Chapter 1: The Purpose of Our Existence

Lately, I've been pondering the question: "What is our purpose on this planet?"

At times, it feels as though we are here to create the lives we envision, share our passions, and leave a mark on the world—something noteworthy enough to be remembered long after we're gone. Yet, upon encountering the concept of slow living, I realize that perhaps life is about simply being. Just like trees grow at their own pace and flowers bloom without pressure, maybe I too should embrace existence without the relentless drive to hustle.

However, no matter the perspective I adopt, there's often a feeling of incompleteness. If I don't push myself to work harder, I wrestle with guilt. If I’m not accumulating wealth, I fear I won’t have the freedom to explore the world—particularly Europe. Yet, if I devote myself solely to work and disregard everything else, I question the value of my achievements if they leave me unable to enjoy the tranquility of life.

For instance, as I write this, I’m not particularly inclined to do so. The weather is delightful; the birds are singing, and the sun is peeking through the clouds. All I want is to gaze at the sky, perhaps read a book, or engage in a meaningful conversation. But Medium isn’t my employer, so I can write this whenever I choose. Still, if I delay writing, the guilt will linger, overshadowing my enjoyment of the beautiful day. So here I am, pen in hand.

I'm sure many of you can relate. We often find ourselves in conflict, torn between what our hearts yearn for and what our minds dictate. Ignoring our minds may lead to unpaid bills, while neglecting our hearts results in a profound emptiness, as if something vital is missing.

Chapter 2: The Tug-of-War Between Heart and Mind

If you’ve followed my writings, you know I advocate for intentional and slow living. Yet, I'm also an author who has published one book and is working on another. My message is not that life is solely about leisure.

1. Harmonizing Heart and Mind:

I firmly believe that you don’t need to choose between work and enjoyment; both can coexist. After months of internal struggle, I’ve realized that feelings of restlessness often stem from not addressing what truly matters in the moment.

For example, I typically publish my blogs in the evening, yet here I am at 11 AM. I could be relishing the lovely weather and writing later, but I’ve spent the last two days binging on Netflix. Since launching my first book on February 5, 2023, I’ve neglected my second one, leading to guilt that feels like a betrayal of my talents.

The core issue is that when we fail to prioritize what’s important, we push away meaningful tasks, becoming our own adversaries. This internal struggle arises when we choose leisure over obligation, causing friction within ourselves.

The solution is not to choose between work and leisure but to be mindful of what genuinely matters and to act accordingly.

2. Employment and Enjoyment:

I genuinely love writing, yet there are times when I must push through the urge to relax and indulge in entertainment. Writing is my passion, but what if you find yourself in a job that doesn’t ignite that same fire?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. The self-improvement culture often suggests that our work should bring us joy and fulfillment, but that’s not a requirement. Your job can simply be a means to pay bills and maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

The pressure to find joy in your work can become toxic. While some are fortunate to find careers that excite them, most people don’t enjoy working, regardless of the field.

Instead of berating yourself for not deriving joy from your job, embrace it as a responsibility. Give your best effort, but recognize that true fulfillment can be found outside of work. Consider waking up an hour early to savor solitude, indulging in a quiet coffee after a long day, or reconnecting with loved ones. Life is rich with opportunities for joy; you just have to be open to them.

3. Embracing the Lightness of Life:

Life, a term that has lost its meaning in the self-improvement industry, is often mistakenly blamed for our woes. In reality, life consists of a series of days—some joyful, others sorrowful, some filled with love, and others with heartache. Life is now; it’s this very moment.

To make your life worthwhile, focus on making today your best day. When I say "best," I mean engaging in activities that nourish your soul. Life isn’t meant to be burdensome; it’s light and full of adventures, complete with ups and downs. A fulfilling life includes regrets, laughter, and cherished moments, as well as challenges. These experiences make for an engaging story.

Remember, you don’t need to be perpetually happy or productive. Balance is an illusion; some days will be filled with work, while others will be dedicated to fun. Learn to accept the significance of both aspects.

Conclusion:

As I prepare to sign off, my laptop battery is dwindling, and I must step outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Just remember: don’t ignore what you deem important. Pursue what brings you joy, attend to the present moment, and try not to engage in constant self-conflict.

Chapter 3: Finding Balance in Engagement

In this TEDx talk, Dan Thurmon explores how we can cultivate engagement and balance in our lives while managing work and personal fulfillment.

Chapter 4: The Quest for Personal Balance

Jay Shetty shares insights on how to discover balance in your life amidst the chaos, guiding you through practical strategies to harmonize your existence.