Free for download only on 4th and 5th March 2020

Thursday 23 January 2020

The Last Decade


Ten years challenge was trending a few days back. I was wary of taking up the same, for unlike some lucky fellows like you who still look the same, I had changed so much and the change wasn't limited to physical looks alone (read receding hairline, which has receded much far than I had anticipated). It has always been easy with words for me. So when I heard the theme decade, I decided to write about all those things which have changed in the last ten years.


A decade back I was insecure, struggling with my career, relationships and other things in life. Today I am much better placed. Yet, the zest for life which existed earlier has slipped away for the reasons beyond my comprehension. Is this part of aging, something which each of us goes through? Earlier, I took so much care of myself (read my looks). But today I am least bothered about how I look. At the same time, I am more organized than I was earlier. I exercise regularly.

Earlier, the processor of my brain worked on a binary language. Either this or nothing - was the only coding it had received. Now, I am more tolerant. I know if it is not this, it is not always nothing. There are many things which I have achieved, which I am proud of. Today my self-worth is not dependent on my winning alone.

My outlook has changed over a decade. I have learnt that diversity is the inherent trait of nature. No two persons are the same. Some lack intelligence, some good looks and some good fortune. Yet, that doesn't make them incompetent. Every person has his own philosophy of life, which is shaped by his upbringing and experiences, and no one can be labelled as right and wrong. Still, why it hurts when someone disapproves of me, calls me names?

To conclude, I have grown and turned into a better person, but the joy of life is missing. Can you help me get it back?

“This post is a part of ‘DECADE Blog Hop’ #DecadeHop organised by #RRxMM Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul. The Event is sponsored by Glo and co-sponsored by Beyond The BoxWedding ClapThe Colaba Store and Sanity Daily in association with authors Piyusha Vir and Richa S Mukherjee”
Decade, BlogHop, Contest

59 comments:

  1. A very short and sweet post outlining how our attitudes change with time. We feel insecure, less sure of ourselves, less in touch with the times. I guess it is the ability to change ourselves and keep ourselves in touch with the unwritten code of the changing times that helps us retain our happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A short post which talks of your journey and how much you grew in the last decade. The missing joy I am sure is deep within you. Just delve and let it flow. Wishing you happiness and success.
    Deepika

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's a nice summary of decade gone by, and the good thing is it made you more tolerant, your outlook has changed positively. I must say a decade or age both have its pros and that shows in your post. Joy of life is not to be searched outside it's somewhere within just peep and you will find it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The pursuit of happ(y)ness is an endless one. We can only gain a semblance of it through the knowledge we acquire along the way and the experiences we have.
    And you already seem to have learned so much about life in the past decade.

    A succinct and thought provoking post! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Quite an honest recap of the decade. "Today my self-worth is not dependent on my winning alone" sums it up for me. With age we mature, taking things in our stride. And something that was ultra important a decade back seems too frivolous now. Wishing you the best of everything

    ReplyDelete
  6. The joy would be somewhere within you. Search it before it's too late. All the best. Wonderfully penned and I'm pretty sure you must have been joyful at the masterpiece you wrote. Ruchi Nasa https://thevagabond.me

    ReplyDelete
  7. Short but honest recap of the decade, Mahesh ji. I do hope you find the joy next to you, it was there all along just shy to come in front.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We each evolve with every single turn of time. So have you. And change doesn't imply that happiness goes missing. It's just that we are still seeking happiness along the same tangent on which we were a decade back. Maybe it lies somewhere else today. Yours has been such an evolving journey. I am sure it will only get better.
    Sonia from A Hundred Quills

    ReplyDelete
  9. With time you have changed,and your work has been better too. So trust God happiness will be arriving soon. It's just the matter of Time !!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It felt nice to read your honest post, though it made me wonder how to answer your question at the end.
    Get back to doing what you love the best maybe? If a tiny wild flower brings a sudden smile on your face, I guess it is one way of enjoying your life. :) Hope you find it real soon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Joy of life is in the smallest and simplest moments. Those moments can be being with your family, lobed ones, watching the birds fly, hearing some music, traveling or reading books. There are so many ways to bring joy in life but for that you have to be honest with oneself and let go dwelling of past. Hope you find the joy in this new decade!!

    By
    alawyerskitchen2018@gmail.com
    Shail Thosani

    ReplyDelete
  12. ur post is a very honest take on your life.. over the years we become wiser and wiser but amongst all this if u lose out on the joys of life then u somewhere u are going wrong. possibly u r carrying some baggage of expectations which is not allowing u to live freely. try to do things u enjoy... pour out your hearts through ur words and it would make u feel good.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I enjoyed reading your piece because it sounded so brutally honest and it also shows that you really thought about the changes over the decade very seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Diversification is the aim of all evolution and you have captured it so well in your post, kudos.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is such an honest post on your experiences of the decade. It is true that life teaches us at every step and our outlook changes with time. The fact that you can sense that some of your own outlooks have changed for better is a great sign of growing. As for finding joy, that is an eternal search, dear sir. Don't lose hope. You'll find it soon, I am sure. Try out new things, take up a hobby or join a group of like minded people. Talk about your feeling with someone you trust. Hang in there! Cheers!

