While I watch the video of a cute three-year-old British girl Lilly talking about work, I feel that children are so pure. Why can’t we retain the heart of children for life? Pure, selfless, loving, and caring towards everyone in the world. As we start to grow old, we become more and more self-centered, focusing more on worldly pleasure than the much-needed peace within.

What is up with the constant urge of wanting more? Sometimes, it’s not just limited to the money. It’s about everything. Buying a house, or purchasing a car, and thereafter wanting a bigger car, and then the need for a luxury car. The need never stops. Doesn’t the amenities that we buy or wish to buy, bring us a sense of satisfaction? Does this actually happen? The answer is a big no. You just find yourself trapped for life- in a cage of dissatisfaction, a cage of jealousy, and a cage of disrespect for oneself.

While many people debated the authenticity of scenes in the Netflix series- Decoupled, I found it so amazing and interesting. A married couple, sitting in two corners of a luxury car, being driven by a chauffeur and scrolling through their mobile phones throughout. Isn’t it what everyone is living?

We wake up, get ready for the office, scroll mobile phones during commutation, take a look at what everyone else is doing through our social media feeds, reach the office, do our work, return back, and sleep. That’s it! There are really very few who find a problem in this. Everyone is okay with how their life is. After all, they are paid a salary that helps them sustain themselves. 

Yes, sustenance is another topic that is much debatable in modern lifestyle. Many youngsters who want to follow their passion are barred due to family pressure which originates from the roots of societal pressure. Then comes adult, who has accepted the way of life, even if it comes at the cost of their own happiness. Happiness- which is derived from the thoughts of others- what others perceive you to be, what others say, and what makes “others” happy. I constantly find people near me telling me they are doing things in monotony, even when they don’t love doing it- just for the sake of money! I can never find a single person justifying their action. In the midst of it all, one forgets to keep themselves happy. I cannot justify this better without using the example of social media.

The constant need to not miss out on something, the gen-Z term of FOMO holds much in this regard. We authenticate ourselves through what others think of us. One like makes you happy, while a negative comment makes you unhappy. At times, someone not commenting or liking your picture bothers you. We, people, have gelled up so much on social media but fell apart as human beings. Judging others on the basis of looks, speech, background, nativity, and shape of the body has become casual enough for anyone to care.

Happiness is a personal affair, that cannot be perceived in terms of what others think of us. It has to be your own. If you need to be uncaged, you need to break the barrier yourself. No one, not even your closest person can do that for you. For the people who think money is the end, try making it just a part, and then you will be able to choose wisely. Do not constrain yourself in a toxic environment, if you are not willing to just for the sake of money. You are capable enough to reach where you are. You will definitely reach a better place with the pinch of self-confidence, self-pride, and being a constant cheerleader for yourself.

Things may come and go, but this life won’t. Live it awaara style, a life you will be proud to speak of. A life that will be yours, and happiness that speaks of who you are. Rather than regretting what you could have done better, take up the charge now. As I write this, I prepare myself for the same.

I am not sure if this helped you gather the courage for finding a better you. But, do what makes you a happy and better version of yourself now. I found my happiness after a huge deal of learning, and at no cost am I going to lose this sanity. Nothing is more important than being YOU. Everything else will eventually follow.

From my heart to yours,

Purvi