3 posts tagged with "self-improvement"

Audio Overview​

The lotus flower has always captivated me, not only due to its visual beauty but also because of the profound symbolism it embodies. Gracefully emerging from murky, muddy waters, the lotus symbolizes personal growth, resilience, and transformation, representing the journey toward achieving clarity even amidst life's most challenging situations. Its beauty reminds us that significant strength and wisdom frequently come from navigating and overcoming difficult circumstances.

“In the mud lies the promise of blooming. And for me, that promise has never been clearer.”

Over the past month, my own life has mirrored this metaphor in profound ways. I’ve encountered a series of powerful experiences and pivotal moments that have challenged my previous perspectives, illuminating essential truths. These experiences, though often uncomfortable, have been instrumental in shaping a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. Each lesson has guided me to question and eventually release certain outdated beliefs and patterns, making room for growth, authenticity, and genuine happiness.

Audio Overview​

A few years ago, I realized something unsettling that no matter what I achieved or acquired, the satisfaction was always temporary. I’d set a goal, work hard, reach it, and feel an initial surge of excitement but only to find myself asking, “What’s next?” almost immediately.

At first, I thought this was just ambition. But the more I paid attention, the more I noticed a pattern that was leaving me perpetually unsatisfied. Turns out, there’s a name for this. The hedonic treadmill which are the idea that no matter what happens, we eventually return to a baseline level of happiness, always craving more and more. If you’ve ever felt stuck in this cycle, you’re not alone.

The Never-Ending Chase​

I remember the first time I convinced myself this thing would finally make me happy. It was a brand new phone, the one I had been obsessing over for months. When I finally got it, I was thrilled but after a few weeks, it became just another object in my life. The excitement had vanished, and I was already thinking about what else I wanted next.

The same thing happened with achievements. I worked hard to land my "dream job," thinking it would feel like I had arrived. Yet, just a few months in, I found myself setting new goals, feeling just as restless as before.

This is the hedonic treadmill in action. We convince ourselves that once we get the next promotion, the next gadget, or the next trip, we’ll finally feel satisfied. But as soon as we achieve it, our mind moves the goalpost. And the chase starts all over again.

Audio Overview​

January 2025 was one of the challenging periods of my life. I found myself at a crossroads, faced with a difficult decision: should I fight to hold on to people who were ready to walk away, or should I let them go? At first, the thought of letting go felt like surrender, like giving up on something that once mattered. But as I reflected, I came to a life-changing realization when people choose to leave, it is not my responsibility to convince them to stay. True connections should never require force or persuasion, and holding onto someone who has already decided to leave only prolongs the inevitable. So, rather than clinging to what was slipping away, I chose to step back and let them go.

This perspective may seem counterintuitive at first, especially in a world that often emphasizes fighting for relationships, proving loyalty, and never giving up on people. However, I’ve learned that there's profound peace in allowing things to unfold naturally. Don’t fight to keep people who no longer want to be in your life.

This mindset doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships but it extends to friendships, family ties, and even professional relationships. Time and experience have taught me that when someone decides to distance themselves, it’s often a reflection of where they are on their own journey, not a measure of your worth. Clinging to relationships out of fear, insecurity, or obligation only leads to unnecessary pain. Instead, accepting that not everyone is meant to stay forever frees us to focus on the relationships that are genuine, mutual, and fulfilling.