    Meena from balconysunrise.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Manisha - Time is the best teacher, when we look back from now we surely see a change and all our learnings which make us a better version of ourselves. Cheers to a new decade.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I could felt the exact emotions which you had narrated in this post. I agree with aging, we learn lots of things and gather new experiences. in fact, we become an organized and sensible person that before..but during this journey, we forget to enjoy life..it is life and it teaches important life lessons this way to us. nice write up.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Well, it is great to see that you have shown change in your outlook about some things in the past decade..But it is very important to feel joyful about life and it's bounties..There is so much to be thankful about..May you find immense joy in the future..

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very nice crisp write up Mahesh, any positive progress in life is a sign that we lived our life in best way, for me age is just a no., never ever would let go the joy of life, no matter how many decades have come or gone by, make sure the level of joy shouldn’t be stagnant take it from high to higher till highest !!!!!


    Archana

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sir your tale was full of takeaways for me. I liked most, either this or nothing.. Loved the way you told all the details of the last decade. Best wishes :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Short but loaded! You seek to have done your well in the decade. Physical appearances dont count as those are a natural progression of life. In other aspects you appear to have done quite well. As to finding happiness - well, they doing little things for others around you. Maybe you could help out someone who may not have what you have...... itvwoukdnt harm you to reach out right!? 😊 good luck and best wishes Maheshji.

    ReplyDelete
  22. We mature a lot during a decade and you bring that very well in your post...doing things that you like to do will definitely bring happiness ! All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  23. A decade back I was secured, free of toxic people and now it is just opposite but matured enough to handle all this. life is uncertain. it is good for some and bad for some but I believe it is just a phase which we all over come.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I hear you! I think this is the upcoming midlife crisis that is affecting all of us. Stay the course! I am sure the joie de vivre will make a come back! - Pallavi Acharya

    ReplyDelete
  25. I agree, two persons are not the same. They have a different background, different opportunities, different desires, different tempo, different goals and many more. And I believe everybody has to right to live his life according to him not what others want and expect from him. I understood the pain what you we're talking about.

    ReplyDelete
  26. We evolve, and cannot go back to our old ways and beliefs. We can, however, find a way to find peace within, to love what keeps us going and let go of what brings toxicity.

    ReplyDelete
  27. A beautiful write up. I guess we all understand ourselves in a better way as we age. Best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  28. A short and Sweet post which summarises what all emotions a person can go through in a decade

    ReplyDelete
  29. It is good to reflect on your past and see how far you have reached. It is good to realise that you have changed and grown into a better person and that itself needs to be accepted as the joy ! Happiness lies within us. You cant find it anywhere else . Good luck and best wishes for the coming years!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. No one is worth judging and everybody is unique agree with your views 😊

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Mahesh...I went through ur profile and learnt that u r such a multi-faceted personality. U do yoga and meditate too then why are you seeking approval from others. Happiness lies within us. Do not run after a mirage. Be grateful for what life has offered u....I have lost so much but still I keep smiling and make others smile. Do reach out to me if you need a pep talk.

    ReplyDelete
  32. With age comes maturity and we learn to accept ourselves. Being content should be the goal and if others cant accept you for what you are then they are not worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  33. When I read the first few lines, I thought I am reading my own post which I have written for this challenge and would be posting tomorrow as its on the same lines :) Coming to your post, you have summed up your journey of a decade in such a few words, so beautifully - Vartika

    ReplyDelete
  34. I see you have grown a lot over the last decade and you self aanalysis has resulted in self growth. I have a few suggestions for you
    1. Listen to some people like B.K.Shivani.. try video on youtube choose happiness
    2. Help someone, teach someone, volunteer for a cause
    3. Find something that invokes joy in you.. for me it is writing, dancing and family.
    4. It does hurt when someone calls us names, or disapproves of us.. it is useful to learn coping mechanisms to react to these situations in a different manner so that we aren't swayed
    5. Believe in yourself

    ReplyDelete
  35. That is an honest recap of the last decade and glad you have developed a positive outlook and are more tolerant. As far as happiness is concerned, it might be within you or around you, you just need to look. Hope you find it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Short and sweet . Yes, readng your post I started to think about ten year old me

    ReplyDelete
  37. This was probably the rawest post I've read on the Decade theme. As a writer, it's paramount to know what you have and what you don't, so kudos for trying to fight for your happiness.

