The Essence of Life

3 things I learned last week that you should consider gifting to the story of your life.

When I think of this world and the people around me, I see us all running towards something we have no clue about. Almost all of us are guilty of whizzing through our days as if the present does not matter.

“Do we ever really stop and think about how our life story shapes with each passing day?”.

I found myself revisiting this thought multiple times last week.

While I may not be a pro at flawlessly navigating through life so far, last week, I had 3 crazy realisations that I believe should be a part of the foundation of the story of our lives. Things that 80-year-old me would look back on and be grateful to have throughout life, not just for some seasons of it. This week, I wish to encourage you to find these elements in your story that you want to carry with you forever. 

Here are some of mine.

My journal entry that inspired this week’s newsletter..

CHANGE

I am one of those people who always dreaded change. I was always reluctant to step out of my comfort zone. As a result, I ended up losing out on some great opportunities. While remaining within my comfort zone seemed harmless at the moment, it deprived me of the joy and beauty that comes with personal growth. 

I’ve come a long way since then. A major reason why I view change as an opportunity for growth now is because of the environment I was exposed to in my late teens and early 20s. The people you are surrounded by and the experiences that follow influence how you shape as a person. Believe me when I say that choosing the right people to surround yourself with is more important than you think it is. However, accepting change in your life does not mean you cannot build your own safety net and lean on it in difficult times. I believe that growth happens in your safe space too. You just have to build the confidence to decide if something demands you to step outside your comfort zone or hold on to your safety net. That comes with experience. And perhaps by unwillingly experiencing discomfort in the beginning. 

So if there’s anything you should carry with you for the rest of your life, it’s the intention of looking out for the best environment to surround yourself with in each season of life. And change, even though it seems dreadful sometimes. 

PARTS OF ME THAT I LEFT BEHIND

Last week, I found myself leaning on numerous things that offered me comfort in the past. I noticed how with time, I unconsciously let go of parts of me that brought me nothing but pure joy from within. This sad reality is a gift that ‘adulting’ gives all of us, and most of us end up settling for it. 

But I believe that life is more meaningful when you hold on to the things you left behind that truly gave you joy. These are not supposed to be major things. Last week, I re-watched TV shows I used to love back in the day (Anyone who knows me knows how much I love watching TV). I read old letters/messages from friends written with love, and as a result, reconnected with a dear friend after months. By Sunday, I knew I needed every single second of that time for my own peace. And I wish to make this a practice throughout my life, not just for this time. 

REST

I mentioned in last week’s newsletter that after almost 24 years of my existence on this planet, I am finally experiencing what guilt-free rest looks like. I don’t think I need to advocate incorporating rest into our daily schedules because I believe that it is truly something that should be at the core of our existence. At the end of the day, it’s not just about who ended up having the highest degree or who ended up having the biggest house. It’s also about who ended up staying happy while following those ambitions. (or choosing to have different ambitions altogether.)

I am learning to navigate this myself, but all I know is that I want this feeling to stay with me forever. It is certainly something I want to carry with me for the rest of my life.

What is something you want to mix in the foundation of the story of your life? Comment down below. :)

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I have been enjoying reading on Substack more than ever lately. So I thought I will share my favourite reads from the entire week at the end of every newsletter starting this week.

I hope these inspire you to choose inner peace, find strength within yourself and appreciate the beauty of this life.

• My absolute favourite writer

  Morgan Harper Nichols
  ‘s insight on resonating with dart boards vs. tree rings in your life.

• Observations, past and present by

  Lisa Olivera
  .

• Is Instagram holding me back? :

  Marloes De Vries
  ’s interesting take on the idea of letting go of instagram as a writer.

• The beauty and grace of walking by

  Matthew Gutierrez
  . Such an inspiring read.

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