The Bitter Truth of Life

Life is a journey we often live on autopilot, constantly moving from one worry to the next.

We rarely pause to reflect, to ask ourselves: "Is this really living?"
This is a reflection on the cycle many of us unknowingly become trapped in.

Childhood

When we were young, we worried about studies.
We were told: “Work hard now, so your future is secure.”

For example, a 10-year-old struggles with school exams while his friends play outside. He hears adults say, "You must come first in class." Slowly, the joy of learning fades, replaced by the pressure to perform.

Adulthood

When we grew up, we worried about jobs and livelihood.

After graduation, a young woman applies for hundreds of jobs. Rejections pile up. Even after landing a job, she feels constant stress with deadlines, appraisals, and bills. She wonders if this is what she studied so hard for.

Marriage and Family

When we secured a livelihood, we worried about marriage.

A man in his late twenties earns well but is told by relatives, "Now it’s time to settle down." Whether or not he feels ready, the pressure mounts.

When we got married, we worried about having children.

A newlywed couple barely begins their life together before people start asking, “Any good news?” The pressure shifts quickly from romance to responsibility.

The Next Generation

When we had children, we worried about their education.

A couple sends their 4-year-old to tuition classes, not because the child needs it, but because "everyone else is doing it." School, coaching, extracurriculars. The cycle begins again.

When their education was complete, we worried about their marriage.

Parents scan horoscopes and matrimonial sites, worried their child is "getting too old" to marry. The child may have dreams of traveling, learning, or building a career, but family expectations take priority.

When their marriage was done, we started worrying about their children.

Grandparents now stress over their grandchildren’s schooling, health, and future. The cycle continues.

The Forgotten Self

And then, one quiet evening
A faint voice rose from within, the voice of the soul:

"When will you worry about me? I too am yours."

We ignored the hobbies we once loved.
We skipped vacations to save money for others.
We silenced the inner voice that wanted peace, purpose, or something different.

I had no answer. I fell silent.

The Final Knock

Just then, the doorbell rang
I opened the door and death was smiling at me.

It wasn’t a dramatic end, just a quiet realization
I had spent an entire life worrying and never truly living.

Final Thoughts

We spend our whole lives worrying about everything and everyone except ourselves.
We ignore the quiet cry of the soul, the need for joy, reflection, and meaning.

Examples surround us
A retired man who sacrificed everything but now feels empty
A housewife who never had time for herself
A young adult torn between personal dreams and societal expectations

Before the final knock comes, maybe it's time we pause

Not to escape responsibilities, but to also care for the one person we always forget - ourselves.