Beyond The Hustle: Pausing To Discover What Matters

 

Dear reader,

    Have you ever had that feeling when your mind races, a constant ticker tape of to-dos, goals, and expectations? It’s like carrying an invisible weight, a pressure on your shoulders that never quite eases. Does this resonate with you? Because right now, that’s precisely what’s going on inside my head. The relentless urge to keep pushing forward – to run, walk, or at least keep moving.

   But wait. Just for a moment, let’s pause. Take a deep breath. Where exactly are we rushing? What is the ultimate destination? And once we arrive, what then? Sometimes, we pursue things with the assumption that movement equates to progress. But as we all know, that’s not always the case.

  Periodically, it becomes essential to step back, reassess our direction, and re-evaluate our situation. Are we truly moving forward on a path we’ve consciously chosen? Or are we simply striving to meet some arbitrary societal benchmarks? Is this the journey our inner compass truly guides us toward?

    In this relentless pursuit, it's easy to lose sight of the positives, the good things, and the loving people already in our lives. Instead, our minds often fixate on what’s lacking and the individuals who aren't present. We constantly chase after what we don't have, neglecting to acknowledge the abundance that surrounds us.

  Don't misunderstand me; growth is vital. We definitely need to work towards our goals and strive to become better versions of ourselves. But at what cost? If we periodically pause to listen to our inner voice, it becomes easier to direct our energy towards what truly matters and is worth our precious time.

    So much of our energy gets depleted by dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. Sometimes, we even pursue distractions as a way to avoid past traumas or a future filled with fear. Instead, perhaps we should consciously choose to accept our past for what it is. It has already happened; we can't change it, and we have no control over it now.

  Wouldn't it be wiser to learn from our mistakes, forgive ourselves, and release their hold on us? Consider this: if tomatoes in your kitchen became rotten and mouldy, you wouldn't hesitate to throw them away. So why do we continue to carry the burden of painful past experiences, which only evoke pain and remorse?

    Letting go can be challenging because these memories can have a persistent hold on our minds. However, it's possible to release this grip through mindfulness and the simple realization that these are merely unpleasant memories – like those stinky tomatoes. The important thing is to learn the lesson from the past and move on with wisdom.

    On the other hand, we also cherish past memories that are like fresh, fragrant flowers, remaining vibrant and lovely in our minds. We hold onto these, keeping them safe within our hearts. And here’s the crucial reminder: this is ultimately a matter of choice.

    When our minds wander back to the past, we can choose to focus on the rotten tomatoes or the vibrant, fragrant flowers. It’s entirely up to us whether we store them or discard them. Holding onto the stinky tomatoes will likely attract negativity, much like insects and rodents. Similarly, keeping the fresh, fragrant flowers will attract positivity and joy, like beautiful butterflies and honeybees.

    Personally, I choose to cultivate my inner world with beautiful, fragrant, fresh flowers, a constant reminder of the silent bloom of inner peace. What do you prefer to nurture in your own inner garden?

    Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Your experiences and perspectives are valuable.

- P.