FIT FOR AAYU: LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR YOURSELF by Sah Dipesh

Introduction

In this world, the most valuable thing anyone has is their own health. Yet, why do we so often neglect it?

Let me share something personal. One morning, I was sitting outside my house. Just across the road, there’s a small tea shop. I saw a crowd gathered there, chatting away. Out of curiosity, I started listening closely to what they were talking about. To my surprise, they were speaking badly about someone who wasn’t even there.

That moment made me reflect deeply.

Reflection on Judging Others

It was painful to hear how quickly people judge others, instead of looking inward.

We spend so much time talking about other people, comparing, criticizing, and worrying about things that don’t nourish us.

But what if we become more lovable to ourselves? What if we learn to share the happiness? But what if we turned that energy toward ourselves? What if, instead of gossiping, we used that time to care for our own body, mind, and soul?

Hate is equally contagious and infectious as love. Criticizing is injurious as healthy is appreciation. Worrying is shrinking as caring is extensive.

People often become experts in evaluating the lives of others while remaining strangers to themselves. The more we look outward, the less we understand what is happening within us. Looking inward does not make us selfish; it makes us aware.

Importance of Self-Care and Health

Imagine starting your day not with judgment, but with joy.

A peaceful walk is enough to nourish your body. A cup of warm tea weights is equal to therapy. A few deep breaths are enough to prevent you from the regrets for the urge. A moment of gratitude is enough for recognizing the blessing in disguise of life.

These small habits can change everything. They remind you that your life is yours. Your time is yours. And your health, both physical and mental, deserves your attention.

We often wait for others to validate us. To notice our efforts. To appreciate our presence. But the truth is, you are your own greatest companion. When you choose yourself, when you care for your well-being, you begin to glow differently. You begin to live, not just exist.

What Research Suggests

Research on positive psychology and mental health:

Psychologists suggest that positive psychology helps improve mental health by focusing on strengths, positive emotions, resilience, gratitude, and meaningful relationships rather than only treating mental illness symptoms. Studies show that practices such as mindfulness, gratitude journaling, positive thinking, and strengths-based therapy are linked to greater happiness, emotional balance, lower stress, and improved overall wellbeing. (Madhuleena Roy Chowdhury, 2019)

Research on internal vs. external control in psychology:

Psychologist Julian B. Rotter suggested that people tend to develop either an internal or external “locus of control,” meaning they believe outcomes are shaped either by their own actions or by outside forces such as luck, fate, or other people. Research found that individuals with a stronger internal sense of control are often more confident, responsible, and motivated in handling life challenges, while those with an external outlook may feel less control over outcomes and rely more on circumstances beyond themselves. (Rotter, 1966)

Research on how people judge others’ beliefs:

Psychologists found that people often believe others have more control over their beliefs and opinions than they themselves do. Studies suggest that individuals usually see their own beliefs as shaped by evidence, experiences, and personal understanding, while assuming others could easily “choose” to think differently. This difference in perception may contribute to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harsh judgment between people with different views. (People judge others to have more voluntary control over beliefs than they themselves do, 2020)

Positive Habits Readers Can Practice

Don’t let the noise of the world drown out your inner peace. You don’t need to chase perfection. You just need to be present for yourself.

Start small.

Be kind to your body.

Be gentle with your thoughts.

Protect your peace like it's your most prized possession because it is.

Laughter is the effective chemical for the lips that never smiles. Hands are the best sheds for the eyes that never stops flowing’s.

So, take that walk.

Drink that water.

Laugh out loud.

Cry if you need to.

Rest when you are tired.

Celebrate your small wins.

Heal at your own pace.

Conclusion and Call to Action

At the end of the day, life is not about pleasing others. It's about finding your rhythm, your balance, your happiness.

What to expect from the world that confirms your existence until you are no more? How aromic are those flowers that don’t only have scents in dead body?

You deserve to feel whole. You deserve to be healthy. You deserve to live truly live for yourself.

So, live your life for yourself not others, looking inward not outward. Because you deserve it.

Life does not live, neither present nor in past, it is in this moment. You have only life. Do lovingly whatever you want.

Myself as an accounting student: Life neither is a balance sheet nor a profit/loss account. You are more experienced than the day you were born. That is your profit.

Your experiences are your assets. Your mistakes are your expenses. Your lessons are your investments. Your wisdom is your accumulated interest. Your peace of mind is your greatest wealth.

Live your life for yourself not selfishly, but lovingly. Because the greatest investment you will ever make is not in the world outside you, but in the life within you.