This post is written as a part of ‘<a href=”http://blog.blogadda.com/2013/06/25/all-that-matters-inktalks-2013-kochi-contest” title=”All That Matters Contest” target=”_blank”>All that Matters</a>’ contest at BlogAdda.com in association with <a href=”http://www.inktalks.com/” title=”INK Talks 2013″ target=”_blank”>INK Talks 2013</a>.

ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME

Sometimes I do things because I just want to do them
A way to soothe my frazzled nerves
Sometimes I do things because my life demands them
The jobs which have to be done by someone , somehow.
Sometimes I do things because I have to do them
Like eating and sleeping and meeting my friends
Sometimes I do things because I want to test my limits
Of endurance, compassion, intelligence and courage.

Often  I do things out of sheer habit and compulsion,
Or sometimes I do not do things simply
Because I don’t want to do them at all.

I lie in my bed and see the fan whirring
And feel the soft warm air penetrating my skin.

I lick up an ice cream and feel the sweet coldness
Slip slowly and smoothly past my lips and my chin.
I savour the raindrops kiss my eyelids and cheeks
As they plop down my feet to the ground below.

I fill up my mind with ideas and thoughts
From the book on my lap which I read
Curled up in bed.

I enjoy the sea breezes blow my hair in my eyes
As I walk by the sea front while the sun bids good bye
And little kids squeak past me, balancing unsteadily
While fathers and mothers watch closely nearby.

I look forward to phone calls and letters from
Family and friends who are scattered all over the globe
Sharing gladness and sadness that touches our lives
As each one of us lives  a life of his own.

All that matters to me is the ability
To savour each moment of life in a day
To sleep every night with a sense of fulfilment
Content with the satisfaction of knowing I’ve lived
Every last second true to the spirit of the joy of each day.
That I’ve breathed to the fullest , exerted each muscle
Exhausted all opportunities presented to me
Tested each option, tried out new discoveries
Walked down strange pathways and conquered my fears.

All that matters to me
Is the knowledge in knowing
That there’s a smile on a face
Somewhere in this world because of me

To know there is someone
To share in my laughter
To lend me a hanky to wipe up a tear
To dance at my wedding
And cry at my funeral
To acknowledge my presence
And time on this earth.

So essentially I feel that all that matters to me is the fact that my being here on this earth has made a difference : not the huge big, life changing effect but the small gentle almost indiscernible dent that has pushed someone else along in this world.


When I look back and ask myself what makes me tick? The answer is crystal clear – I like to do things that make me happy and others happy too. Years ago I asked my little niece who was all of five what she wanted to be when she grew up – she answered spontaneously – I want to be happy. That I think is the essence of what matters to me : Happiness, peace and contentment.