As we hurtle through the ceaseless churn of life, it is all too easy to become ensnared in the unforgiving gears of progress. We are told that we must ascend the corporate ladder, that we must shatter the glass ceiling if we are to attain success. But what if there were another way?
Perhaps it is time to heed the call of slowness, to inhale deeply and relish in the small triumphs. There is no need to tirelessly hustle each and every moment – indeed, it is crucial to take a step back and savor the present. Your life is not a LinkedIn profile, nor is your worth determined by your salary or the luxuriousness of your mode of transportation. Rather, it is defined by the manner in which you choose to exist. Therefore, make time for those things that truly matter.
So go ahead, indulge in a bit of laziness on the weekends. Lie in bed and leisurely brunch with a loved one. Take the time to sit and savor your coffee, rather than guzzling it on the go. Decline invitations to events that do not inspire you. Treat yourself to a comforting bowl of noodles. Exercise, but do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Meditate, and take leisurely drives with no particular destination in mind. And do not forget to unplug from social media from time to time – a vacation from the constant barrage of notifications can work wonders for the soul.
It is easy to fall prey to the belief that we must become a certain someone by a certain age. But the truth is that we are each granted but one journey through this world. Do not squander it in the pursuit of empty achievement. Instead, live fully and authentically. Remember that it is perfectly acceptable to simply be oneself. You are enough, just as you are.