2019 Oct -How my life is changing as I enter my fifth decade

APPROACHING 50 & 55s A friend of mine crossed 50 and is heading to 55.
I asked him what’s changing?
He sent me following lines:

Yes, I am changing.
After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started loving myself.

Yes, I am changing.
I just realised that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.

Yes, I am changing.
I now stopped bargaining with vegetables & fruits vendors. After all, a few Rupees more is not going to burn a hole in my pocket but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

Yes, I am changing.
I pay the taxi driver without waiting for the change. The extra money might bring a smile on his face. After all he is toiling much harder for a living than me

Yes, I am changing.
I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. After all, the story makes them walk down the memory lane & relive the past.

Yes, I am changing.
I’ve learnt not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. After all, the onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

Yes, I am changing.
I give compliments freely & generously. After all it’s a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me.

Yes, I am changing.
I’ve learnt not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. After all, personality speaks louder than appearances.

Yes, I am changing.
I walk away from people who don’t value me. After all, they might not know my worth, but I do.

Yes, I am changing.
I remain cool when someone plays dirty politics to outrun me in the rat race. After all, I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.

Yes, I am changing.
I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. After all, it’s my emotions that make me human.

Yes, I am changing.
I have learnt that its better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. After all, my ego will keep me aloof whereas with relationships I will never be alone.

Yes, I am changing.
I’ve learnt to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last .

Yes, I am changing.
I am doing what makes me happy. After all, I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to me.