You’re making things way too hard on yourself.
This is something I’ve heard way too many times through my life. For most of my life it seemed like the only path I knew was the hard way.
Taking the difficult route was easy for me.
Overthink, overcomplicate, over-plan. Question, question more, and still hesitate before taking action. Or — Take action, make some kind of colossal mess or mistake, then waste time cleaning it all up. This was my modus operandi. I practically had an MBA in Grit & Resilience. But it all made me so tired.
I have always asked WHY!??! Then my brain spawns 101 ideas before I’ve even heard an answer.
“Slow Down, Jessica!” is something I’ve also heard a lot. I like to live with gusto, full steam ahead. In 2017 I moved across the country and subsequently had 3 jobs in 3 years and lived 3 different places in that timespan. After? I crashed in my parents’ basement for 10 months. COVID was the obvious reason but I think the other reason is because I had worn myself out driving a 6-speed manual 3 hours a day in Los Angeles for too long.
The problem with living life at 100% 24/7 is the crash-and-burn part.
You know that meme? With the girl lying down on the beach?
yeah, this one.
I swear that could have been a picture of me at any given time in my life. Except — I don’t take naps. Of course not! I have too much living to do!
And I never lived the easy way. Every relationship, job negotiation, and career progression opportunity I overcomplicated. Why accept the status quo when I can challenge it? Fight for myself? Believe in something better?
In case you were still wondering, an idealistic approach to ambition is exhausting.
So, where am I going with all of this? As a millennial child of “Hustle Culture” and “You can do anything you set your mind to” I’m happy to report that I’m resigning.
I think there’s a different way. A few months ago I uncovered a concept of a slightly splendid life — a notion that hasn’t left me.
I’m still figuring out what it means but I think it’s something like being an Ambitious Builder while living an Intentional Life I won’t burn out from.
Because I still believe in working hard. Plugging in to communities I believe in. Championing good people who do good work. Believing in a better world. Fighting for what I’m worth and advocating for systems to treat people fairly.
But sometimes I think it’s okay to take an easy path.
If this resonates please leave a comment or share with a friend.
-with lovingkindness,
Jessica
