Is there time to stop and smell the roses?

UAE's influencers voice their opinions

Work hard now, you can rest later. This is a common statement that has been doing the rounds since time immemorial. Hard work is definitely important and you need to make sacrifices in life to reach somewhere and to be successful. But, what we seem to forget is that along the way we are missing out on the little things in life. These little things are made to sound mediocre and irrelevant. And their importance, absolutely undermined.

We could probably have had the most pathetic day at work. we've all been there. And all we would want to do is to go home, sleep and wake up the next morning hoping that it would be a better day. This attempt to make the next day better at work slowly becomes part of our lives. Gradually, the things that used to bring us joy lose charm. Our life begins to revolve around impressing superiors at work and how to achieve more. Nothing else matters.

But think about this. On any given day, however difficult it might be, going home and talking to your parents or spouse about your day would make a difference, right? Go out and play a game, play like you have all the energy in the world. Eat out with your friends even if it's midnight. Have a good laugh. Just chill.  Gather your thoughts, grab your favourite comfort food and be by yourself. Self-care is important too.

This sounds calming, right? I mean, we may not have the energy to do any of it every day because nobody's perfect. But once in a while, just stop, and take time to smell the roses.
Adarsh Biju is an engineering graduate.Follow him on Instagram: @adarshbiju96
Most of us live in a fast-paced environment and feel extremely pressured on a daily basis - whether it's to work hard to get that promotion, land that job, take time out to spend with family, meet those fitness goals, secure an independent life, finish as a top university graduate or just working to have everything at the same time. The 'survival of the fittest' mindset takes over many lives, and a lot of expectations are set. Goals create focus, and something to work towards, but, at times, those aspirations consume individuals to the point of creating an unhealthy imbalance.

Focusing on only one aspect is like looking through a telescope - you are only able to see one thing at a time. Living in the present no longer becomes a priority, because there is that constant thought of working hard now to feel 'happy or secure' in future. Living in this fast lane makes us speed by potential opportunities, moments and people that could make us extremely happy during the journey itself.

Taking time to breathe and just enjoy the process is important and it is also something that can be easily overlooked. Personally, would not like to reach a destination or goal only to look back and realise that I missed out on a lot. By that point, it is too late to change anything.

I think that living in the present while working towards future goals is the way to go. It takes a balance of both, which can be challenging to achieve, and time may not always allow it, but we need to push for it. Therefore, what we need is balance, to set goals, work towards them and stop and smell the roses.

Elena Andra Stoica is an aspiring journalist with experience in PR Follow her on Instagram: @elenaandraa