Hello, dear friends — I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood. 🌤️
Life often moves so quickly that we forget to pause and reflect on the quiet forces that shape us.
Today’s writing prompt invited me to slow down, look inward, and acknowledge the influences that have gently guided my journey.
Yes, this asks a deceptively simple question: “Who are the biggest influences in your life?”
At first glance, it feels like a question that could be answered in a sentence or two — a name, a role, a relationship.
But the more I reflected on it, the more I realized that influence rarely announces itself loudly. It works quietly, shaping our thoughts, values, and choices over time, often without us noticing.
❤️People play powerful roles in shaping who we become.
When we hear the word influence, we often think of parents, teachers, mentors, or public figures we admire. And rightly so. These people play powerful roles in shaping who we become.
Yet influence is not limited to authority or age. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it nudges. And sometimes it challenges us in ways that only make sense in hindsight.
For many of us, family is our first and most lasting influence. Not because they are perfect — far from it — but because they are our earliest mirrors.
Through family, we learn what love looks like, how conflicts are handled, how dreams are nurtured or discouraged, and how resilience is practiced on ordinary days.
A parent’s work ethic, a grandparent’s quiet wisdom, or even a sibling’s defiance can plant seeds that grow for decades. Even the traits we promise ourselves never to repeat often become powerful guides in shaping who we choose to become.
As I reflect on my own life, I realize that I have met many people who have influenced me along the way.
Each has contributed something valuable to my journey. Yet, if I must choose the single greatest influence in my life, it may surprise you — it is my granddaughter.
❤️My childhood returned to me
When she entered our family, it felt as though my childhood returned to me. Watching her grow day by day filled my life with renewed wonder and joy.
She became my lifeline, and unknowingly, my greatest teacher. From her, I learned how to be happy in the truest sense.
Her innocence taught me a powerful lesson: do not worry excessively about what others say — do what makes your heart happy.
I witness her kindness in the way she effortlessly connects with friends and family, always returning kindness tenfold.
Her heart extends sympathy even to strangers, reflecting a natural goodness that cannot be taught.
❤️Reminding me that empathy is not a weakness
Despite her young age, she demonstrates emotional depth — easily moved by touching stories and films — reminding me that empathy is not a weakness but a strength.
Life, of course, presents its fair share of challenges. Through ups and downs, I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding hardship but growing through it.
Watching her navigate her academic journey reinforces the idea that learning never truly ends. She inspires me to continue reading, writing, and growing, because life itself is a lifelong classroom.
One of the most valuable lessons she teaches me is the importance of cordial family relationships.
Her natural warmth toward every family member reminds me that harmony within the family is essential for a truly happy life. Material success means little without emotional connection.
❤️simple living and high thinking
Her philosophy of “simple living and high thinking” echoes deeply within me. It has guided me through times of financial constraint without ever compromising family bonds or personal integrity.
She strongly dislikes dishonesty and betrayal and holds firm principles. When she is upset, it stems from a deep sense of justice and integrity — qualities that command respect.
Beyond this strong exterior lies an incredibly positive soul.
What impresses me most is her outlook on life. She often reminds me that despite difficulties, life is beautiful and meant to be enjoyed fully.
Her optimism became a guiding light during moments of sadness and doubt, helping me regain perspective and strength.
Through her, life has taught me the power of gratitude and perseverance. She has shown me never to give up easily, even when success feels distant.
Setbacks do not make the journey regretful; they enrich it with lessons and inner strength.
❤️My Final Submission
So, who are the biggest influences in our lives? They are not always the most obvious figures. They may arrive quietly, in unexpected forms, teaching us joy, resilience, kindness, and hope.
Perhaps the better question is not just who influences us — but what kind of influence we are becoming for others. Because whether we realize it or not, we are all weaving threads into the tapestry of someone else’s life.
And that, dear friends, is a responsibility — and a privilege — worth honoring.
May we remain mindful of those who shape us, grateful for the lessons they offer, and intentional about the influence we leave behind.
Because in the end, our lives are not measured only by what we achieve, but by the love, values, and inspiration we pass on to others.
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 
Your words beautifully capture how influence flows through generations in unexpected ways. What a profound gift to find your greatest teacher in your granddaughter — and to see life’s wisdom reflected so purely in her joy, kindness, and integrity. This isn’t just a story of influence, but of love coming full circle. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt reflection, Verma ji. 🤝🌷
LikeLiked by 2 people
“Thank you for such a generous and touching reflection 🤝🌷
Your words truly mean a lot to me. I’m grateful that the spirit of love and learning in this story resonated with you.”
LikeLike
Your granddaughter is super cute.😍 Children’s behaviour taught us to be forgiving at anytime. They are a joy always.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind words 😍
She truly is a little bundle of joy, and you’re absolutely right—children have a beautiful way of reminding us to forgive,
to love freely, and to live in the moment.
Their innocence and warmth teach us lessons we often forget as adults. Grateful for these precious reminders every day ✨😊
LikeLike
Dear Sir, thanks for liking Can’t 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
“You’re most welcome 🙏
I truly enjoyed reading your blog. Keep up the wonderful work
LikeLike
Verma, what struck me here is how gently you shifted the idea of influence away from authority and achievement to presence and everyday observation. Choosing your granddaughter isn’t sentimental, it’s honest. Children do that to us without trying they reset our priorities and quietly expose what actually matters.
