Story by Jeromy Verayo
Most days we’re expected to put in the work and be as efficient as possible—to grind to the bone without so much as a hint of protest. However, there are times when we simply cannot deliver. The body is out of sync with the mind and work becomes pointless.
As much as society has shaped us into thinking that we are, we are not robots. Our humanity is marked by our capability to feel an extensive range of emotions. Some of these emotions are so intense, they trigger a biological response. Fight or flight? Today, the latter is a popular choice for many.
Our ‘being’ is not limited by our bodies but the body has its limits. We strive to be more and do things outside ourselves yet, even when our spirits are high, we could only do so much. We get tired, lose focus, and burn out when we push the fragile temple of our existence to its boundaries.
In a world where productivity is prized more than anything else, we end up compromising our quality of life. The rat race makes us feel alienated and our system runs on auto-pilot. When this happens, the value of our work escapes conscious thought. A few years go by and our discontent grows like a metastatic tumor that spreads to different areas of our lives.
Do the work, earn money, consume. This is what the world tells us to do. It’s a cycle that’s predictable and safe. Sure, we’re comfortable sitting idly, fattening ourselves up, feeding our ego but to what end exactly? Does the life we have now look anything like the one we imagined as kids—hopeful and unbridled—or is it an altered pessimistic version we could barely recognize?
Comfort is the enemy of greatness. Like fear, it robs us of the chance to be truly happy. It’s easier to pursue a ‘plan B’ than to fail at something we love. The real heartbreak, though, is not losing, it’s never knowing what could’ve been. Time is an nonrenewable resource. Life is too short for us to trouble ourselves with questions like “what if?”
Perhaps some of us, the lucky ones, are already there—at the summit of the mountain. We’ve reached such great heights in our lives but soon realize that the view from above isn’t as pretty as we thought it would be. If anything, it’s quite frightening. We fear that when we fall, we will lose everything we labored for. Ambition is what led us here, or at least, too much of it. While it is okay to dream big, it’s essential that we remain grounded on the virtues and attitudes bequeathed to us by our mentors.
How then do we spare ourselves from a life devoid of meaning? How do we go through our daily motions with a sense of direction and purpose?
Hit pause for a moment. Most of us feel guilty doing this because of the pile of work that awaits us. Others would complain that they don’t have the luxury of time but, in reality, they’re just too damn distracted. Sometimes, our current system of habits fails to provide us what we really need—rest. Rest is essential. Taking breaks, restoring your energy, and devoting sacred hours to be yourself is key in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Think. Allow yourself to have some time for healthy introspection. Keep your feelings in check and trace the source of your dissatisfaction. Once you’ve pinpointed the thing in your life that’s making you feel unhappy, only then can you formulate solutions to solve your internal crisis.
Listen to your body. When something doesn’t sit quite right with your soul, you are bound to experience a negative physical reaction. Your gut will almost tell you to stop dead in your tracks. Although there are ways to medicate this so that you don’t feel your body’s impulse to flee, the idea of numbing yourself to manage your stress is enough to tell you that you are not doing what you ought to be.
As the old maxim goes,“If it costs you peace, it’s too expensive”. Maybe it’s time you find an alternative.
When you feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in life, be it a degree your were forced to study or a dead-end job, it’s never too late to change route. Life is a road with many forking paths. You can choose the trail that many have traveled or you can break new ground. Whatever seems worthwhile, dare to journey. Be vulnerable. Cross the line. Discover who you are on the other side.
