Rediscovering Life's Essence
I came across a thought-provoking post in which someone wrote that we are a sad generation with happy pictures.
Oh, that statement in itself is sad and painfully it’s true with a large percent of people in today's world. Simply by walking down the street, one can discern a palpable sense of melancholy in the eyes of many individuals.
This insight prompts a deep reflection on the path that has led us here. How did we get here? How have we become so consumed by our anxieties, fears, and burdens, shouldering an excess of pain that isn't ours to carry? How have we become preoccupied with the future, often at the expense of fully embracing the present moment?
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, have we forgotten that we each embody a narrative of a life that is not just worth living, but also worth cherishing and maximizing to the fullest? How have we lost touch with our authentic essence, our fundamental purpose in this turbulent journey called life?
These questions force us to confront our collective amnesia about the preciousness of life as a gift.
How did we forget life is a gift and the way we choose to live is our gift back to our maker?
There's a vast world out there, and this blog post can't cover it all. But hey, dear reader, I hope you're not scrolling through other people's lives to the point where you forget there's so much more to your existence. I hope you're not allowing yourself to get pressured to the extent that you forget who you are on your journey. I really hope you're soaking in every moment and season you're in and making the most of your time.
Questions to ask yourself: What really is influencing my decisions, choices, and how I show up?
About two weeks ago, my spouse was driving with me sitting by his side. We were enjoying our time together as we always do, both of us lost in conversation, and of course, our car wasn’t the only one on the road. There was a car right in front of us, and we were following the car closely.
If you drive, you know that sometimes you can be driving absentmindedly. So this driver in front of us, maybe he isn’t too familiar with the road, drove into a very bad pothole, and because we were following closely, we entered the same pothole. Then, my partner said something that struck my imagination: Everyone is following something, something is influencing you, whether you are aware of it or not, and oh my! That is so true. What are you putting before you?
Answering that question would help you see why you are sad, depressed, overwhelmed… In this age of social media, what are you paying attention to that makes you think you are stuck and not making any headway?
Whether societal expectations, peer pressure, or the relentless pursuit of success and validation. These influences shape not only our behaviors but also our inner dialogue, often leading to a sense of inadequacy or dissatisfaction despite outward achievements.
Here are some helpful tips to help you maintain your sanity:
Intentional Positioning: This is important in navigating this maze of influences. It's about consciously guarding our hearts and minds, curating our environments, and choosing our influences wisely. What we consume—be it media, relationships, or even our own thoughts—directly impacts our mental and emotional well-being. In a world where information overload and comparison culture are rampant, cultivating awareness of what truly nourishes us versus what drains us is essential for maintaining mental clarity and emotional resilience. Remember, garbage in, garbage out.
Intentional Gratitude: Cultivating a practice of gratitude can significantly alter our perspective. Gratitude isn't just a fleeting emotion but a deliberate mindset that acknowledges the blessings, big and small, in our lives. It's about appreciating the present moment and finding contentment in what we have, rather than perpetually striving for more. Research consistently shows that practicing gratitude reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances overall well-being—making it a powerful antidote to the pervasive discontentment fueled by societal pressures. If you can’t think of what to be grateful for, be grateful you get to read this blog post.
Intentional Attunement: Each of us is here for a reason, yet amidst the noise of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of our true calling. Rediscovering our purpose involves introspection, self-discovery, and aligning our actions with our core values and aspirations. When we are guided by our inner compass rather than external validation, we experience a profound sense of fulfillment and direction.
Dear reader, amidst the clamor of superficial happiness and societal expectations, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Embrace it with gratitide, curiosity, and compassion for yourself and others. Recognize that life's uncertainties are opportunities for growth and learning, rather than obstacles to happiness.
As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, let us heed the call for help by reconnecting with the essence of life itself. It's about finding balance—between ambition and contentment, between striving for growth and appreciating the present moment. It's about reclaiming our agency and rediscovering the joy of simply being alive.
Let us challenge ourselves to cultivate a deeper awareness of our influences, practice gratitude daily, and pursue a life aligned with our true purpose. By doing so, we not only honor our individual journeys but also contribute positively to the collective well-being of our communities and society as a whole.
Embrace the call for help by embracing your authenticity, living with intention, and finding fulfillment in the simple joys of everyday life.
A sad generation with happy pictures! May the Lord deliver this generation from social media pressure.
Thank you for sharing the possible way-outs, Oyin.