“Have I been chasing someone else’s dreams?”
BOOM!!! It was a startling revelation. I stopped!! I stopped in my tracks. In the stillness of that moment, a voice spoke, and I couldn’t ignore it.
It was the voice of “Questions Unanswered”, of “Desires Unexamined.”
It asked me questions I was unprepared for but knew I needed it.
It was a turning point where the inner reflection changed everything.
“What are you running for?”
I am running, always chasing something I thought would bring me peace!
“What are you chasing?”
Dreams, goals, and desires.
“But why do you feel so restless?”
Because as I journey down these dreams, something feels off. The peace that should accompany fulfillment seems elusive.
“What is weighing you down?”
Borrowed Desires and the weight of others’ expectations are pulling me down, taking me away from my core, which is the cause of the silent unrest.
“How did the borrowed desires manage to sneak in?”
They sneak into our lives as dreams, shaped by the expectations of the world,
Aspirations of loved ones and society, not to miss out on social media.
“Did you manage to find peace in these borrowed desires?”
I found fleeting moments of satisfaction. But peace? No, it slips the more I chase it.
“Then why continue the chase?”
I thought I could win by reaching the finishing line.
Finally, the voice of the Questions Unanswered, of Desires Unexamined, fades away as if its purpose has been fulfilled, as if it had to lead me to this moment of revelation — of Peace not being a prize to be earned, but a state of being to be lived.
Finishing lines keep moving
“And where do you think is the finishing line?”
I don’t even know that anymore. The finishing line keeps moving, I think I am running a race not meant for me.
“Don’t you think you should stop running?”
Then what if I lose everything I worked for?
“Are you not already losing yourself?”
Yes, I am. Borrowed desires are masking my true aspirations, success feels hollow, and excitement is short-lived.
“Then maybe it’s not about losing, it’s about letting go.”
Letting go?
“Yes, true peace isn’t found in chasing someone else’s success. It is found in letting go of what does not belong to you and embracing the simplicity of your path.”
And how do I find my path?
“Avoid chasing trends in lifestyle, success, recognition, and material possessions. Stay connected with what resonates with your vision of success. You can charter your path by your inner truth.”
And will I find the peace that I have been searching for all along?
“Yes, but the work doesn’t stop once you find peace. There will have to be regular check-ins, where you need to pause, reflect, and find a balance between demands of the world and needs of the inner self.”
So, you mean peace never awaited me at the finishing line?
“Peace was always waiting with you, waiting for you to return by simply BEING.”
What was the BOOM sound that I heard?
“It was the sound of the Borrowed Desires breaking apart, telling you to let go. In that BOOM, peace found its way.”
“And now, how do you feel?”
I feel lighter and at peace, like I have come home to myself!!!
And then the voice of the Questions Unanswered, of Desires Unexamined, fades away as if its purpose has been fulfilled, as if it had to lead me to this moment of revelation – of Peace not being a prize to be earned, but a state of being to be lived.
16 comments
What an insight… let go.
Live … your life … your dreams …Peacefully.
This was a well written piece of literature and expressed beautifully.. An article that intrigues the mind. Thank you for this.
“Beautifully written, dear—it really hits home. Slowing down sounds wonderful, but it’s hard not to keep chasing dreams. Your words make me stop and think—why are we all rushing? But as someone once said when I was young… ‘miles to go before I sleep.’ Guess that journey continues.” LOL..
Yes surely you need to chase dreams but understanding that they are your dreams and not borrowed from the world or running some one else’s race, also balance is the essence of life 😀
That’s wonderful Deepa bhabhi
Your self-introspection is truly inspiring. It takes courage to dive deep within, and even more to express those thoughts so beautifully. Writing like this not only helps you grow but also resonates with others who may be on a similar journey.
Kudos 🎉
Perfectly said Deepa….Factuality to its core..
Lovely… a revelation for me too … BOOM!
Such a simple lesson of life… Just let go…to be peaceful. Beautiful!!! Thanks Deepa!
Such heart touching words, they touch the soul.
Very deep and inspiring
Very beautiful piece
Very beautiful self talk ….A self introspection of ur own dreams and desires
Very beautiful self talk ….A self introspection of ur own dreams and desires…not Borrowed….
Thoughtful, insightful and provoking
Very well written and thought provoking.
Borrowed desires ! How apt! When does one know what’s enough? A thought to seriously reflect upon.