Jul, 29 2023
The phrase 'a life worth living', is this nebulous notion that many of us chase, much like the illusive white rabbit from Alice's Wonderland. Every individual nurtures a distinct perception of what that exactly means. From the instances of throwing pebbles across the pond as a curious child to my current profession of penning thoughts, I have constantly ruminated on the essence of 'a life worth living'.
Does it bear resemblance to a monetarily successful lifestyle or a life teeming with love and relationships? Does it signify victory over every hurdle or the harmonious acceptance of ups and downs? Hang tight as we dive deep into this abstract, yet profound concept together.
We live in bewitching times. With the likes of Elon Musk instilling in us the dream to someday touch the stars, it becomes quite riveting to consider my life as a humble blogger equally worth living. Social media is aflutter with tales of people breaking barriers, achieving unimaginable success which almost makes 'a life worth living' synonymous to financial prosperity or career success.
Still, I'm reminded of a childhood friend who loved painting. Not because of the potential fame or fortune, but for the sheer joy she found in each stroke of her brush against the blank canvas. Her life may not echo success from the rooftops, but to her, the privilege of pursuing her passion makes it 'a life worth living.' My initial stints as a blogger also reiterated the same; passion and happiness often felt like a bigger reward than material success.
Moving away from the career canvas and waltzing into the realm of relationships, love, too, becomes a prime component of a life considered worth living. I remember my grandmother, a woman of few accomplishments by conventional standards. Yet her life brimmed with the love she received and shared. Is her life not worth living? Oh, absolutely yes!
In my own life as well, I've experienced how cherishing relationships enriches our lives remarkably. Our bonds with family, friends, pets, even our cherished plants, paint our life's canvas with hues of warmth and companionship, contributing to the recipe of a life worth living. You see, love isn't exclusively romantic; it could be the empathy you share with a stranger or the kindness you impart to the world around you.
Amidst the hustle for success and the yearning for love, we often overlook the role of wellbeing in 'a life worth living'. Ignoring our physical health is like signing an invisible pact with future regrets. Trust me, putting off that much-needed health check-up comes with a cost eventually. Hanging onto stress or negativity can weigh down even the most vibrant of lives.
Learning from experience, integrating a discipline of wellness into daily life can really make the difference. Embrace good food (home-cooked, preferably!), invite regular physical activities (it's high time to dust off that treadmill), and foster emotional wellness (remember, it's okay to seek help). Let's ensure that while we chase our dreams, we're fit enough to celebrate when they eventually come true!
Remember how our faces lit up in joy when we shared our toys in the kindergarten sandbox? The art of giving, my friends, can bring untapped joy and satisfaction into our lives, making it 'a life worth living'. It need not always be grand. Even small actions of kindness and generosity can make a big difference. Let's not forget, we are part of a larger ecosystem, and our actions affect others too.
Volunteering for a cause close to your heart, lending a helping hand to the less privileged, or even a simple act like sharing your learning experiences (yeah, blogging counts!), are meaningful ways of contributing outwardly. Honestly, the joy I experience from spreading a bit of positivity through my blogs is truly priceless. It's about learning that the more you give, the more fulfilled you feel, really.
Unplanned detours and sudden crossroads are part of the journey of life. Again drawing from my own experiences, the life of a blogger is not a straight highway. Ideas seem elusive some days, rejections pour in and there are times when managing expenses gets tricky. But hey, isn't that making my life more 'real' and honestly, exciting?
Each challenge that we encounter and overcome carves our character a bit more, brewing in us the concoction of resilience, perseverance and wisdom. When we learn to navigate through these, we create stories, we grow. And who wouldn't want to hear, live and share these meaningful stories? In the grand tapestry of life, isn't it these intricate weavings of experience and learnings that truly make it worth living?
Bringing back the analogy of the white rabbit, aren't we all Alice from Wonderland curious and each day is an unknown adventure? For ‘a life worth living’, inviting curiosity and a spirit of exploration becomes essential. In my blogging journey, it's this curiosity that has allowed me to explore various topics, perspectives and styles. The result? A sense of growth, fulfillment and, of course, fun!
By keeping our child-like curiosity alive, we invite into our lives the joy of learning, unlearning and relearning. This fuels our journey making life an exciting, adventurous pilgrimage. Be it mastering a new skill, visiting an undiscovered city, or rediscovering a forgotten childhood hobby, these unique encounters truly define 'a life worth living.'
Last but not least, ‘a life worth living’ means being authentic and celebrating individuality. Society might ask you to adapt, perhaps even change, but it's up to you to embrace your individuality. Be it my own decision to choose blogging as a profession or standing by my beliefs during thick and thin - these were rooted in authenticity.
Authenticity allows you to connect with your core, express yourself truly, and tread a journey that resonates with your inner self. The joy of being accepted for who we are is both powerful and liberating. So stay true to your beliefs, values, and dreams, for a life worth living is undeniably one where we are free to be truly ourselves.
In summary, 'a life worth living' is not a fixed concept. It's a beautifully abstract idea that finds unique representation in each of our lives. It's about pursuing passion and cherishing relationships, taking care of our well-being and finding fulfillment in giving, bravely navigating life's highs and lows, staying curious and adventurous, and above all, being authentic. It's about embracing life in all its surprises! Now, isn’t that a life worth living?
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