I may be in the minority here, but I aim to live as tranquil and simple a life as I possibly can.
I remember reading about transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson in school, both of whom stressed that true happiness lies only in simplicity and solitude.
As I grew older, this resonated with me. While others around me have seemed perfectly fine living life on the fast lane, I've always been one to relish a slower-paced life -- one in which I can contemplate, absorb, and relish the moment.
When it comes to reading, writing, and learning, I immerse myself in those subjects about which I am most passionate, including psychology and human behavior. If I feel as though I'm being rushed to absorb the material, I can become rather irascible.
I realize that the world as we know it today does not exactly cater to people who favor a slower pace. Blue- and white-collar workers feel more pressed than ever to meet stringent deadlines. With all the responsibilities that raising a household involves -- from raising children to cooking and cleaning -- there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything on our ever-mushrooming To-Do lists.
I'm living proof of this. I recently got married and moved into a condo with my wife. We find ourselves increasingly stretched for time these days; if it isn't the fridge that needs to be repaired, we need to run an errand or attend a social function nearly an hour away. We're driving more and sleeping less.
Many people are taken aback when I tell them I'm still not sure whether I want to have kids, but this is precisely one reason for my ambivalence. As a self-admitted introvert -- meaning that I draw energy inward rather than outward -- I need time for myself in order to function properly in the world. Throw a kid into the equation and suddenly my already-scant "me" time dissolves into nothingness.
People might say I'm selfish with my time and live in my head too much. Fair point, but that's how I have always been. It doesn't mean I'm oblivious to the rest of the world. I'm a caring friend, husband, brother, son, and uncle. I am passionate about the welfare of animals and am committed to helping the less fortunate.
I've always been calm, relaxed, and highly self-aware. I feel that far too many people do things in life -- whether it's to get married, have kids, or aim to be president of their company -- without really thinking through the implications. I always take my time and weigh my options carefully before making any life-altering decisions, as should everyone else.
I understand that certain situations in life call for knee-jerk decisions, but I find that many people still make them when it isn't necessary.
Life is short and awfully complicated. I'm of the belief that we should dial it down whenever we can and try to enjoy those simple things we often take for granted: reading a good book in the library, taking a leisurely stroll around the park, connecting with nature.
If people consider me boring because of my preference for a more sedate pace, so be it. Everyone has their own concept of what truly makes for a fulfilling life. I respect others who enjoy a more frenetic lifestyle, but I will continue to take it "nice and slow."
Do you prefer a fast-paced, energetic life, or a slower one in which you can take your time to savor life's little pleasures?
I remember reading about transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson in school, both of whom stressed that true happiness lies only in simplicity and solitude.
As I grew older, this resonated with me. While others around me have seemed perfectly fine living life on the fast lane, I've always been one to relish a slower-paced life -- one in which I can contemplate, absorb, and relish the moment.
When it comes to reading, writing, and learning, I immerse myself in those subjects about which I am most passionate, including psychology and human behavior. If I feel as though I'm being rushed to absorb the material, I can become rather irascible.
I realize that the world as we know it today does not exactly cater to people who favor a slower pace. Blue- and white-collar workers feel more pressed than ever to meet stringent deadlines. With all the responsibilities that raising a household involves -- from raising children to cooking and cleaning -- there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything on our ever-mushrooming To-Do lists.
I'm living proof of this. I recently got married and moved into a condo with my wife. We find ourselves increasingly stretched for time these days; if it isn't the fridge that needs to be repaired, we need to run an errand or attend a social function nearly an hour away. We're driving more and sleeping less.
Many people are taken aback when I tell them I'm still not sure whether I want to have kids, but this is precisely one reason for my ambivalence. As a self-admitted introvert -- meaning that I draw energy inward rather than outward -- I need time for myself in order to function properly in the world. Throw a kid into the equation and suddenly my already-scant "me" time dissolves into nothingness.
People might say I'm selfish with my time and live in my head too much. Fair point, but that's how I have always been. It doesn't mean I'm oblivious to the rest of the world. I'm a caring friend, husband, brother, son, and uncle. I am passionate about the welfare of animals and am committed to helping the less fortunate.
I've always been calm, relaxed, and highly self-aware. I feel that far too many people do things in life -- whether it's to get married, have kids, or aim to be president of their company -- without really thinking through the implications. I always take my time and weigh my options carefully before making any life-altering decisions, as should everyone else.
I understand that certain situations in life call for knee-jerk decisions, but I find that many people still make them when it isn't necessary.
Life is short and awfully complicated. I'm of the belief that we should dial it down whenever we can and try to enjoy those simple things we often take for granted: reading a good book in the library, taking a leisurely stroll around the park, connecting with nature.
If people consider me boring because of my preference for a more sedate pace, so be it. Everyone has their own concept of what truly makes for a fulfilling life. I respect others who enjoy a more frenetic lifestyle, but I will continue to take it "nice and slow."
Do you prefer a fast-paced, energetic life, or a slower one in which you can take your time to savor life's little pleasures?
Comments