Following tradition, I am not publishing an original article today. Instead, I am giving myself a short break from the blog and from work. The reason is simple: today, 4 August, is my birthday. I am turning 44. To me, that feels like an incredibly large number. I still find it difficult to feel my actual age. Even being over 40 still seems strange. Sometimes I feel as though I have not even turned 30 yet.
My life in Austria and almost nine years of emigration have been the happiest period of my life. My previous life was also quite happy, pleasant, comfortable, and cosy, but moving to Austria changed my goals, plans, and values. I myself changed completely as well.
All of this keeps bringing me back to the same thought: I am satisfied with my life. I often remember the words of Mikhail Zhvanetsky, who said that happiness is very brief. It is impossible to feel happy every minute. Joy comes in moments, while being satisfied with your life can last for years.
The world is currently full of difficulties and confusion. Terrible wars are taking place around us, causing suffering to an enormous number of people. And yet I still manage to find minutes, weeks, months, and even years of happiness, peace, and inner harmony. Sometimes this feeling surprises even me.
Of course, much of this would have been impossible without the person closest and dearest to me—my wife, Julia. I am incredibly grateful to her for her support, her love, and her remarkable ability to accept me exactly as I am.
I am grateful to my parents, and especially to my grandfather, who taught me to look beyond my own city, to travel, and to see the light. Now I live in this vast world and feel that I am part of it. For me, this is an extremely important and joyful feeling.
Today, I am in a wonderful mood, and I wish the same for all of you.
Leave comments on my Instagram and warm wishes whenever you have the opportunity. I always enjoy reading them. I feel your support in those words, and they make me happy every time.
That is all for now. I am off to celebrate.
Have a wonderful day, everyone, and good luck!