In the bustling world we live in today, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. It is hard to stop, take a moment and appreciate what we have without becoming behind in the race. Because of this technologically advanced world we live in, we have access to faster communication. Meaning, that our work can easily follow into our personal lives. It is easy to get wrapped up in work to the point where it consumes us and there is no separation or spaces of solitude between. Those who choose to not be ahead can easily fall behind... or that is the fallacy here.
There is truth in the statement that "less is more." We must take a moment to pause and just appreciate what we have instead of going, going, going. We exhaust ourselves with races that do not have to exist, and in the end, often times set ourselves up for disappointment. Taking that moment to just digest and say thanks for all we do have is so much more valuable.
However, it is easier said than done. I have struggled immensely with finding the moments to breathe and give thanks without falling behind. There are always deadlines and schedules to adhere to; students especially have a lot to worry about when it comes to getting good grades, being overly involved to have a competitive resume, applying for internships...the list never ends. But, I have recently adapted a new motto that I try to remind myself every day to put things into perspective:
Remember where you came from, acknowledge where you are, look to where you are going.
We have to always reflect in life: it is crucial to take moments to remember our roots. This brings us back to simpler and humbler beginnings, and it truly shows us our progress thus far in life. It also reminds us of our morals and values, which sometimes we lose sight of.
Understanding and getting a firm sense of where you are is equally as important. When we take a moment to actually breathe and see all that we have accomplished, who we have to depend on in our life and enjoy the simplicity of the little things, every thing seems so grand. The big picture that I mentioned is not truly one main idea, yet it is composed of much smaller beautiful moments and journeys. Many of those moments are because of the people we have in our life, which whom can be easily taken for granted. It is essential that we take the time to thank others and give back as well.
Lastly, no matter how important it is to live in the moment, it is inevitable to look towards the future. Becoming stagnant with our present is a worry, but living too much in the nostalgia of the past is even more dangerous. It is the dreams, ambitions and unknown of the future that can make life so exciting. But with everything in life, it must be kept in a healthy balance. When we let these ambitions consume us is when we lose our stable ground.
Reflection is the key to life. Take a moment, breathe the air around you, smile at the memories that have shaped who you are and greet the future that lies ahead with open arms.
