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More and more I am detaching myself from the loud "get rich" "be successful" culture. And I love it. My podcasts have changed, my YouTube videos have changed.

More and more people are sharing their "burnout" story from this life and that speed.

It must be interesting to be in the financial field where people have the ladder in their sights and are ready to do whatever is needed to climb it and stand out from the crowd.

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I have noticed a shift in the content I consume as well - from productivity videos to slow (ASMR) and calmer videos.

I certainly feel like an outsider in my own line of work. People are chasing more money, I am investing what I am earning at the moment and creating a system where my money compounds and makes more money even when I'm sleeping. Crushing everyone to reach the top and get rich is too high of an opportunity cost in my eyes, so I stepped out of the rat-race a long time ago!

What made you quit your job last year?

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Oh wow. Investing in your 20s! So smart!

I left my job because I was following my gut. ☺️ I go into it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/musingsbymika/p/stepping-into-the-unknown-of-quitting

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Wow that sounds like quite a journey! I cant imagine how tough yet fulfilling it must’ve been for you to step away from the workforce to raise your kids (that’s a full time job in itself!!)

Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Although I am very young and still haven’t seen much of what life has to offer, reading about your story gives me a strange sense of comfort that I’ll be okay in life. 🫂

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You will be more than ok Mansi. All the work you are doing on yourself, shortcuts some of the lessons for your kids. It's a beautiful thing!

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Rightly said....

A very hectic April month for me too. Academic timelines, urgent project submission, key deadlines, hustling etc.

You rightly said that we must go through our previous experiences that have truly shaped the person we have become and how far we have grown. Instead of appreciating our growth trajectory, We move on and on with newer and higher goals, deadlines and unlimited stress and anxiety related to work and personal lives.

I think we must slow down a bit, adopt a more flexible mindset, and give ourselves some reward from time to time. Orelse we will end up being completely burnt out.

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That is so well said! And I am glad you are realising this at an early age. These are the foundation years of our development. I hope things are less hectic for you now Himanshu. All the best✨

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Yes things are less hectic now, but my ability to handle them in future have definitely improved.

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It’s ao good that you were able to find something meaningful from a challenging time in life. Great job!✨

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While reading your reminder about urgency I felt my breath calm. My inner voice said 'yes, listen to this'. Thank you Mansi.

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Thank you for being here Donna. I really appreciate it 💕

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“To give in or to define your pace, the choice is always yours.” Ugh I loved that - so well said and a great reminder ❤️

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Thank you for your kind words Rachel! I appreciate your presence here✨

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Beautiful words, and it’s so true about slowing down 🌿

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Thank you David!⭐️

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I love this reflection!! And thank you so much for the mention 🤍🤍🤍

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Thank you Caroline! 💕

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Mansi, I am so honored that you mentioned my essay in your post. It means everything to me when people connect with my work. Your essay speaks of a deep sense of belonging to something larger, an inner peace that you can tap into when your life is filled with anxiety. That is a gift. Thank you for sharing it with us.🙏

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Thank you Mary! I am really happy that you are here. I try to welcome peace in my life often, specially when I am surrounded by chaos. I think that is what keeps me going in this fast paced world.

Sending so much love and positivity your way!💕

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I’m glad you’re here, Mansi! You are a blessing and a balm to the spirit.🙏

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Thank you for your kind words. You made my day🥹

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After such a intense period of hard work and studying, you deserve to take a break, slow down, fill up your cup again!

It's unfortunate our society glorifies being busy. Taking a break is the best thing you can do for you productivity.

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Thank you Marie! And I agree. Ever since I was a kid, I had a notion that slowing down means breaking your flow, which means delayed accomplishments. I am glad that I am un-learning those toxic notions in my 20s. How is your relationship with rest?

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I started to take it serious the last years and I would say it's pretty good right now. I absolutely prioritise my sleep and take enough breaks during the day :) it works!

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I love that! I have also noted a positive shift in my mood ever since I’ve started prioritising a stable sleep schedule. I love that you are being intentional towards rest in your life✨

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I started to take it serious the last years and I would say it's pretty good right now. I absolutely prioritise my sleep and take enough breaks during the day :) it works!

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Good to know that you are learning the important lessons very early in life and that should help you immensely later. Keep it up and best wishes

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Thank you!!🙌🏻

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By allowing time to show you... It simply means being patient with the unfoldingness of the actual part. Being patient with the being patient part, which is hard if we focus too much on the results.

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I find myself constantly trying to slow down and allow space for slowness. It is such a process to unlearn rushing. I've been in a period of unemployment starting April 1 and I spent the first half of April rushing so much to find new employment. I was stuck in an urgency to replace my income instead of trusting that everything will be taken care of when I need it most. In all of this my dad also told me he thinks I lost my confidence. After reflecting on that conversation I realized its not confidence I have lost. Its the lack of urgency and hustle that he sees missing from my personality. Working hard to meet the different things that society tells us we need to do or create with our lives does not equal success. Success is rest, stillness, peace, and joy. At least to me it is. I really resonated with your post. Thank you <3

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This was very insightful. Congratulations on having the "first" of watching a play haha, isn't it something else altogether?

Ps. So many lessons here that I resonate with. The sense of urgency thrust upon each person in this fast-paced life is a real pain :(

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It always makes me so happy to see people supporting the theatre - especially watching a play for the first time, how exciting! If you don't mind me asking, what was the play? And how was it? Thanks for these reflections, Mansi 😊

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Thank you Leah! I was so amazed by the fact that there were people of all age groups (from people in their 20s to ones who are 60+) in the same room watching the same play. How cool is that, right?

The play was called 'Shatranj ke Mohre' in Hindi, which literally translates to 'Chess Pieces'. It shed light on the fact that all of us have rigid beliefs about what we should/should not do and how we should/ should not be in life, kind of like the chess pieces, each of which has a pre-defined move. We don't leave room for flexibility and change in our life, and tend to do what society asks us to do. This play has been running in the same theatre for 50 years, and has been performed by some of the most famous celebrities in India. It was SO good!

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That sounds so interesting! I'd love to see it one day 😊

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It was amazing indeed!

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