    I don't presume to know your life, but I know this much. Happiness is not an everlasting emotion. Even truly joyous people aren't always skipping around, counting their blessings. Happiness comes in small pockets and you should find those moments and treasure those. Hang out with friends, sample a new cuisine. Speak to a therapist ( I had one for a few years, and it was hugely helpful). You are an amazing person, and you deserve everything you seek!

    ReplyDelete
  38. A very honest post, Mahesh. I sincerely believe that happiness comes form the inside and if you condition your mind to it, you will find happiness, no matter how chaotic the outside environment might be.
    In my book 'From Stressed to Sorted, - I suggest small Happiness hacks that can simplify your life - maybe you should pick a copy. I also suggest you try your hand at Nichiren Buddhism - do reach out to me if you want to know more.

    ReplyDelete
  39. We all change in time and become mature. For the missing joy in you life,you need to ask yourself where do you feel alone or sad about? Find out what gives you happiness and makes you happy? The answer lies within you.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Its a cool realisation that most of us find peace with ourselves as we grow old. The insecurity and aggression even though only inside us paves way for an innate knowledge that life is going to continue even if we dont wish to. And we still strive to make life better for us, but this time with much more self- assurance.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Viva! La dolca vita! Pause and enjoy! Thats all I can think of after reader your blog! Rohit Verma

    ReplyDelete
  42. The missing joy is you only, the day you start loving yourself and understand the worth of yours, you start enjoying the joy in life, we all can give you suggestion, but it's only you who can bring the joy in your life

    ReplyDelete
  43. Don't worry about your looks . Worry and then work towards your inner happiness. People are people they will say just anything you know Kuch to log kahenge logon Ka kaam hai Kehna....don't worry what they say....find a good bunch of friends you enjoy with ....laugh with them spend more time with them ....find your hobby which energises you ....make out time for that ....

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a simple and straight from the heart, theself realisation and acceptance is best victory to me and you have done that...
    Yes the looks recede, the hairline too what stays fresh everyday is the heart and mind and you shared that freshness through your words...
    Keep wry

    ReplyDelete
  45. A beautiful heartfelt post on self realization! Remember only you are responsible for your happiness.
    Shalini | Kohleyedme

    ReplyDelete
  46. I liked this sentence: diversity is the inherent trait of nature. And yes getting wise! Lot os things connect, and that makes it a fabulous post.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your mature outlook towards the change clearly shows you have come a long way in your journey and yes you have definitely grown up. But growing up doesn't necessarily mean losing the spice of life, if you are looking for joy, you need to look deeper inside you. Lovely post!

    ReplyDelete
  48. andd it's a beautiful post! loved it!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I had read in one of the bloggers post that the real joy of life is in enjoying the smallest of achievements and i believe you will enjoy your life when you are doing something you love. Most importantly, it is about learning and growing over time and if you are trending high on the learning curve, you surely must be enjoying. I must say that you had a very unique take on the past decade. Wish you find your ray of joy in the coming decade.
    --rightpurchasing

    ReplyDelete
  50. With the passage of years our attitude towards life changes. A very short and sweet summary of the decade gone by.

    ReplyDelete
  51. It’s sad that you feel the joy from your life has diminished. as per your own account, you have clearly become wiser- perhaps you can channel some positive wisdom into rediscovering your life. Try new hobbies, read more- whatever it takes!
    Coming to the post, I really liked the self-introspective tone you have used. Most other posts have been records of the decade past- yours is an analysis. Good one!
    Noor Anand Chawla

    ReplyDelete
  52. Your post is so relatable, Mahesh. However, at the same time I feel that getting older, if I may say so, shouldn't make one 'serious' in life. Being around friends and allowing yourself some unhindered fun time will probably help you get back on track.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Nothing is permanent except change. That has been my life mantra and has helped me to overcome phases of life which were a tad difficult than others. The way you have summed up the changes of your life and body is praiseworthy.

    #readbypreetispanorama

    ReplyDelete
  54. I am much younger to say this. But I think it is just a phase. When we are younger we look forward to lot of things that is yet to happen in life. Once they happen we feel a kind of vaccum. There may be something that you loved to do earlier but couldnt do because of other responsibilities. Think of doing it now ! I am sure you will start living again. Keep smiling 🙂

    Maya Bhat

    ReplyDelete
  55. Looks like you traded joy to gain wisdom. You know, you can have both. Create your own joy and wishing you lots of it this coming decade!
    Mayuri/Sirimiri

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sometimes a good shake out of routine and new experiences can get your mojo back. Here's to wishing you a fun filled decade ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Such an honest post. We all think more or less the same. We are better people but the zest of living joyful life is keep on going down. Though we have n number of mediums to keep us happy and engaged but none of them have power to stay longer. Hope you will find your real joys soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a concise piece depecting ure decade. Am sure the next one will be amazing for you as for everyone else.

    ReplyDelete