The Day I Stopped Waiting for a Thumbs Up

 The Day I Stopped Waiting for a Thumbs Up

For over a decade now, I have been writing articles and sharing information first about India, and now about Southeast Asia. Every day, I post these write-ups in my WhatsApp group. It has become a quiet ritual.

In the past, I compiled daily updates on India’s progress. One of my friends liked my work and asked for permission to share it in his own groups. I was genuinely happy and gave him the green light. A few months later, I met him at a gathering and asked whether he was still forwarding my write-ups. He said, "I did it for nearly a month, but no one responded. No one appreciated my posts. So I stopped."

I didn't probe further. I didn't give him a lecture. I simply listened.

But later, I found myself reflecting deeply: What keeps me going, year after year?

Whether I'm writing a quote, a story, an article, or a country profile — I rarely see thumbs-up emojis, likes, or words of appreciation. And yet, I continue. Not for others. Unconsciously, I was doing it to build something within myself — consistency, grit, and the quiet joy of pursuing a passion.

Here’s the truth we often forget:

At some point, we start expecting rewards for the things we do well — or for the habits we’ve stayed consistent with. But those rewards don’t always come. The reality is, what we share in a group may only be relevant to a few people. And like all the other messages flooding the screen, ours becomes just one among many. That’s not cruelty — it’s just the nature of attention in a busy world.

So how do we stay consistent?

The best way is to stop expecting recognition from the outside world. Let go of the need for applause. Let your passion be its own reward. Do what you love — not to be seen, but because it makes you feel alive.

Build your body not to be admired by others, but to stay fit.
Pursue your hobby not to be appreciated by others, but to stay stress-free.
Do what you love — and keep doing it till the day you die.
That is what it means to live a life that feels good to you.

M.L. Narendra Kumar