I liked how you showed influence as something that flows both ways. You’re learning joy, empathy, and resilience by watching her live, not by instructing her. That reversal says a lot. It’s a reminder that influence isn’t always about shaping someone it’s often about being reshaped yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you — that’s a deeply thoughtful reading, and I really appreciate the care with which you engaged it. You’re right: choosing my granddaughter wasn’t about sentimentality at all, but about honesty. Children don’t perform meaning; they simply live it, and in doing so they recalibrate us without ever intending to.
I especially value what you noticed about influence flowing both ways. That reversal feels true to life. I’m not teaching her how to see the world — I’m being reminded how to see it again. Joy without agenda, empathy without calculation, resilience without commentary. Those lessons arrive quietly, but they stay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely 💯 Verma! Children and pets impact us in very similar ways. Strangely, as adults, we always feel the need to train and teach them how to learn, cope, behave, and adapt to situations. But without any such thoughts, intentions, or effort, they end up deeply impacting our minds, influencing us profoundly, and drastically changing our outlook, mindset, and behavior. Often, we’re surprised by the changes we see in ourselves.
They do all this without even knowing it, without any sense of importance or awareness that they’re shaping our lives and helping create a much better version of who we are.
Trust me, this comes straight from my experience with Odin. I’ve realized that it was actually him who adopted me. He made me a mother in ways I never was before and turned me into a deeply empathetic person toward all animals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s beautifully said — and I felt every word of it. You’re absolutely right: children and pets reshape us in ways no deliberate lesson ever could. We go in thinking we’re the teachers, the guides, the steady ones… and somewhere along the way, we realize we’ve been quietly re-educated.
What you shared about Odin is especially moving. That realization — he adopted me — says everything. Love without agenda has a way of dismantling who we thought we were and rebuilding us into someone softer, more patient, more awake
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, indeed. Thank you for bringing up the context that got me open up and share that remains suppressed mostly because pets are still not considered as children in our society except in those cute social media posts!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing this so honestly.
I’m really glad the context allowed you to open up and express something so deeply felt. You’re right — the bond we share with pets is often underestimated, even though for many of us they are family in every real sense.
I appreciate your courage in voicing what often remains unspoken, and I’m grateful you chose to share it here.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your kind words, Verma.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are most welcome.
Stay happy and blessed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked your photo with your granddaughter the most. And I think that moment was very happy for you too. The chemistry between Grandfather and granddaughter is created instantly.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind words.
It truly was a very happy moment for me. The bond between a grandparent and grandchild is something special —
it forms so effortlessly and brings a quiet kind of joy that’s hard to put into words.
I’m glad that feeling came through in the photo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
In our society, nothing should be more important than relationships. Grandparents love their grandchildren very much. But with the rise of nuclear families, children are deprived of their grandparents’ love. We need to change this system. Our country wasn’t like this before. Once a marriage took place, it was meant to last a lifetime, but today, the highest number of divorce cases are coming from India. It’s a matter of great shame.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You raise some deeply important points. Relationships, especially the bond between grandparents
and grandchildren, give emotional grounding that no system can replace.
The shift toward nuclear families has brought convenience,
but it has also distanced generations from one another in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoy living in my joint family and celebrating every festival together. Living together allows us to solve every problem easily. The elders in our family are nothing short of a blessing. Our parents sort everything out for us without us even having to ask.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds truly wonderful.
Living in a joint family brings a rare sense of warmth, security, and shared responsibility that’s hard to replace. The guidance and quiet support of elders are indeed a blessing—they hold families together with experience, patience, and love. It’s heartening to hear how this togetherness helps you face life’s challenges with ease and celebration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always been unhappy with the concept of the nuclear family. There’s an old saying, “four days of moonlight, then a dark night.”
Initially, a nuclear family seems appealing, but when trouble strikes and raising children becomes difficult, then people start remembering their extended family. However, due to their ego, they suffer in silence but still don’t consider returning to a joint family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your little bundle of joy is the cutest influence Sir, adorable and sweet. and the lines I liked most about her ,”She strongly dislikes dishonesty and betrayal and holds firm principles….qualities that command respect.” What a beautiful person she will be tomorrow as she grows up. Definitely a Powerful one too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind and generous words.
They truly mean a lot to me. She is indeed a little bundle of joy, and it’s heartwarming to see her values resonate with others.
I can only hope she continues to grow with integrity, compassion, and strength. Your encouragement and thoughtful reflection are deeply appreciated.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Children indeed provide us with a fresh perspective of life. I admire the bond between you two.
As usual, I have learned a lot from this post. My takeaways are that:
– empathy is not a weakness but a strength
– life is a lifelong classroom
– material success is vanity without emotional connection
– setbacks empower us.
Above all, thanks for challenging us to be mindful of the influence we are having on others. Our daily words and deeds are indeed weaving threads into the tapestry of the lives of others.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for this generous reflection.
I’m truly moved by how thoughtfully you engaged with the post and distilled its essence so beautifully.
Your takeaways — especially about empathy and the quiet power of our everyday influence — resonate deeply with me.
It’s a gentle reminder that we are always teaching and learning, often without realizing it.
I appreciate your mindfulness and the care you bring to these conversations.
LikeLiked by 2 people
very nice .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re always welcome 🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good morning.
Have a nice day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks srikanth
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome.
Stay connected and keep sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
👍👍👍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much.
Stay happy and blessed.
LikeLiked by 1 person