Life is a River

We humans are hierarchical creatures. We compare, because evolution shaped us that way.

But like many other instincts that no longer serve us in modern society, this habit of comparison should also be questioned.

We don’t have to compare. Our journeys are different. What matters to us may not matter to others.

Even within our own lives, different phases look and feel completely different. Since I’m on this topic, let me share a little bit about my own journey.

I was born in 1983. I’m 42 now, so I’ll reflect on it periodically (every decade):

1985: I have no idea what I was doing. I have absolutely no recollection.

They say we don’t remember anything before age 4. I was growing up in rural India.

1995: A big shift had come. I was preparing to go to high school and spending a lot of time painting. My confidence was low, and I used to fall sick often.

2005: I was finishing my master’s degree in biosciences. I thought I had worked hard, but coming from a small town and an underprivileged background, I wasn’t getting the rewards I had hoped for. But, a turning point was waiting around the corner.

2015: I had already earned a PhD from a prestigious institute in India.

I had quit my job as an assistant professor and was completing a second master’s degree in the USA.

I was married by then. Things were both good and bad. Marital life was fairytale to me.

That’s my spouse. We were hiking pine forest around Mount Palomar, San Diego

But I was struggling with a cockroach allergy, and learning deeply about inflammation and health through both research and personal experience.

And now, 2025.

2025: My health is pretty good, except little issues now and then. Like firefighters vanquish brushfires before they turn to infernos, I keep dousing the little illnesses with vigilance and awareness ( proud of this metaphor and life philosophy).

I have two healthy kids. My life revolves around them.

We live in a peaceful neighborhood with a backyard I love tending. I go for walks once or twice a day in that enriching surroundings.

I’ve been working from home, flexibly, creating my digital presence, since the pandemic. Trying to find ethical ways to earn while keeping a protective eye on my children, seems the right decision for this double MS, and PhD mother, who signed off from formal academics at age 33.

So, as you see, much changes has happened in my life. Life is like a river. It keeps flowing — with different features, and bends.

I have no idea how the coming time will be. I don’t know how much time I am left with.

So I remind myself — don’t compare. Do what makes you feel good about yourself.

I know things are not easy. We are often pulled in different directions by conflicting responsibilities. Yet with good adjustment, we can find some balance and script our own meaningful journey.

We must learn from mistakes, keep our inner child alive, find our ikigai, and live a life of purpose.

I avidly learn about inflammation and psychopathy. This knowledge helps me make better decisions for both body and mind.

Thank you for reading. I hope my story offered some wisdom about the journey of life— how to fulfill our duties and live fearlessly, the kind of life we truly want to live.

Now, I invite you to reflect on your own life stages.