for your kind words. Life’s twists and turns can test us, but patience—and a little faith—always helps us find our way through.
I truly appreciate your thoughtful reflection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kiddushin: 2nd sugya of the Gemara on the Av Mishna.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
A complete and total refutation of the corrupt United Nations
LikeLiked by 2 people
Verma, this was such a grounded and honest reflection. It’s interesting how you had such clear goals, yet the year shaped itself in completely different ways — some expected, some surprisingly beautiful.
What stood out to me most was how you embraced the progress instead of the “perfect plan,” especially with your writing, painting, and health. Even your unplanned adventures sounded like exactly the kind of moments that make a year feel fuller than what we imagine on paper.
Life rarely matches the picture we create, but sometimes it turns out richer because of those unscripted chapters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection.
Your words capture exactly what I’ve been feeling — that life has its own rhythm,
and sometimes the unexpected chapters end up being the most meaningful ones.
I really appreciate how you noticed the subtle progress in the creative and personal spaces of my year.
It’s easy to overlook those small steps when they don’t match the “perfect plan,” but your perspective reminds me that growth often happens quietly, in ways we only recognize later
LikeLiked by 2 people