Posts

Showing posts from December, 2024

Believe in Yourself: The Key to Life's Autumn

Image
  Photo credit: Shivansh Sharma@pexels As we approach the autumn of life, what do we find waiting for us? A time of decline, or a season of transformation and growth? The "autumn of life" offers a unique moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the wisdom we’ve gathered along life’s journey. In early civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, life was distinctly divided into Chatur Ashramas , or the four stages of life: Brahmacharya (celibacy): A period dedicated to acquiring knowledge. Grihastha (married life): Focused on family responsibilities and building a livelihood. Vanaprastha (retired life): A retreat to the forest, leaving household duties behind. Sannyasa (renunciation): A life of asceticism and spiritual pursuit. These stages reflect the natural rhythm of life, with the latter two—Vanaprastha and Sannyasa—mirroring the reflective phase of autumn. The Vanaprastha phase, akin to this metaphorical autumn, signaled a shift in priorities and purpose. Individuals handed...

Finding Purpose: A New Year’s Reflection for a Meaningful Life

Image
  Photo curtsey: Yunus Tug@ Pexels Many years ago, I received some wonderful advice that has guided me, albeit imperfectly, in shaping my life. Today, as we approach 2025, I feel inspired to share it with the hope that it might encourage others to adopt these thoughts in their own journey. “Finding your purpose in life can be transformative. It’s not just about work, routines, or chasing success—it’s about discovering what truly makes you come alive and finding ways to share that with the world. Maybe it’s helping others, inspiring change, exploring new cultures, or simply brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture. Life isn’t just about avoiding the wrong path; it’s about choosing the right one and walking it with intention. Each of us has something unique to contribute, no matter how small it might seem. Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand, all-encompassing idea. It’s in the small moments, the acts of kindness, and the courage to strive for something more. When you lean into wh...