Striving towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Here's the deal about attachment – I've figured out that chasing after it or expecting it just makes me needy. It's like when I kept texting that friend who never responds quickly, hoping they'd finally give me the attention I wanted. I was exhausting myself and probably pushing them away.

I get love when I give it freely, no strings attached. When I try to bargain – like "I'll listen to your work problems if you validate my feelings" – it never works out. It's like going to a market expecting to pay half-price for everything. I end up feeling cheated in my relationships.

Everyone needs love, including me. I catch myself looking for reassurance from my wife, family, or friends all the time. But that search never ends until I actually start loving myself. Self-love clicked for me when I finally understood that I matter just as I am, not because of what I achieve or how I perform.

When I started recognizing my own value – like appreciating my ability to listen well rather than beating myself up for not being more outgoing – everything shifted. I stopped doubting myself so much and could actually be present for others. I don't need to grasp for validation when I hang out with people anymore. I can just enjoy connecting with them.

Going forward, I'm going to really be there for someone I care about, without any hidden agenda, and try to understand what they bring to my life.