The Meaning of Life: Insights from a Life in Flux
Life, as experienced by any human, is a series of ups and downs, joys and challenges. For me, the journey to discover the true meaning of life has been both enlightening and transformative. Throughout different stages, I faced various trials. In this article, I will share my insights and how I eventually arrived at a profound realization about what life truly means to me.
Jobless Phase: Career and Personal Expectations
My journey started like any other avid career aspirant. As a fresher at IIM-I, the sole goal was to grab that high-paying job. It seemed like a dream come true when I landed my first job in an African country. However, the initial euphoria was short-lived as I returned home within two months. Soon after, I jumped into the rat race of job hunting, exploring different avenues and jobs. Despite facing numerous rejections, I never gave up. I kept pushing through, eventually landing the job I deserved after a few months of intense interviews.
Through this experience, I learned that life can be unpredictable and chaotic. While it’s important to strive and work towards success, the pressure and obsession with campus placements can be detrimental. Life can be hell at any point and one should never put unnecessary pressure on themselves. This realization taught me to embrace life with a more balanced perspective.
Obesity and Fitness Journey
During my preparation for the CAT exam, I had a strict schedule that included engineering college, coaching classes, studies, and, of course, an equally strict fitness routine. Despite my efforts, the life at IIM-I proved challenging, leading me to gain 28 kilograms, which not only affected my physical health but also my mental well-being. During this period, I went through a deep emotional turmoil and went through a significant weight gain, feeling extremely unhealthy both inside and out.
I decided to take back control of my life and embarked on a fitness journey. I lost those extra pounds slowly and steadily, walking 14,000 steps daily, pushing through the pain and tears. After two years of consistent effort, I realized that small, consistent steps are more effective than sporadic, aggressive efforts. I learned to leave the results to time and focus on healthy practices without adding pressure.
Marriage and Personal Stand
Being married brought its own set of challenges. I realized that my relationship dynamics were changing, and the person who I trusted before marriage no longer seemed to prioritize my respect, health, and sanity. I went through a period of emotional turmoil, as I tried to understand the changes and cope with the manipulations from vicious women in my life.
Through this, I learned that it is not wise to continue in a situation that harms your well-being. I decided to take my stand and make changes, ignoring manipulations and focusing on productive activities rather than pointless bickering. This experience taught me to take control of my life and not let others control my emotions and well-being.
The Meaning of Life
Reflecting on my journey, I concluded that the meaning of life is subjective and varies from one person to another. For me, the meaning of life is not about some grand purpose or divine mission. It is about how we face and handle the challenges that life throws at us. Life is not just a series of successes and failures but a continuous learning process.
We need to balance the pressures of life and not lose sight of our goals. We should never give up, even when we want to. Additionally, it is crucial to take control of our lives and focus on meaningful things, such as our health, relationships, and personal growth, rather than giving in to negative influences.
Let us embrace life with a balanced and optimistic mindset. Life is a precious gift, and how we choose to live it matters. So, let’s strive to make every day count by taking small steps towards meaningful goals.
Cheers, AK