It is a curious thing to think about the speed of life nowadays. A steady pace is no longer deemed sufficient as we run from task to task, optimizing all that we can in the pursuit of more.
I am sure that we have all recently heard things like “Where has this year gone”, or “It’s Christmas already!” Twenty-four hours are not enough and the week goes by without being seen. The weekends? I have friends who say they have not felt them since high school. Really, time seems shorter, more condensed, and entirely out of our control.
Of course, what has actually changed is something we do have control over—our daily lives and how we spend them. This is obvious when you think about it.
For me, the rush became a part of my body in a way. From the great city centers to the quiet suburbs, haste is present everywhere; at the time of sleeping, waking, eating, working out, and commuting.
By analyzing a little, it is possible to conclude that it is difficult for us to leave this way of life. We all want to embrace the world and give it our best. We want to answer that email, update our social media, and talk to our friend, as well as finish that presentation and play with the children. All of this during dinner! However, if we behave like this, there is no time left for the life-affirming activities that bring us a sense of happiness and well-being. In the mindset of today’s society, we have become too objective and therefore, mundane and stagnant. It is surely a sad affair when we do not have time for reflection on our attitudes and preferences. To rush is to bring further haste into our lives. It is a self-propelling process.
To live differently, we can apply minimalism to our agendas. We have to find time to reflect on our lives; to admire nature, to enjoy leisure time, and to spend time with those we love. The rush hour lifestyle cannot win if we refuse to play.
Be strong. Be disciplined. After all, we all have the right to well-being at our own pace.