The Art of Being
If you’ve ever completed your list of daily tasks, sat down at the end of the day, and still heard that voice inside your head whispering, “You should do a little more,” then this post is for us.
This idea has come up often in conversations with teammates and friends during my time in college. The concept that our work is never truly done, and there is always something more we can be doing. Whether it's homework, cleaning, hobbies, career development, or preparing for the next day's activities, there's always something else to add to the to-do list. It can feel as though what we've completed—or what we’re currently working on—is never enough.
In these conversations, this struggle manifests in different ways for each person. Some people experience anxiety, unable to calm their minds, feeling an overwhelming pull to do more or surround themselves with activity until they can find peace. Others feel a weight on their chest, believing they are letting themselves—or others—down by not being further along in life.
It may look different for everyone, but trust me: this feeling is not unique. None of us are alone in this.
Today, we live in a world moving faster than ever before. More and more students are graduating college early to get a head start on graduate school or their careers. Social media pressures individuals to post, create, and “become an influencer,” with the goal of earning millions and cultivating a digital persona. College students are expected to identify their career goals, join clubs, secure internships, study abroad, be active in the community, conduct research, build lifelong friendships, and maintain perfect grades—all at once. Beyond college, the pressure doesn’t let up. Society sets expectations for when we should buy a house, get married, and start a family.
We’re told that if our lives aren't filled with accomplishments, possessions, or degrees within a certain timeframe, we’re somehow doing it wrong.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I admire the ambition of those chasing their dreams, doing what they’re passionate about, and refusing to let age or timing hold them back. I strive to do the same. But I want to take a moment to remind everyone (myself included, because I know I’ll need this reminder again soon) that while our paths and destinations are unique, there’s one universal truth we must all remember:
We are human beings.
I think we often forget that we are human beings, not human doings.
We live in a world that pushes us to do more, buy more, achieve more. The grind is important, and yes, we should take advantage of the opportunities that come our way. But sometimes we need to slow down, take a seat, and appreciate the gifts already given to us. We need to remind ourselves that sometimes we are called not to do, but to simply be.
Use the vacation days you’ve earned. Stop cutting your lunch breaks short—take the time to walk outside, or actually savor the meal you’ve been rushing through. And here’s one I’ve struggled with the most: carve out gaps in your calendar. Don’t allow every minute to be consumed by someone else’s demands. Leave space for you to do the things you love, to reconnect with those you miss, and to reflect on the life you’re living.
As someone who has spent much of her 21 years chasing the next opportunity, I can confidently say that it’s not the opportunities we miss that often make us feel like we’ve wasted time—it’s the ones we take but fail to fully appreciate. It’s those moments of beauty and joy that we let slip by unnoticed because we’re too busy checking the next thing off our list. We often overlook the areas of our lives that could blossom into something meaningful if only we slowed down long enough to recognize and nurture them.
Life is a balancing act—one in which you must carefully choose where to invest your energy. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket, but you also can’t stretch yourself so thin that you lose sight of the blessings already around you.
So, pursue your purpose. Seek the things that light you up and bring you joy. But don’t pressure yourself to juggle so much that, in between catching flights, attending events, and chasing opportunities, you forget to catch your breath, express gratitude, and simply be.
-Kenzie
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