Hi, I hope you still remember me. It’s been a few weeks, and I ruined our streak, but I want you to feel a sense of “finally, she’s back” when you read this. I know how easy it is to drown in daily responsibilities and not realize you’re losing parts of yourself while trying to keep up. A lot has happened recently, and when I say a lot, I mean both nothing and everything.

Maybe there have been a few notable things, but I’ve also consistently considered hibernation or running away to somewhere life wouldn’t catch up. Why don’t humans hibernate, by the way? I don’t think it’s fair that as the most advanced species, we don’t have that option. But that’s beside the point. Back to running away —I think we sometimes have the wrong idea about taking breaks and stepping away from reality.

First, there is no stepping away from reality. Choosing to do something different doesn’t stop life from happening; you’re simply ignoring it. It’s like a movie you pause and play back when you’re ready. Here’s why I think this is wrong: You think you’re a different person in each scenario—one who deals with life and the other who steps away from it.

You have to adopt a certain identity in each case before you can be immersed in it or even enjoy it. But how is that possible when there is only one of you? You can be many things, have varying personalities, or keep up with the different ideas everyone has of you. But it is you who gets hit by life, not your versions.

Secondly, if you choose to ignore life for a little bit by stepping away, that’s totally fine and healthy. The problem is that you think you have to put on a different hat to enjoy your break. If you’re truly all that great, you don’t need to pretend to sincerely rest or turn off your phone for a little peace. But you do, and I’ll tell you why.

It’s because what’s normal for the life you’ve created for yourself is actually not normal, and it keeps draining you. So when it’s time to recharge, you can’t fully do that because it’s a pretense. You’ll have to go back to what life needs and not who you want to be anyway. I know you can’t always call the shots, but I’m very positive you can put up a fight.

Finally, if you let life win, you’ll become someone who constantly wants to run away from reality. And even when you do run, you know it’ll catch up with you soon. You’re always in a loop and never truly in any moment. I’ll give you an example: If you’re not someone who finds humor in your everyday life, going to a comedy show once in a while won’t suddenly bring the joy of genuine laughter.

Or you’ll find yourself booking trips with an itinerary that excludes rest because it’s not part of what you do every day. I’m not saying life won’t require different versions of you—it always will—but don’t let who you need to be erode who you want to be. You don’t always have to compromise for life; sometimes let life compromise for you. And I know you think it won’t be okay, but I promise it will. Everything won’t suddenly be great just because you choose to face your challenges your way, but at least you won’t want to run away all the time.

Song of the moment- Slow It Down by Benson Boone.

It’s good to be back☺️ and I hope you’re good❤️ Have a lovely week 🥳