Navigating the life and time

A sense of franticness accompanies the modern approach to personal growth and development with many waking up feeling as though they have somewhere to be and something to achieve. The unsettling feeling we experience when we wake up and feel the need to ‘do better’. The gap between what we think is ideal and what we ourselves are, which often leads to us going after self-imposed impossible standards, WHY? perhaps social standards or something within ourselves that is buried deep. Or, could it be wiser to take no for an answer and work around our rough edges?

Try imagining how it feels to fill one’s palms with water. No matter how firmly one grasps the water, it will always slip through one’s fingers and regardless of the effort, time cannot be controlled. Time and memory are two things that every single human being learns as their life goes on. Each day would teach a new lesson ranging from an experience to a different face that one has not yet encountered nor made a connection with and as such creating a new thought in their ever-evolving lives. One lives, learns, and loves; the heart may remain calm but the mind is at war, endless thoughts capture it and weave it into the tapestry of life.

Just like water that cannot be held, time is always in motion. It streams unhindered which teaches us that the ideal is not the basis for satisfaction. However, the beauty of life lies in the simpler things- moments of calmness that come and go in a rush. Moments spent with a friend, thanks to a gorgeous sunset, or even a Sunday without any social activity. These moments are beautiful memories which make up our purpose on Earth. They add more value to our lives than any other accomplishment would.

The pursuit of perfection drives a never-ending cycle of stress and disappointment. We begin to set high expectations for ourselves that seem unrealistic and take our experiences for granted. We get so caught up in accomplishing a goal that we neglect the process. Each mistake, each weakness can be viewed as a chance to improve oneself but we often consider obstacles. That being said, these are the moments which allow us to flourish and expand our bounds.

While working towards our goals, it is important to be proud of the journey itself, which includes both wins and some losses. Each interaction presents a lesson, and sometimes the best lessons are the ones that help you understand how imperfect and nebulous the world is. Understanding this can free us from the need to be perfect. Rather than pursuing the ‘end result,’ we can place our attention on the here and now, the moments that exist within the task itself.

Since we are social beings, it is natural for us to desire recognition and influence, but the problem is that we usually measure this influence by how many letters we have after our names or how high our social ranking is on the scale. People end up competing more with how much they fit in rather than truly living their lives. What if we looked at it from a different perspective? Stop trying so hard to be perfect, and simply be there instead. There is beauty in the little things that people don’t often see.

It is said that while we take our journey forward, we should not forget to enjoy the little things along the way – the wins and losses. There is always a learning that comes out of every situation or interaction, even if it is just the understanding that life is chaotic and not orderly. This understanding can help make one free from the binds of perfectionism. One does not have to get embroiled in the end result rather enjoy the process and the here and now.

There are not a lot of people who think of perfect beings because such people cannot really exist in the world drawing the line between success and materialistic elements be it job changes, awards, or fame. Due to this we are in a kind of race where we constantly have to match ourselves up to society, forgetting about our personal journeys. What if our perspective changes? What if we stopped trying to be perfect but rather tried to be ‘there’? To enjoy the little things of every day that are usually ignored?

In addition, witnessing and accepting one’s flaws brings about a kinder sense of self. Self-improvement is possible once we detach ourselves from the need to remain flawless. It is this change that empowers us to understand who we are, our capabilities, and what we lack without feeling self-criticism. Instead of feeling bad because we could not meet a target, we ought to appreciate the attempts and understand the learning that comes in the course of the activity.

It should also be reiterated that as we try to succeed in this world, let them not forget that there is nothing termed as the word perfect. Perfectionism is some form of metaphor around which people build their lives as opposed to focusing on their real ones which are ample and cherubic. What is valuable in life is not perfection but the wow factors that inspire emotions and appreciations within us, the ones that prove our humanity.

Let us encourage celebrating imperfections and savouring every bit of this life. Don’t get the impression that neglecting imperfections is to engage in mediocrity. It is all about being real. It also inspires us to take chances, go out of our familiar zones, and connect with the world around us intimately. The essence of life is that every morning brings a new day, and when a morning is new, everything is new and every day is full of life.

Time is passing, reminding itself how precious it is, while the clock keeps tickling and running without fail, as we grow to understand life better with age: that every moment is given, and we can meet and mingle with others. Let's seize every moment, cherishing it for what it is—a fleeting experience that contributes to the tapestry of our lives rather than letting time slip through our fingers unnoticed.

In short, as we beat in and out of the rhythm of time, let us love the mess, the bliss, and the heartache. Let's see that our flaws are the things that make us human. That is how we connect on a deep level with each other and perhaps that is its beauty, or life doesn't always have to go as we planned it to, and this slipped chance comes along every day that gives way to embracing the slip; this where life actually unfurls. Embracing our imperfections is not only enriching to ourselves but also to the lives of others. Let's embrace this journey, imperfections and all, and discover what vibrancy awaits us.

Muskaan Mudassir is a Senior Analyst and currently working with Government contracting Inc, Delaware, USA.