2020 Is Not A Rat Race

Out with the old, in with the new. As with every new year, we’re imbued with a new sense of self-worth, confidence, and a hunger to pursue – or at least try – bold and exciting things that can help shake things up. With so many of our friends and loved ones engaged in fulfilling hobbies and inspirational journeys, it’s easy to find yourself a little overwhelmed and slightly jealous. It happens to the best of us. 

The last thing you need is to believe that life is a rat race and if you’re lagging behind, you’re written off as pathetic. Comparing yourself and your situation to everyone around you is futile because everyone has their own baggage to deal with. You don’t go comparing an A-5 Wagyu Steak to Hokkaido King Crab – they’re both in a league of their own. 

This year, it’s high time you find your place in this world. If you’ve been coasting for a while and feel like you’re still yearning for something, it’s time to set that anchor and start making the most out of your situation. If your soul is weary from travel or being too busy, it’s time to settle down and enjoy the fruits of your labor if you feel the time is right. 

To help you get through the new year, here are some resolutions that are easy to digest and are worth keeping: 

1. It’s Okay To Say No 

You’re older and much wiser with every year that passes. There is no room for moments where your knees buckle from fear of disappointing the people around you. Do not go out of your way to please people. The amount of concern and effort you exert in doing that should be put into making yourself a healthier, happier person! If you are happy, you’re kind. And when you’re kind, you give that to the people around you. #selfcare might be the best hashtag that came out of 2019’s whirlwind of a ride.

2. Your Life Isn’t A Netflix Original 

You aren’t in a RomCom or Slice of Life film genre where despite living paycheck to paycheck, you always seem to be able to afford rent and spontaneous trips across the globe whenever you and your friends feel “low.” Chances are, you won’t be able to get back with your ex through song either, despite all the intense shimmying and eye contact. You’re given real responsibilities and the power to decide where to put the most precious thing you have to your name - your time! So — be smarter about it! Work efficiently! Do things that you LOVE. You’ll come to realize that there is no better present than time well spent.

3. Different Strokes For Different Folks

We each handle stress differently. Some people find peace at the bottom of a bottle. Others, inside expensive isolation pods for an hour and 30 minutes of uninterrupted bliss to the tune of 2,000 pesos. It’s perfectly okay to be sad. It’s part of being human and you should never be ashamed of the episodes you go through. There is no such thing as taking too long to heal from something that hurt you, or needing others to validate what you’re going through. Everything that you are and feel is important. If you’re coping through healthy means and making a conscious effort to better yourself, we couldn’t be prouder. 

These three tips aren’t the Holy Trinity of advice, but they’re a step in the right direction. A healthy amount of admiration and competition is great for keeping you on top of your game, but please remember that at the end of the day, the only person that deserves to be happy and at peace with where they are in life is the person reading this. 

Good luck, and make this year yours!