Taking a Break
Eulnyang’s “I’ll Say ‘Just’ Because There are Too Many Reasons”
Preface
“Eulnyang,” who conveyed her hurt feelings in her previous work, came out as a counselor this time. The author conceived the saying, “Cats have nine lives,” and recreated Eulnyang as a cat that has lived with humans through all the hardships. It seems indifferent and arbitrary, but in reality, it contains messages that delve into the mind like a cat that knows “butler”’s changes the best.
The Quote
(A Quick Pause)
“You know it’s only possible to swim when you have energy in your arms and legs. When you feel like you have no energy in your body, the best way to not drown would be to stay still instead of struggling. Everyone has times when you are crazily swimming and all of a sudden feel powerless. So, when that happens, take a break and don’t dwell on how long the break is because, with the perfect amount of break for you, you will be able to swim again.”
My Analysis
Even from a young age, I always heard the phrase, “Never give up.” This phrase has unconsciously followed me throughout my life and I never came to a sense that it is completely normal to take a break sometimes. Feeling of guilt whenever I took a break was always prominent. Then, I came across these quotes from the book and it clicked. Pressuring myself when I’ve already burnt out isn’t going to create a progression in anything and the only acceptable way of dealing with this type of situation would be letting go and gifting myself the break I deserve.
