Have you ever felt like time is just moving too fast? Even worse, sometimes, you feel like you’re not even moving along with it. It reminds me of those movie scenes where the background is speeding up, but the main character stays in one place. It just seems like 24 hours in a day is just not enough – with classes, a full-time job, and spending time with friends and family, I feel like I’m just rushing through my days to make sure I’ve done all of those things, but there never seems to be enough time to actually do all of them.
But this isn’t going to be me whining or complaining because despite the numerous things that I have on my plate daily, I have to remind myself to focus on the present and appreciate it. Which sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s always something that can be actually difficult to do. We’re constantly trying to catch up to the future because once we’re somewhere we want to be in life, then we can be happy, right? Wrong. Well, at least that’s how I see it.
For instance, take my time at college. For the most part, it seems like everyone is just trying to get enough credits to graduate. You want to pass your classes and maintain a good GPA. There are constantly reminders about getting internships and how to rock your interviews. There are requirements thrown at you for what is needed to be successful in graduate school or in a career that you want. Everyone wants to find a good job. Because once you find a good job, then you can begin checking off the other things you have on your list of life accomplishments. But, then what? Don’t get me wrong. I want to be able to check off all the things I have on my list (and it’s a lot), but the thought of mapping out your entire life is a lot to push on a college senior who is just trying to get through the day.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is everyone seems to forget the small, beautiful moments in between to get to those grander moments in life. The late-night adventures with friends. The coffee shops where you say you’re going to study, but you actually just end up talking with people. The early brunches at those new restaurants you’ve heard so much about. The endless laughter over a joke that nobody can even remember, but you’re just enjoying each other’s company. The new movie that is coming out that you’ve been waiting to go see for months. The good book that you can’t wait read with a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
These. These are the moments that everyone is overlooking because we’re all so pressed on all of these other grandeur goals we have for the future. COVID-19 had its downs, but it really helped me to put into perspective my priorities in life. Yes, I want a degree. Yes, I want a good job. But I don’t want to be chasing someone else’s idea of success or happiness when I’ve had it in these life moments every day.
Fortunately, I was able to begin a new job here recently at Explore Communications. Already, I have a good feeling about it. It is a great work environment filled with people who are passionate about creative media and how we can transform the media industry. So, instead of counting down the days to the weekend, I’m focusing on the excitement of a client who hears their advertisements are doing well or for the spontaneous group lunches at cool, hip restaurants.
I’ve learned to just take a breath and enjoy the process. So, today, I implore you to just breathe and take in the view.