The Unseen Cost of Non-Stop Work: Losing Yourself

Caught in the Current of Constant Busyness

Have you ever been swept up in the relentless current of work and daily routines, only to realize you've forgotten how to truly live? This has been my reality for the last few months(years?)—a ceaseless cycle where work devours all, leaving me drained and disconnected. My life has become a series of tasks; I'm physically present but mentally and emotionally elsewhere. It's an autopilot existence, devoid of genuine presence and engagement.

The Wake-Up Call to Authentic Living

It took an exceptionally taxing week to open my eyes to the necessity of engaging in activities that replenish my spirit. The relentless barrage of work, the incessant buzz of my phone with texts and updates, the interrupted plans—they all became too much. I yearn for more than just survival; I yearn to thrive, to live a life that's mine and not merely an extension of my work.

Crafting a Life of Intention

In the pursuit of a more intentional life, Michael and I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery. We've exchanged dreams and aspirations, envisioned our future, and set out to achieve what truly matters to us. Some goals are simple yet profound, like witnessing the beauty of a sunrise once a week. Others, like embracing the joys of yoga, are commitments to reconnect with myself.

Embracing the Challenge: Pursuits Big and Small

Our ambitions range from the modest to the grand—from touching our toes with straight legs to witnessing the majesty of the Northern Lights. Each aspiration marks a step toward authentic living, embodying our promise of adventure and deeper connections. I'm excited about introducing him to my family and friends in Nebraska, maybe even enjoying a Huskers football or volleyball game together, and forming new relationships, including meeting his mom in Hawaii.

The Journey to Self-Connection and Vulnerability

I'm consciously stepping back into life, seeking experiences that make me feel alive, connected, and invigorated. It's a journey that requires vulnerability—not just facing judgment from others but confronting my own inner critic. For too long, I've silenced self-reflection with busyness, muffling the negative self-talk that questions my worth and contributions.

Reframing Our Stories: Embracing a New Perspective

This journey of introspection isn't comfortable—it's a path laden with discomfort and historic self-doubt. Yet, I'm learning that the narratives we tell ourselves often distort reality. Our individual realities are, in fact, subjective reflections of our unique perspectives. It's a profound realization that most people are too enmeshed in their own stories to be the critics I once feared.

Conclusion: The Quest for Authenticity

My quest for authenticity is a fight against the undertow of work that threatens to pull me away from the essence of who I am. It's a commitment to living a life that reflects my values, desires, and joys—a life where work is a part of who I am, not the entirety. It's about changing the narrative from surviving to thriving, from noise to harmony, from autopilot to full engagement in the beautiful complexity of life.