A Fulfilling Life

Published02 July 2015

Reading Time 2 mins

Author Stories of Nepal

Location Nepal

"My parents passed away when I was young. There was a lot of drinking in the house. After mother died father stopped for two years but eventually succumbed to alcoholism and passed away. By then, I had already started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. I was living with my uncle then. The 'freedom' to do whatever I wanted, gave me a different high. I started taking hard drugs and experimenting. Alcohol just became a supplement for drugs when I didn't have any money. There were times the euphoria would end and I would think, 'what am I doing?' but it would be very short-lived and I would be on the next debauch. It was after my uncle had passed away and as usual I was drinking, tears rolled down my eyes. I called my relatives and told them I needed help. I realized my reel was over. After spending 9 months in a rehab, I got a lot of time to introspect. Something changed in me. It was nothing short of an awakening. These 9 years in sobriety has been a miracle. Today, I appreciate the little things in life like the cool breeze, a plate of food and just being alive. I have no big ambitions as such and I don't compete with anyone. I just live for today and keep things simple. I think this is because of the suffering I had seen and how I longed for happiness. The irony today, however, is that happiness was a wrong pursuit and acceptance of what life has to offer is the key for a fulfilling life."

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