1. The Will to Embrace Fun with What You Have

Walking around my city has become a daily highlight. I used to resent my town for its lack of parks and greenery. Being a nature lover, I yearned for walks in the woods where I could shed my worries among the trees. I felt confined in my hometown, unable to find peace while navigating streets crowded with vehicles.

Yet, complaining changes nothing, does it? I realized my city wouldn't magically transform overnight; change takes time—possibly years. But I couldn't afford to wait for life to unfold until I was ready. Life moves swiftly and doesn't pause for anyone.

I longed for evening walks but held out for a perfect setting, akin to those depicted in films or online. This led to procrastination and disappointment. Eventually, I understood that I could either continue dreaming of an ideal walk or appreciate what I had. Hence, I began my evening strolls, even though I initially preferred mornings. However, early mornings lacked the vibrancy of people bustling about, which I found intriguing.

I chose evening walks to observe and ponder the lives of others. The idea that someone might be laughing, dancing, or crying somewhere in the world fascinates me. Sometimes, I feel like a character in a larger dream, and everyone else plays their part in the Universe's grand design.

I don't seek much from these walks—just a moment to pause amidst the frenzy of life. They allow me to reconnect with my city, discovering hidden stories in old homes and familiar faces engaged in their routines. These moments surprise me and draw me deeper into my thoughts.

That's why I cherish my evening walks. They offer a glimpse into the lives of others before I retreat into my mind. Regardless of how busy I become, I prioritize these walks, often concluding them at a temple. Even on hectic days, taking time for this ritual reaffirms that I can carve out moments of peace, breathing freely without the pressure of constant achievement.

I encourage you to find your own source of joy. Focus on what brings you peace and tranquility. A calm mind is more productive than a cluttered one. Make time daily for activities that nourish your spirit. You don't need to meditate in the traditional sense; simply stepping back and taking a moment can serve as meditation.

2. Living an Exciting Life

Recently, I went for a walk with my mother. We were out to buy sweet potatoes, my winter delight, and she wanted to shop for herself. After leaving the store, I noticed a rickshaw puller loading goods onto his vehicle. He was older, dressed in worn clothes, and appeared to earn less than $100 monthly—common in India, where stark economic disparities exist.

What struck me was his earphones. Despite his burdens, he seemed lost in music while working. This made me reflect on why some people endure such hardships while others do not. Yet, he knew that complaining wouldn’t ease his struggles; he had to work to provide for his family.

Despite his tough circumstances, he found a small pleasure—music. This highlights that everyone possesses something that helps them cope, regardless of how modest or inexpensive it may be. It doesn't require luxury; what matters is finding joy in the little things.

Even though it may seem trivial to mention, this moment serves as a reminder that life can be challenging, and not everything will go our way. However, we can always find something to look forward to. It could be meeting a friend for dinner, indulging in a favorite show after a long day, or simply dancing to a beloved song.

Life can often be unfair, and things may become overwhelming. But if you don't take the initiative to lighten your load, you'll be left with nothing but grievances. The choice is yours.

3. Cultivating Creativity

Many people, myself included, often measure the worth of activities by their productivity. I abandoned my hobbies because they seemed unproductive. This mindset is flawed; we shouldn’t treat our lives like a balance sheet.

As I began my evening walks, an internal voice would nag me about how I could be more productive with that time. But gradually, I learned to let go of that voice and simply immerse myself in the experience. Remarkably, during these walks, I often stumble upon creative ideas that feel revolutionary.

These evening strolls provide me with a space to relax while expending energy, promoting both mental and physical freedom. Science supports this notion; engaging in relaxing activities can boost creativity.

I encourage you to set aside at least 15 minutes daily for a walk around your city. You'll witness the twinkling lights resembling stars and feel a unique sense of clarity as you observe the world buzzing around you while you take a moment for yourself. It's a chance to reflect on your core self and notice the subtleties of life that usually go unnoticed. Give it a try.