What are You Missing?
Ok, I’ll admit it.
I’m easily annoyed by a lot of personal development and ‘how-to’ productivity related content. At this point, people are just copying and regurgitating each other’s tips. Round and round it goes.
What ever happened to originality?
Like a crisp salad, tossed with sun-warm tomatoes picked straight off the vine, drizzled with a delicate home-made dressing. I want something fresh!
Part of the reason I’m irritated is because this relentless cry of “do-do-do!” skirts around a very important question:
Are you actually enjoying your life?
This constant churn, the drive to “hustle” for more doesn’t even invite you to pause; to ask. Are you actually enjoying yourself, here — in the only place that matters — now?
And then, there’s this. The carrot that many of these content creators dangle at the end of the stick. It’s all flashy wealth, and it’s all the same: private jets, seven figures, fancy cars.
So unoriginal. So trite and superficial.
Honestly. When I see that showcased as a reason to productivity hack, to push harder or whatever it may be, I can’t help but laugh.
I don’t want that.
That’s not what motivates me.
The novelty of things — expensive or not — wears off fast. It took a while to learn that, I’ll admit, but it’s true. Worries, insecurities, and other uncomfortable feelings? They exist, no matter what you own.
So, if those influencers and content creators are able to brag about what they have, please. Allow me do the opposite: let me share what I don’t have, and show off how much I’m enjoying myself, without all the excess.
Perhaps I’m simple and weird — okay, yes. I am.
Easily satisfied.
I live in a 98-square foot cargo trailer with my husband, a cat, and a dog.
There’s only room for the essentials, for example we each have our own fork. We share our morning smoothie from the same moss green Hydro Flask. Our cats litter box occupies so much precious storage space, that my wardrobe exists in a single drawer. Yet I’ve learned, all I actually require is time to enjoy coffee and nature. Time to spend with those I love. Time to breathe, create, explore and connect — with space in between. Time.
I’m pursuing a career that’s fulfilling, and doesn’t take so much from me that I lose the opportunity to live as quietly and unobtrusively as I choose.
This? It’s a luxury. I’m privileged because of what I don’t own.
I often remember how numb and disconnected I used to be. Honestly. No amount of money could tempt me back into that place of discontent, and the thought of a round the clock fully-booked schedule is horrifying.
True decadence is getting the sleep your body needs. It’s putting on a pair of sweatpants, pulling them up so they ride high on the waist. Settling down outside with an expansive view clutching a mug of coffee, and — in my case — write.
I feel extremely fortunate to not only know what makes me happy, but to be okay with it, too. Let myself enjoy it. Even if it means I don’t have anything fancy and flashy to show off.
I’ve managed to guide my life so that it actually aligns with my values. My husband and I have spent the last year traveling full-time, and enjoyed open-ended visits with loved ones. I’m no longer wearing myself thin in pursuit of material objects; I’m not interested in million-dollar wealth.
There’s something very empowering about freeing yourself from what we’re told we should want, and giving yourself permission to indulge in what you actually enjoy.
Because here’s the truth: You can’t buy true love or acceptance. You have to discover it first, within yourself.
Yes, there are times in life that are busier than others. Times that require more from you. It took us two years of hard work and overtime to dislodge from our “normal” life, and reach a point where we felt confident and prepared enough for all the unknowns that are a guaranteed part of life on the road.
This experience affected us deeply; it’s helped shed more light on what really matters.
I’m earning way less than I did when I worked in a cubicle, but I’m happier and more fulfilled. That has to count for something, right? I mean, isn’t that what we’re ultimately looking for?
As I learn to trust and rely on myself, I’ve given myself the most precious gift. Life positively sparkles and shines. There are so many possibilities, and I can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy because I’m here — and you’re here too— in the thick of it all.
I know not everyone wants to drastically change their life, this isn’t everyones cup of tea. I get that, it’s totally fine.
The reason I’m sharing this (besides attempting to balance out the scales) is as a reminder. It’s okay to want something different. It’s okay to listen to yourself. It’s totally fine to not spend your life caught up in relentless pursuit; reach that point where you start to miss the plot. It’s okay to enjoy a simple life. To have a job that you enjoy, even if it doesn’t pay well or impress anyone else.
You don’t have to fret over following tips that leave you even more frazzled. In fact, screw everyone on the internet. Nobody knows anything, nobody knows you. It’s up to you to discover, and therein lies the adventure!
Is there something you want?
What’s missing?
Truthfully, if I’d said no to this experience, I’d still be there. Unhappily productivity hacking, or doing whatever else they told me to do.
Following along, exhausted and unfulfilled. Turning to anyone I thought could help me find passion and meaning, all the while ignoring the adventure I deeply craved.
I’d likely still be placating myself with random items from weekly Target shopping sprees, and extending myself to the point of burnout so I could pay for them all.
And all the while, I’d be wondering. When does it get better? When does it become meaningful?
Thank goodness I found the answer: listen to yourself.
