Our Cozy Nest
~By Amogh Bhatnagar
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there” ~By Rumi
I always get stuck whenever I read this quote, perhaps because my idea of a cozy, safe world resonates so deeply with it, and that’s why it constantly reminds me to wake up those around me. As an 18-year-old, I’ve observed the growing impact of competition on people’s lives. It’s no secret that competition has become an integral part of our society, whether in school, college, or even in our professional lives. While some may argue that competition is essential for growth and success, there is an alarming downside to it, especially for teenagers. This constant pressure to outperform others is making life unnecessarily stressful for many, and it’s not just limited to teens—adults are feeling the strain too.
The fear of failure, the relentless pursuit of staying at the top, and the expectation to always be ahead are major contributors to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. We live in an environment where success is measured solely by grades, promotions, and material achievements. But what happens when we fall short? The fear of not being good enough eats away at us, leading to an overwhelming sense of pressure and dissatisfaction.
This constant battle to prove oneself takes us away from the natural flow of life. We forget what it means to truly live. We’re so consumed by our ambitions that we fail to appreciate the present moment. We’ve become less open to accepting people as they are, and our relationships are suffering as a result. Instead of fostering love, kindness, and understanding, we are more concerned with meeting expectations and demanding more—be it from ourselves or others.
What’s even more concerning is how we trick ourselves into believing we’re happy. We tell ourselves that achieving more, being the best, and outshining others is the path to happiness. But is it really? We ignore the signs of emotional burnout, push aside the growing sense of emptiness, and wear a mask of contentment, all while feeling more disconnected than ever before.
The reality is that we are living in a hypocritical state. We claim to be happy, yet deep down, many of us are struggling with stress, anxiety, and an unrelenting fear of failure. We measure our self-worth based on external validation rather than inner fulfilment. The pressure to perform has taken over our lives, leaving little room for joy, creativity, and genuine human connection.
It’s time we ask ourselves:
Is this what we really want?
Is this how we define success and happiness?
Is this true life what we are living?
Is this me or I am just behaving like robot without any brain and emotion?
We need to rethink the way we approach life and competition. Instead of constantly striving to be better than others, maybe it’s time we focus on being the best version of ourselves—on our terms. True happiness comes from within, from self-acceptance, from nurturing meaningful relationships, and from living life with authenticity and balance.
Life is not just about winning or losing, but about experiencing, learning, and growing. Let’s break free from the societal pressures that push us into a never-ending race and start living in a way that feels more aligned with our inner values. Only then can we find the true meaning of happiness and success.
Let’s create a world that feels like a warm, welcoming nest—where everyone can express their feelings openly, where we accept each other without judgment, and where respect is at the core of every interaction. A place where people are content, peaceful, and full of love. Many may laugh and say it’s impossible, but I believe? I do, because if we truly want it, we can make it happen. And when we act, we have the power to create this reality.
In my next series of stories, we’ll explore how we can transform our lives. Stay tuned for the upcoming story—it will be a real-life account of how we are currently living and how we can genuinely embrace happiness.
