Chapter 1: The Burden of Endless Aspirations

Last week proved to be quite challenging for me. My daily routines fell apart, and numerous tasks remained unfinished. This wasn’t due to a lack of motivation; I simply felt mentally drained.

I typically work 10 hours each day, with breaks only occurring during shift changes. This often leads me to utilize work hours for reading, observing, and crafting content for my Medium articles.

Upon returning home, I generally have a couple of hours before sleep. However, I often spend this time contemplating my future endeavors. Currently, I am considering launching a newsletter and exploring better job options.

While I have a clear idea of what I should accomplish daily, actually completing those tasks feels like a different challenge altogether. My mind is perpetually racing, which contributes to my exhaustion.

That Sunday marked the culmination of my stress. In a moment of surrender, I resorted to spending the entire day watching YouTube. Admittedly, it didn’t provide much relief, but I felt lost and craved a little joy, regardless of the source.

I realize now that I have been desiring too much, leading me into this continuous cycle. When I graduated, my primary goal was to secure a job. Now that I’m employed, I find myself yearning for something better.

Initially, I believed that achieving 1,000 followers on Medium would bring me happiness. However, upon reaching that milestone, I set my sights on 10,000. Now, with about 15,000 followers, I still seek further progress, like starting that newsletter.

My list of desires seems unending. I’ve always aimed for a destination, but upon arrival, I immediately crave the next one. If this is the essence of life, my stress and anxiety could persist indefinitely, right?

This week, I resolved to take a step back. I plan to pause my job search and concentrate on my current position. Additionally, I aim to take a week off from writing to recharge my spirit.

It’s natural for individuals to have unending aspirations. Life is a constant journey, and growth is essential. However, realizing that this journey only ceases with our final breath, we sometimes need to pause and appreciate life’s offerings while we still can.

As Socrates wisely noted, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life. An unexamined life is not worth living.”

We must recognize our emotional needs and the significance of life beyond our daily work, filled with family and hobbies. These elements foster balance and add meaning to our existence.

Taking the time to assess our lives can lead to a brighter future. Moments of pause often bring clarity, introducing fresh ideas and perspectives that allow us to view challenges more objectively.

"Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." - Carl Jung

Ultimately, we are not in competition with anyone. We don’t have to be at our best all the time; we just need to follow our own path.

The video titled "Your Life Is Not A List" delves into the theme of understanding that life is not merely about ticking off tasks but enjoying the journey itself. It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and cherishing the present moment.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

Taking a break is essential in our journey toward self-improvement. It allows us to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters. In doing so, we can cultivate a more fulfilling life that balances our ambitions with our emotional needs.