You Need to Dream Bigger: Embracing Life’s Journey
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Chapter 1: The Value of Reflection
Lately, I’ve been reflecting deeply on my career and life choices. The more time I have, the more I ponder, and unfortunately, my sense of well-being seems to diminish. What has become increasingly clear is my desire for answers—a need to affirm that I’ve truly accomplished something meaningful.
The questions swirl endlessly in my mind: Who do I aspire to be? What do I wish to achieve in my lifetime?
I often envision myself in my later years, comfortably seated in an armchair with my granddaughter beside me, seeking stories about my life. The thought of not having much to share fills me with dread.
Currently, I’m seated at my kitchen table, surrounded by remnants of last night’s dinner. Plates and glasses, still scattered about, remind me of yesterday’s moments—long walks with my dogs, a satisfying lunch of broccoli soup and a cheese sandwich, and an evening spent enjoying Mexican cuisine with loved ones.
It strikes me clearly now: my job title is insignificant compared to these experiences. Work is merely a facilitator of life, and I find myself questioning what I am truly seeking in this moment.
Section 1.1: The Burden of Overthinking
Repeatedly, I have to remind myself that big questions often remain unanswered. My lifelong pattern of questioning has persisted, particularly during periods of crisis. At age 24, my life seemed perfect on the surface, yet chaos lurked beneath. My mind was a storm, and I felt overwhelmed by relentless inquiries that I couldn’t silence.
This phase marked the darkest period of my existence. I lost sight of my identity and desires, all due to the constant barrage of questions that consumed me.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Illusion of Achievement
Section 1.2: The Overrated Pursuit of Goals
I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but I’ve recently come to a new realization: perhaps the pursuit of goals is not as vital as we’ve been led to believe. While striving for achievements can be invigorating, the fatigue it brings can be overwhelming.
Can a fulfilling life truly be quantified by the completion of goals? Perhaps that’s just one aspect of it. When pondering my identity and aspirations, maybe the answer is simply that I am who I am. My true achievement lies in mastering my own thoughts, which is more than enough.
This incessant need to look ahead might just distract me from appreciating the present. I often struggle to focus on today, and I realize that constantly gazing into the future only adds to my stress.
Chapter 2: The Inspiration from Others
Meeting individuals who lack the luxury of reflection is profoundly humbling. These are people without the time or energy to ponder their existence, and their resilience inspires me to embrace patience. I aim to make my ambitions a part of my life, not the essence of it.
Ultimately, all we truly possess is today. Let’s not squander today worrying about tomorrow. Instead, let’s enjoy simple pleasures—taking leisurely walks with our dogs, savoring good food, and immersing ourselves in a captivating book.