TEREZUM

Have you ever had a moment when you were listening to your favorite tune and feeling like the king or queen of the world? It’s that euphoric feeling where everything aligns and it seems like nothing can stop you. Music has this incredible power—it transports us, elevates us, and taps into something deeply emotional. But as soon as that emotional high fades, what remains is the undeniable reality that we all must face: everyday life.

Recently, as I was walking down the street, something unexpected caught my attention. An elderly man, dressed in casually elegant clothing, walked slowly with a bag in his hand. What struck me wasn’t just his age—it was the slowness, the deliberate pace of someone who had lived many years.

Sure, we all know that older people move slower. But have you ever paused and truly observed that? Have you taken a moment to reflect in silence about how, someday, that will be you?

In that moment, a wave of reflection washed over me. This man—he once had a career, ambitions, energy, and a drive to succeed. He likely contributed to society in meaningful ways. He once dreamed big. And now, many pass him by, failing to see the foundation his generation laid for ours. It’s easy to overlook the elderly, but we must remember: they are the reason we have what we do today.

This moment reminded me of the profound importance of humility. Staying grounded in a world obsessed with success is not easy. But we must try. I have to remind myself constantly that being right, being powerful, being admired—these are not life’s highest achievements.

One day, I too will walk slowly, watching the decades fade into memory. We must stay humble because when life is going well—when we’re healthy, financially secure, and in love—it’s tempting to believe we are invincible. But the truth is, we are all human. Life doesn’t owe us anything. We’re not promised tomorrow.

You could lose your job overnight. You could lose the social status that once gave you validation. And when that happens, what remains? It’s in these vulnerable moments that your true character surfaces.

One common human flaw I’ve noticed in myself and others is that when life is good, we forget to be thankful. We stop empathizing. But compassion is a choice we should never stop making. You don’t know what silent battles others are facing. Your resilience, your emotional coping tools—they aren’t universally shared.

Gratitude should be a daily practice. Even for the simple act of breathing. Think about it: how many people are struggling to take a breath at this very moment while you’re reading this? We take too much for granted.

Our time on this earth should be a journey of personal growth and self-mastery. Watching what you say, choosing kindness over cruelty, and speaking with intention—that’s true emotional strength. Words carry power. What if the last thing you say/text/shout to someone becomes your final memory with them?

And what if, in your pursuit of being “right,” you lose something far more important? Money, success, validation—none of it can replace lost love or mend damage caused by pride. There is a an old wise saying: the graveyard is full with people who cared a lot about being right and now they’re all right together…under the ground. Life is not always about being right. Life is about being happy and letting go of the ego. Both men and women bury love under the piles of “I need to be right”. It’s a pity.

As I watched that old man walking, I thought about how fast life moves. It’s easy to get distracted by what’s next and forget what’s now. We chase future goals and ignore present blessings. But the truth is, mindfulness is key to a fulfilled life.

I don’t know when my journey will end, but I know this: each day must be anchored in humility, gratitude, and faith in something greater than ourselves. Whether you call it the Divine, the Universe, or simply a higher consciousness—it is this awareness that brings us back to what truly matters.