A Walk Down Memory Lane: From Teenage to Adulthood – What Changed and What Stayed the Same?

Exactly 20 years ago, I completed my Class 10 examination… Let that sink in first. Secondly, if I were to meet my younger self from that time, I would say: Thank you. You have done a great job.

I have no regrets in life—whether in my personal or professional life. I’ve never hurt anyone & have never been dishonest—ever—whether in my school, professional or personal life.

However, the only regret I have, and one that will remain with me throughout my life, is losing my mom in my late twenties. That is an inconsolable feeling, one that is always in the back of my mind. Even after so many years, I haven’t been able to come out of this #tragedy.

Barring that, if I look back & track my life journey from a soon-to-be independent teenager of that time to the mature person I am now—or at least I think so—all I can say is: WELL DONE.

I have nothing to hide and nothing to pretend. I am transparent—not to prove anything to anyone, nor do I need any certificate from anyone, but because that’s my mojo… that’s the kick. I am responsible and accountable to myself for my deeds. I enjoy being transparent.

This approach to life has given me a strong sense of independence and self-assurance. Most importantly, I’m a self-made, carefree person. Though I sometimes get emotional, you wouldn’t feel it.

That being said, I’m not here to write my autobiography, but rather to share a realization: I successfully did it.

From being a complete novice in writing (with no background in it) to becoming an expert within a span of twenty years—ever since I cracked my Class 10 exam, when I realized that my true aim was to pursue #writing rather than prepare for #entrance exams—the only things that helped me become who I am today are newspapers, fairy tales, Aesop’s fables, #English literature, movies, TV serials, documentaries, news, #magazines, TV news channels, and cricket—not just as a game but as a religion, a #daily routine, and a #passion that involved analyzing match reports, reading reviews & previews—and, of course, my thought process.

By now, you must have already sensed that I mostly enjoyed my solitude during my formative years. Fortunately, I never had to join a ‘gang’ of friends who were good for nothing & only acted as obstacles in one’s career.

I never allowed them that influence over me. I didn’t let any #friends drag me into drinking or smoking, nor did I allow them to pressure me into studying a particular #course or preparing for a #government #exam just because they were doing so.

I find it difficult to connect with people who limit conversations to the mundane—politics, money—when life offers so much more to explore. At times, I become too friendly with people who I know will misinterpret or betray me. But that’s life—we can’t all live in #solitude like Robinson Crusoe.