Everything Comes At A Price — You’ll Choose the One You Can Afford
those were the words posted on my friend’s Whatsapp status.
curious about the origin of this profound statement, I asked her if it was her creation. With a confident “yes,” she proceeded to unveil the narrative behind her insightful mantra — a story of accommodation, priorities, and the art of choosing what one can truly afford.
as she embarked on her academic journey, the commute from home to school became a subject of inquiry from concerned colleagues. “How are you coping?” they would ask, questioning the potential stress of the daily voyage. Little did they know, her choice was a deliberate act of self-care, a preference for comfort over convenience.
for her, the idea of living in a place with subpar conditions, surrounded by distractions, was a compromise she couldn’t afford. Understanding herself, and recognizing the ease with which focus could slip away in a bustling environment, she made a conscious decision to stay rooted at home.
waking up at the crack of dawn — 4 am to be precise — might seem like a high price to pay. Yet, this early ritual, accompanied by an hour of prayer, sets the tone for a day that unfolds on her terms. Boarding the bus by 6 am, she navigates the early hours to ensure she reaches school at 8 am. The cost of early mornings is outweighed by the tranquility of her own space.
attending school three times a week, her schedule might seem demanding on those days. However, the trade-off is remarkable. Those three days of intensity are followed by a long weekend — Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday — all nestled in the comfort of her parent’s house. A sanctuary where distractions are minimal, and the noise levels are mercifully low.
having experienced the dynamics of school hostels for three years, she took a step back in her final year. Observation and self-awareness played crucial roles in this decision. Knowing how her brain functioned in those environments, she resolved not to subject herself to similar distractions in this crucial year.
her contentment stems from a deep understanding of her needs. With ADHD as a companion, she recognized the importance of a calm, focused environment. The mix of too many people in a dormitory, and the constant buzz of activity, posed a threat to her concentration. What she couldn’t afford was to jeopardize her academic focus in the final stretch.
in her story, there’s a profound lesson — one that aligns with the wisdom shared in her mantra. “Everything Comes At A Price — You’ll Choose the One You Can Afford.” For her, the price of waking up early and enduring a commute is a small one compared to the ROI she gains in peace, focus, and contentment.
so, as she embarks on this unique journey, choosing comfort over commute, she stands as a testament to the empowering notion that in the grand marketplace of life, the price we pay should be one we can afford.
PS: if the flavor of these words satisfied your appetite — then you’re in for a delight with these recommended reads
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