𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫

Written by: Eunice G. Guevarra

Pubmat by: Danielle Jaymze Punzalan

The moment you woke up, thrills were running through your blood course as you race your way down the stairs. “It’s 6:45 am,” you whispered on a sunny Monday morning. As you were halfway done buttoning up your shirt, you packed your things and went. Riding on the bus on your way to school, you noticed how the cars weren’t moving. You were trapped in morning traffic; your classmate keeps texting you that your teacher is already in the classroom. With no hope of escaping the congestion, there is nothing you can do. Looking through the window on the right, you noticed an unfamiliar shop. A bakery celebrating its first opening. As you looked at the bakery, you couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and excitement. You had always been a fan of baked goods, and the thought of trying out a new bakery was too tempting to resist. You quickly glanced at your watch and realized that you were already late and you would never make it in time for your first class. Without a second thought, you hopped off the bus and walked towards the bakery. As you entered the bakery, you were greeted by the warm and comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. The display cases were filled with an assortment of delicious treats, from fresh pandesals to sweet cinnamon rolls. Your mouth watered as you scanned the offerings, trying to decide what to try first. Now this is the part where it gets a little interesting.

Indeed, 7:00 am can mean different things for different people, and as a student, it can be a particularly stressful time. Whether you're running to catch the train or trying to finish an exam, the pressure of being on time or completing a task can make the early morning hours seem even more daunting. Growing up, your parents or even your teachers would often tell you, “The early bird catches the worm.” Usually, the worm symbolizes getting ahead in life. Be the first one to finish the race. Collecting achievements like graduating with honors, becoming the first doctor in the family, or having a nice car and a decent house. As a young adult, you are sure to be filled with hope and aspirations. You’re already set because it’s what your parents expect you to be. Because it’s what your friends are also doing. Because it’s a trend in our society. But as you grow, things start to get a little faster. And because everything is now fast-paced, every task becomes routine. And with routines, it lacks spontaneity and excitement. All that matters is that you need to finish it by the end of the day or by the end of the week, month, or year. You soon forget other matters which make you happy and inspired. Now, everything becomes hollow, constantly functioning without a purpose.

Slowing things down doesn’t mean losing the race, but to walk at a different pace. A benefit of slowing down at work means you have a lot of time to think and be able to manage your thoughts. Every day we will encounter traffic in our lives, which represents a blockage to our path. In life representation, it could mean loss, failure, or rejection. Once, I aspired to become a doctor. It is what my parents expected me to be — it is what I expected it to be. Unfortunately, I didn’t meet the quota for the course I'd initially chosen. Despite getting ahead in life, I still didn't get what I wanted. However, opportunities didn’t stop coming from there. As we are temporarily stopping from our journey, we may come across new or familiar places that could introduce us to a whole new perspective. In my case, I found purpose in being a people person — becoming a future HR professional.

In the end, despite the challenges that come with being a student, it's important to remember that this period of life is also filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. It’s not about forgetting what’s the purpose of waking up in the morning, nor forgetting about those expectations that dictate your functionality. When life gives you a reason to slow down, it could be for a greater purpose. Time is subjective and a delicate matter. Each day presents a chance to learn something new, connect with others, and pursue your passions. It may not always be easy, but with perseverance and a positive attitude, you can overcome the obstacles that come your way and achieve your goals.

References:

https://community.thejobnetwork.com/7-reasons-why-slowing-down-at-work-is-a-good-idea-032017/