What’s something you’ve done purely for your own happiness?
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Hello, dear friends!
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood.
Today’s writing prompt asks a very interesting question: “What’s something you’ve done purely for your own happiness?”
At first glance, it sounds like a simple question. But when we think deeply, we realise how often we spend our lives fulfilling responsibilities, meeting expectations and making others happy, sometimes forgetting our own happiness.
We work for our families, make sacrifices for our loved ones, fulfil social obligations and worry about what people think of us. But how often do we pause and do something simply because it makes our own hearts smile?
I believe that happiness is not a luxury or a reward for completing our responsibilities. It is an essential ingredient of a meaningful life.
❤️Learning to Put Happiness on My Priority List
For many years, my life revolved around professional responsibilities, family commitments and social obligations. Like most people, I believed that working hard and fulfilling my duties were the most important things in life.
However, retirement introduced me to a different perspective.
After spending more than three decades in banking, I suddenly had something precious that I had rarely enjoyed earlier: TIME.
Instead of treating retirement as the end of an active life, I decided to make it the beginning of another beautiful journey.
I started exploring activities that gave me genuine happiness, without worrying about their financial returns, social recognition or practical benefits.
As I often remind myself:
“Don’t wait for life to become perfect to start enjoying it. Find happiness in the life you already have.”
❤️Painting: Giving My Imagination a Canvas
One of the most beautiful gifts I have given myself is the freedom to paint.
I never imagined that painting would become such an important part of my life. What started as a hobby gradually became a passion and a wonderful medium of self-expression.
I have completed hundreds of sketches and paintings, each carrying a little piece of my imagination and emotions.
Completing my 100th painting on the eighth anniversary of my retirement was a particularly special moment.
I don’t paint to compete with professional artists or win awards. I paint because the colours, brushes and blank canvas give me immense satisfaction.
Sometimes, the greatest happiness comes from creating something with your own hands.
❤️Writing: Letting My Heart Speak
Another decision that has brought tremendous happiness into my life is writing.
Through RetiredKalam.com, I have discovered a platform where I can express my thoughts, share experiences, inspire people and connect with readers across the world.
Poetry, blogging and storytelling have become an integral part of my everyday life.
Publishing my books has been another source of personal satisfaction. Each book represents countless hours of imagination, dedication and perseverance.
I don’t write merely for appreciation or readership. I write because putting my thoughts into words makes me happy.
As the saying goes:
“Do what makes your soul happy, and let your heart find its own rhythm.”
❤️Staying Active: Happiness Has No Age Limit
I also decided to invest in my physical and mental well-being.
Morning walks, yoga, meditation and swimming have become important parts of my routine. Interestingly, I learned swimming at the age of 63!
Who says learning something new has an expiry date?
Playing table tennis in the evening is another activity I thoroughly enjoy. Being part of a team, competing with younger players and celebrating small victories keeps my enthusiasm alive.
These activities remind me that age should never become an excuse to stop exploring life.
❤️Is Choosing Your Own Happiness Selfish?
Absolutely not!
There is a difference between being selfish and taking care of your own happiness.
When we are happy, healthy and emotionally satisfied, we are better equipped to care for others. We become more patient, positive, energetic and compassionate.
Of course, happiness should never come at the cost of hurting others. But neither should we sacrifice every little joy of our lives merely to satisfy everyone’s expectations.
We must learn to establish boundaries, respect our interests and give ourselves permission to enjoy life.
❤️Happiness Is Hidden in Little Things
Sometimes, doing something purely for our happiness does not require money, travel or grand celebrations.
It could be enjoying a cup of tea in solitude, listening to your favourite music, reading a book, taking a leisurely walk, revisiting old photographs or simply watching a beautiful sunset.
The secret is to enjoy these moments without guilt.
My Takeaway
Looking back, I realise that the best things I have done purely for my happiness are not necessarily extraordinary achievements. They are the little decisions to paint, write, learn, exercise, play and explore.
I have stopped waiting for special occasions to celebrate life. Every new day offers an opportunity to discover something beautiful.
So, dear friends, let us ask ourselves:
When did we last do something simply because it made us happy?
Remember, life is not just about fulfilling responsibilities or making others happy. It is also about creating beautiful memories for ourselves.
BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
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Categories: infotainment
I agree, Mr. Verma. Sketching, writing, dancing, and mobility training all make me happy. And when our granddaughters want to do something with me, like bake brownies, that’s the icing on the cake! (So to speak). Enjoy something every single day!
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Yes6 right ,find happiness in the life you already have. Well shared 💐
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