go easy on yourself.

We live in a society where everyone is always making progress. Everyone is always trying to climb a ladder, whether that be at a job or at school. There are always more things to do, more people to meet, more money to make. Sometimes, we forget to s l o w  d o w n. We get caught up in this rat race called life where we are expected to give our all, all of the time.

I'm a little tired of this. I'm tired of worrying every day whether I'm doing enough. I'm tired of comparing my work to others. I'm tired of always being tired.

It's a work in progress, but I'm slowly learning how to go easy on myself. Before, I would always want to make everything 100% perfect. I realized that it's impossible to do that all of the time without burning out. I would rather produce quality work, foster meaningful relationships, and go at my own pace rather than spread myself out too thin and try to appeal to everyone.

Although it may feel like everyone knows what they're doing, but the truth is, nobody knows what they're doing. It's just an act that we are forced to put on because otherwise, we'll be looked down on as a failure. At first, it will be difficult to be ok with not trying to play catch-up. However, over time, you'll come to learn that everything will work out in the end.

j.j.

being bold

Recently, I hung out with someone that I met from an organization in college. It was a really spontaneous thing for the both of us. I didn't know him before joining the organization but I just thought his vibes were very good and that I wanted to know him better. I'm glad that I decided to meet up with him because we had some really deep conversations about everything and anything.

One thing about our conversations stuck out in particular. He asked me what I wanted to do in the future, which is a typical thing to ask someone in college. I said my usual response: "I don't know, maybe go to grad school? Maybe teach English abroad for a year and find a job at a PR agency? I'm not sure yet." And then I added, "And someday in the future, maybe start my own business?" I always forget to add that part but I remembered that day. He seemed intrigued and asked what business I would start. I said, "I don't know, skincare?" And then I quickly added that I wouldn't be doing this until much later down the line because then I'd have experience and the capital to do so. He then went on to say that I could start now.

He said, "Think about it. Now's the best time to start your own business. You have so many connections that can help you. Sure, you don't have the money right now, but in the future, what if you won't have the time?" I guess that got me thinking because he did have a good point. However, despite seeing some of my peers start their own online stores, it still intimidates me. I'm not really the type of person to put myself out there in a way that puts me in a vulnerable position. I'm not the type of person to take risks.

But maybe I should. Perhaps I can start by being bold. I can try something that will take me out of my comfort zone, bit by bit. Only then can I truly figure out what I want to do in the future. Only then can I start to learn more about myself.

j.j.