It’s Okay to Take a Rest
To whom else can we turn, if not to ourselves?
I once believed that being one step ahead was the key to success and the most important thing in my life.
I became so fixated on staying ahead of others, always striving for more, that I failed to see how this relentless pursuit was slowly consuming me. In the end, it wasn’t progress that I was gaining, but a path leading me toward my own destruction.
In my first year of junior high school, I worked tirelessly, dedicating myself to studying every single day. English vocabulary was never enough, math formulas had to be memorized, and history had to be etched into my memory. I spent countless nights with books and pens, determined to solve every math problem with precision.
The first year passed, and I succeeded in becoming the top student in my class. As I moved into the second and third years, nothing changed. I kept studying relentlessly, and I continued to hold onto that position as the class champion.
During that time, I lost and missed so many precious moments with my friends. I became so absorbed in my studies that I started to feel left behind in other aspects of life. The group chats, the class Facebook account, the hangouts — I let all of those things pass me by, thinking that they weren’t important or that I could catch up later. But as time went on, I realized that I had distanced myself from the very connections and experiences that made life richer.
Yet, when asked if I regretted spending most of my time studying, my answer is still no.
I don’t regret spending those hours buried in books or trying to improve myself academically. What I do regret, however, is not taking the time to rest, to pause, and to truly reflect on the things that I enjoy and want in life. I was so focused on pushing myself forward, always trying to stay ahead, that I failed to listen to my own needs and desires.
I was driven by the idea of success, but I never stopped to question what that success meant for me or whether it was aligned with my happiness.
In doing so, I missed the opportunity to embrace the simple joys of life — moments that could have brought me peace, laughter, and meaningful connections. The time I could have spent enjoying the company of friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply being present in the moment, slipped away unnoticed.
Now, looking back, I realize that those moments were just as important as the hours spent studying. Life isn’t just about achievements; it’s about the balance between work and rest, between striving for goals and taking time to breathe and enjoy what’s around us. I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s the pauses — the moments of reflection and connection — that make life truly meaningful.
Time passed, and I entered senior high school. During this period, I made a promise to be kinder to myself by finding a balance between studying and resting. I made it a point to spend time playing with friends, attending literacy events, interning at a book publishing house, painting, and doing other things I enjoyed. I truly dedicated time for rest, for myself, and for the activities that brought me joy. I still continued to study and earned good grades, but I am no longer being the class champion. At least, I was truly living.
I realized there were so many things, so many precious moments, that I missed out on when I focused solely on one thing — studying.
I locked myself away in the pursuit of grades, unaware that there were hobbies waiting for me to discover, friends longing to spend time with me, and experiences that I had been too focused to notice.
A novel script I had started was waiting for me to finish, a canvas was waiting for my brushstrokes, and new challenges were waiting to push me toward growth and self-discovery. Languages were waiting for me to learn, opening up new ways to connect with the world. These were the good and joyful things that I hadn’t even realized existed in the midst of my single-minded pursuit.
It’s okay to rest, to occasionally step away from the tiring routine of studying. There’s nothing wrong with taking time to do the things you enjoy without worrying about books, math problems, or unfinished assignments. Sometimes, we need to make space for ourselves to enjoy simple moments, like hanging out with friends, doing hobbies, or simply relishing in peace and quiet.
None of that is a waste of time, but rather an essential part of life that brings us balance, happiness, and renewed energy to refocus on what we are dedicated to.
After realizing that, I felt more at peace and joyful in living my life. I no longer felt the constant pressure to focus solely on one thing. Instead, I started embracing the things that truly mattered to me, allowing myself the freedom to pursue what brought me happiness and fulfillment. I made time for the things I enjoyed, spent more moments with friends, and discovered new passions.
This shift in perspective didn’t just change the way I lived — it transformed how I saw my future. I was able to enrich myself with new skills and knowledge, not just through books, but through experiences that broadened my knowledge. I learned that growth doesn’t only come from strict discipline and relentless work, but also from exploring, enjoying, and balancing different aspects of life. This new approach allowed me to be more present, more connected to myself, and more open to the world around me.
Allowing ourselves to rest doesn’t mean allowing ourselves to fall, but rather giving ourselves the chance to recharge and open up to new potential and opportunities. Sometimes, we get so focused on goals and tasks that we forget rest is also an important part of the journey.
By giving ourselves space, we allow ourselves to grow stronger, wiser, and more prepared to face the challenges ahead. Life only happens once, so make the most of the time you have left, enjoy every moment, and don’t hesitate to seize the opportunities that can lead you to a better path.
Take a rest, do whatever good things you want, and equip yourself with new skills and experiences. Life is about finding balance, between working hard and giving yourself the space to grow in ways beyond just tasks and goals. Use this time to explore your passions, learn something new, and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
These moments of rest aren’t wasted; they’re investments in your well-being and personal growth, giving you the energy and perspective to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
