
This poem is about self-discovery and healing, emphasizing the importance of valuing our own peace and happiness rather than seeking validation from others. It celebrates the courage to live life on our own terms and appreciate the time we have.
# Living for Myself #
My soul whispered,
“Take time to improve,
but do not waste time proving.”
And for the first time,
I listened.
I have carried enough expectations,
chased enough approval,
and lost pieces of myself
along the way.
Now, I choose differently.
I will not break my spirit
to mend another’s.
I will not apologize
for protecting my peace.
I know
I will never be this young again.
So I will greet each morning
with gratitude,
each sunset with wonder,
and each remaining year
as a gift.
I have spent enough time
living for others.
Now,
the rest of my life
belongs to me.
(Vijay Verma)
www.retiredkalam.com

Categories: kavita
Very beautifully written sir. The essence of feeling content and living everyday with gratitude is enough to live life to the fullest.
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Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I’m truly glad the poem resonated with you. I completely agree—when we learn to embrace contentment and cultivate gratitude for each day, life feels richer and more meaningful. Your beautiful reflection perfectly captures the heart of the poem.
I sincerely appreciate your encouragement. 🙏🌿
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It feels honest and calming, like a simple but important reminder that people often need to tell themselves. It’s not overcomplicated, and that’s exactly why it lands easily.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. That was exactly my hope—to keep the message simple, honest, and approachable. Sometimes the reminders we need most aren’t the complicated ones, but the quiet truths we can carry with us every day.
I’m truly glad it resonated with you. Your encouragement means a lot. 🙏🌿
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To Vijay,
This is absolutely beautiful. You’ve captured something so universal yet deeply personal—that quiet, powerful moment when we finally decide to stop shrinking ourselves to fit into spaces meant for others.
“I will not break my spirit to mend another’s” — that line hit hard. It’s a reminder we all need to hear.
Thank you for putting words to this journey. Your poem isn’t just written; it’s lived. Wishing you mornings full of gratitude and sunsets full of wonder. You deserve every bit of that peace you’re protecting.
Keep writing. Keep choosing you. 🌿
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a thoughtful and generous response. Your words touched me deeply.
I’m especially grateful that “I will not break my spirit to mend another’s” resonated with you. That line came from a place of hard-earned understanding, and knowing it spoke to you makes sharing it worthwhile.
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very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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Nicely penned poem.
Living with contentment and gratitude is a beautiful reminder.
Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m delighted that the poem resonated with you. I truly believe that contentment and gratitude are simple yet powerful companions on life’s journey, helping us appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
Your thoughtful encouragement means a great deal. Thank you for reading and sharing your reflections. 🙏🌿
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When we try to be someone or something else for others, we are cheating them and ourselves out of seeing the real person. We should not require the approval or admiration of everyone to be our unique self. We are enough. Have a great day. Allan
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Thank you, Allan.
I couldn’t agree more. When we hide our true selves to meet others’ expectations, everyone misses the opportunity to know who we really are. Authenticity may not earn universal approval, but it brings something far more valuable—inner peace and genuine connections. Your reminder that we are enough is both simple and profound.
Wishing you a wonderful evening and thank you for sharing your thoughtful perspective. 🌿🙏
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Another nicely written piece Vijay!🥰
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Thank you so much! 🥰
Your continued encouragement truly means a lot to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed this piece. Knowing it resonated with you makes the writing journey even more rewarding. Thank you for always taking the time to read and share your kind thoughts.
Wishing you a beautiful evening.🙏
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I am following the same path. Take of you!
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Thank you! I’m glad to hear you’re walking the same path.
Choosing to live authentically and for yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys we can take.
Wishing you continued strength, peace, and joy along the way. Take good care of yourself too! 🌿🙏
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Verma ji, this is such a beautiful reminder that choosing yourself isn’t selfish it’s necessary. ❤️ I especially loved, “Take time to improve, but do not waste time proving.” Those words will stay with me. Thank you for sharing something so gentle, honest, and empowering. 🤍✨
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Thank you so much for your beautiful and heartfelt words. ❤️ I’m truly touched that “Take time to improve, but do not waste time proving” resonated with you. That thought comes from believing that our energy is better spent growing than seeking validation.
Your reflection that choosing ourselves isn’t selfish but necessary captures the very heart of the message. Thank you for reading with such openness and for sharing your kind encouragement.
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vermavkvさん、こんばんは。いつも有難うございます🙇♂️
この世に生を得た人生の最終章です。もう生まれたときにも、若いころにも戻ることはできません。これまでに、会社とか組織のために尽くしてきた日々です。そして今を迎えたのです😊
この今を、毎朝感謝の気持ちをもって迎えることは、人生の最終章を有意義に過ごすことを意味しています。そして、夕焼けを驚きで迎える。これは明日への準備でもあるのです。残りの年の明日です。この明日は、残りの年の贈り物です。これまで他人のために尽くしてきたのです。もうその必要はありません。十分にそれを果たしてきたからです。明日は、これからの明日は自身への贈り物だからです。自分のために与えられた時間、空間なのです。 誰もが1度は通る道です。その道が今確かにつけられたことです。 非常に興味深い思いを共有して頂き有難うございます🙇♂️
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Good morning, and thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt reflection. Your words touched me deeply.
I was especially moved by your perspective that this stage of life is not an ending, but a gift—a time to greet each morning with gratitude and each sunset with wonder. You beautifully expressed that after spending so many years serving others, we can finally embrace the time that has been given to us for ourselves. That is a profound and comforting thought.
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Beautiful poem Verma. I love your honesty and your confidence to show up for yourself—to protect your peace and honor your growth.
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Thank you so much for your heartfelt words.
They truly mean a lot to me. I believe that being honest with ourselves is where real growth begins, and writing gives me the courage to embrace both my strengths and my vulnerabilities.
I’m grateful that the poem spoke to you, and I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful encouragement and support.
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Bravo. A very inspiring poem Vijay
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Thank you so much for your generous encouragement. I’m truly delighted that the poem inspired you. Your thoughtful support means a great deal to me and motivates me to keep exploring emotions through words. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read and share your kind thoughts.
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My pleasure Vijay
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Thank you once again!
Your kindness and encouragement are always deeply appreciated.
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My pleasure
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Thank you once again!
Your kindness and encouragement are always deeply appreciated
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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Good morning.
Have a nice day.
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You too.
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Please visit.
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A very moving poem
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m truly glad the poem touched your heart. I sincerely appreciate your encouragement and support.
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You’re very welcome
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Thank you, so much.
Your kindness and encouragement are always deeply appreciated.
Wishing you a wonderful day and all the very best! 🙏😊
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That’s so hard for me, as I feel like helping others is me…but also I’ve let some people take more than they should from me. I like your declaration of peace for yourself. Feels big.
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Thank you for sharing something so personal.
I can really relate to what you’re saying. Wanting to help others is a beautiful part of who we are, but I’ve also learned that kindness shouldn’t come at the cost of our own peace.
Setting healthy boundaries isn’t about caring less—it’s about making sure we have the strength to keep caring in a meaningful way. I’m truly glad the poem spoke to you, and I appreciate your thoughtful reflection.
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