Declaration of Life

A poem by Achuthan Panikath

Thu Mar 12 2026

I am not here to solve my life
I am here to live it.

I release the need to stay braced.
Care does not require constant vigilance.

I work with integrity, but don't seek my proof of worth.
My effort is always enough.

I allow feelings without turning them into lessons.
Some days may remain unresolved.

I permit myself to be average.
I permit myself to be judged as inadequate.

I do not seek a witness for my life
I do not need a promise of tomorrow to be here today.

I do not demand zest from every moment.
Aliveness arrives when it is not chased.

I choose presence over preparedness.
I am here now and that is enough.

Responsibility is something I carry, not something I am.
I will set it down whenever I want.

I am allowed to pause without fear
For I am free to fail.

I am allowed to be a child through life.
To live, learn, and grow in circles.

I am here to participate, not to prove.
I just am. I shall not try to be.