Have I truly lived?

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A Question That Changed Everything

A few years ago, my grandfather visited us from another country. Coincidentally, it was also my cousin’s wedding. Amid conversations about business, family, and life in general, I overheard him ask one of my relatives a simple question:

    “Are you happy?”

That question stayed with me.

At the time, I was around 35. I truly believed life was about chasing big dreams, gaining recognition at work, and making money. Please don’t judge me — my life lessons arrived a little late.

Today, I’m 46, and I know my priorities far better.

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A Moment of Realization

     Fast forward to today's life, while watching a youtube video on silence "Stay Silent — Everything Will Come to You Naturally | Inspired by Brené Brown"— I realized something important: I had drifted away from myself.

That realization led me inward and surfaced three honest questions:

  • Am I doing something that truly aligns with my values?

  • Am I deeply satisfied with the work I do?

  • Am I honestly happy with life the way it is?

These weren’t easy questions. But they were necessary.

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The Illusion of “More”

In today’s chaotic, noisy world, it’s easy to get trapped in materialistic pursuits.

Someone made more money than me today.
I asked myself: Is that what I want?
No.

Someone earned a fancy degree, bought a luxury car or house, or got a promotion.
I asked myself again: Is that what I want?
No.

Someone was recognized at work or became the president of a prestigious society.
Once more: Is that what I want?
No.

So then — what do I want?

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What I’m Choosing Instead

Inner peace — absolutely.
To serve others — without a doubt.
Freedom to choose how I live, every day, every minute — I love that.

Over the past few months, I’ve started loving myself deeply. So much so that what truly matters now is me. You may call it selfish — but it isn’t. It’s authenticity.

I want more calmness.
More peace.
More silence.

Is this everything life has to offer? Maybe not.
But it’s what I’m choosing.
It’s what I’m craving.

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Living Without Regret

I don’t want to reach retirement and look back with regret.

Ask any elderly person what advice they’d give their younger self, and most will say:
“Give yourself time. Be bold in your decisions.”

I’m determined not to chase anything that leaves me empty later. Materialistic pleasures, for me, are a clear no.

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A Question for You

If this reflection inspires even one person to pause and rethink their path, I’ll consider it my small service to humanity.

So here’s my final question:

Have I truly lived?
Yes — I’m about to.

Will you?

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