When I was a child, I used to look at the older kids and think, I wish I were in high school. When I finally reached high school, I wished to be in college. And when I got to college, I would dream about working—no assignments, no exams, just dressing up, going to the office, earning a salary, and enjoying life.
But when I started working and moved forward in life, ticking off each milestone, I saw my child playing—carefree, without a single worry about tomorrow. In that moment, I wished I could go back to being a child again.
Sometimes, my daughter tells me, “Mummy, I want to be a grown-up!” And I always tell her, “You will, when the time comes. But for now, enjoy this phase of life. It’s the best, and once it’s gone, you will never get it back. Enjoy every moment. “.But she doesn’t understand it yet—just like I didn’t when I was her age. As children, we are always in a rush to grow up, not realizing that adulthood comes with its own set of responsibilities. And when we finally get there, we long for the simplicity of childhood.
When she was a baby, I often found things difficult—sleepless nights, breastfeeding, constantly being on alert to care for her. Back then, I would think, I can’t wait for her to grow up. But now that she is six, I find myself wishing she were tiny again. Soon, she will outgrow my arms, and I won’t be able to carry her like I do now. That’s why I have started cherishing every single moment with her. Time flies, and before I know it, she will be an adult. I don’t want to look back and regret not making the most of these years.
That’s how life is, isn’t it? We either dwell on the past or keep thinking about the future, forgetting to live in the present. But life is happening now. Let’s appreciate the little things, embrace every phase, and enjoy what life has to offer—before it slips away in the blink of an eye.
We often believe that happiness lies in the next stage of life. I will be happy when I graduate, I will be happy when I get a job, I will be happy when I get married or have kids. But the truth is, happiness isn’t something we find in the future—it’s something we create in the present. Every phase of life has its joys and struggles, but once it passes, we can never go back.
So, instead of always waiting for the next big thing, let’s pause, breathe, and appreciate where we are right now. Whether it’s the innocence of childhood, the energy of youth, or the wisdom that comes with age—every moment is special in its own way. And if we learn to live in the present, we will have fewer regrets and more memories to cherish.
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