We live in a world where we are constantly striving and running. Our days and to-do lists are packed full with seemingly never-ending activities; we’re either rushing to get to the next place or saving up and working hard to buy the next thing.
There is always something we need that we don’t have, something we have lost that we are trying to recover or a to-do list that is never quite finished at the end of the day.
When a child is born, everyone is filled with joy and happiness simply because the child has entered this world. ‘Congratulations!’ they would say to the parents.
After a while, it would become about milestones; ‘Is the baby sitting yet? Can the baby walk? What are his first words? The focus will then shift to the child’s school experience, followed by interest in their academic performance, and finally, their natural talents or extracurricular activities where they excel.
Then it will become about further education and a career or means of earning an income, getting married and having children.
All these things are great, but despite having or pursuing them, there seems to be much more to chase, and sometimes it is simply never enough.
Can we slow down, mentally at least, and go back to the mindset of having a newborn baby in those first three months: the mindset of joy and gratitude that we are here, on this earth, we are alive, and we are healthy.
We ought to wake up every day filled with joy and gratitude for life. We should be grateful to be present on this earth with friends, family, and a hope for tomorrow.
This does not mean giving up on dreams and ambitions or halting the pursuit of a better life. It simply means dreaming from a place of gratitude for what we have and how far we have come.
If you are dissatisfied with your life, take stock of what exactly you are dissatisfied with and why. It could be because of societal pressure to have certain things by a certain age, or from wrong or pointless comparison with people you may never meet on social media or those around you who seem to be in a more advantaged position than you.
It is also likely that you could be dissatisfied because you are unaware of your blessings.
If you must change your life — and you should — refuse to settle for stagnation or complacency; strive for growth with the mindset of a tree.
A tree begins as a seed, then turns into a sapling and continues to grow without comparing itself to others or getting worried or panicked when it doesn’t grow or bud as it should.
A tree grows calmly and peacefully, using the resources given to it without wasting precious time on envy or jealousy of other trees, or seeking a shortcut to quicker growth.
Perhaps what you need is a lifestyle change or a pause to review your lifestyle. Ask yourself what you need to start doing not to wake up feeling rushed or resentful every morning.
Consider doing fewer things and cutting down on unnecessary activities to work in a peaceful state. Try going to bed earlier, planning your tasks and outfit for tomorrow, or whatever else you need to be productive the night before.
Do you need so many supplements, tasty snacks or sugary drinks? Must you watch that much television or be part of so many WhatsApp groups, communities and societies?
Do you not have time for a stroll, or a cup of tea, a phone call to your loved ones or the luxury of a healthy meal?
Do you need to visit all the places you go to every day and buy everything you want? Do you absolutely need a bigger house, another phone, a larger kitchen or more clothes?
Review your budget or what you typically spend money on, and take an honest look at your life. Ask yourself, what don’t I need right now? What do I need to stop doing? Who do I need to stop seeing?
You don’t need everything culture says you must have to be happy; if two pairs of sneakers suit your lifestyle, don’t scroll on the shopping app for more.
Stop trying to live up to standards in your head that don’t serve you or your wallet, stop trying to live for people’s opinions.
Focus on having the highest, but simplest, opinion of yourself. It is okay to have dreams or desires, but consider desiring simpler, easier things instead.
I dare you to go through your cupboard and the activities you do every day, and look for at least one thing to eliminate, give away, reduce the amount of time spent doing it, or stop altogether if it is holding you back. No pressure, please take your time and do what feels right or is best for you.
I would love to hear your views and ideas on living a simpler, healthier and stress-free life. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe.
Cheers to the best version of you!
