The Invisible Applause That Keeps Me Going

When I look at my day, it often feels like a marathon with no water breaks. From office deadlines to household chaos to the endless “Mammaaaa, where’s my…?” moments, hard work has made itself my forever companion. But strangely, instead of dragging me down, it fills me up — not with energy bars (those I wish came free!) — but with a deep sense of fulfillment.

I feel fulfilled because hard work makes me useful. There’s joy in knowing that my effort has a purpose, whether it’s making my kids smile with their achievements, ticking off a stubborn task at work, or even creating a small corner of calm in the middle of chaos. Like the saying goes, “Happiness is not in what you get, but in what you give.” And hard work is my way of giving.

Of course, there’s a humorous side to it too. Sometimes my hard work looks like a Bollywood tragedy — me rushing to finish ten things at once, only to realize I forgot the most important one. But even those “oops” moments make me laugh later. Because, let’s face it, what’s life without a few bloopers?

Fulfillment comes in tiny, invisible trophies. Nobody may clap when I help my kids complete their homework, but the sparkle in their eyes when they finally understand the answer feels like a standing ovation in my heart. (Though, let’s be honest, sometimes I wonder if I’m doing homework for them or pursuing a second degree myself!) Nobody may notice when I push through a difficult project, but the little voice inside me whispers, “See? You did it.” That voice is my medal.

Hard work makes me feel fulfilled because it teaches me patience, resilience, and yes, a touch of humor. It’s proof that I didn’t just exist today — I showed up. I contributed. I mattered.

As someone wisely said, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.” And strangely, that opportunity excites me, because it means I still have stories to write, goals to chase, and people to love.

💭 Thought to Ponder: Maybe fulfillment isn’t about the big achievements at all. Maybe it’s hidden in those small, unnoticed acts of hard work — the ones that no one applauds, but that silently shape who we are becoming.