What is the purpose of life? Is it just surviving day after day, or actually living the day — living the moment and feeling every moment as it goes by? Believing in the tiniest moments of joy and realising that the world doesn’t end when you face despair? Maybe the purpose of life isn’t to always be okay, but to acknowledge life as it is — a rollercoaster of experiences, emotions, dreams, and unexpected turns.

That said, life truly is unpredictable. We cannot guess what the future has in store for us or where we will be ten years from now. All we have is our present and the power to make it better, to find joy in the moment and make the most of it. Those who always worry about tomorrow lose the moment in hand. Since tomorrow is unseen but today is real, why not start enjoying the very moment you are living?

And when you live in the moment, you feel lighter, more satisfied and happier. Happiness comes when you are content with your life. Happiness is not limited to a single definition — it is a deep, layered emotion. Sometimes you smile not just with your lips, but through your heart too. When you start cherishing everyday life, you suddenly feel happiness all around you, as if it was always there but you had never paid enough attention. It is the most human of emotions, so let it embed itself in you.

Observe and romanticise the tiniest details around you, even the most inconspicuous ones. For instance, when you see a tiny bud protruding from a plant, pause to feel the depth it holds and how everything in this world is crafted so beautifully with such perfection and delicacy.

Romanticising is simply ‘finding’ beauty in simplicity: seeing and petting a cat while walking, having a warm cup of tea in the evening with your loved ones, smiling with a toddler over a peek-a-boo game, reading a book and highlighting your favourite quotes in it, waking up early to meditate or pray, or even doing a full-blown haircare and skincare routine on a random morning. You can also start journaling or recording aimless vlogs to look back on later.

Instead of racing ahead, pause and romanticise the little things. That’s where true living begins.

Take a picture of every sunset, or whenever you find the hues of the sky beautiful. Capture the leaves swaying in the wind and the birds chirping melodies. Set up your desk with tiny plants or decorate your room with your favourite posters and fairy lights. Take full advantage of free will. Do whatever makes you smile, or even gives you that tug in your heart, whispering, “This is happiness.”

In short, see the world through starry eyes and nothing will ever feel boring or pointless.

Soon enough, you will realise that life is full of tiny miracles that make it worth living. Wake up every day and practise gratitude — be thankful for all that you have, much of which often goes unnoticed. Show gratitude to the people who make you smile, and feel the joy that brightens your entire day. Be that person who makes someone’s day, pets and feeds strays, or gets excited over small hangouts.

Do not let the misconception fool you that romanticising means being productive. That is yet another trap society has laid for us. Life is not a race; it is a journey different for each one of us. As humans, it is natural to have lazy days — and we can still cherish life regardless. There is no point in comparison or competition.

Be kind to yourself. Let yourself explore and experience gradually. Learn to handle different aspects of life with a positive approach.

Stop rushing through the bustling world and take a moment to gently absorb the present. Utilise all your five senses: see the beauty around you, hear the melodies in the silence, smell the sweetness in the air, touch the warmth of this world and taste the joy of romanticising what you already have.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 23th, 2025