I visited Paris earlier this year. While there, I was told that most people in Paris have almost 2 months off in summer. They spent their time sitting in cafes and restaurants for quality time with family and friends. In contrast, I never had that type of luxury in my life. Therefore, my trip to Paris really expanded my outlook and changed my relationship with work fundamentally.
Overworking isn’t the answer.
American author Kate Northrup once said, “Overworking is a trauma response.” This resonated with me as I was traumatized when I was young, so I use overworking as a method of feeling better – at least my achievements at work could give me some kind of positivity. But overworking isn’t a solution because it only makes me more tired.
Having said that, I understand that people may have different phases in life. At some stage, you just want to work hard. At another stage, you spend more time looking after yourself and taking care of your life. Then a new stage starts and you work very hard again as work is all you think about all day long. Yet when the next stage arises, you focus on your life rather than your work. This is totally normal.
From my point of view, it’s better to work harder in your 20s because when you are younger, you have more energy. More importantly, you have more time – when you are in your 20s, you probably don’t have to look after your parents, so that’s the best time to build a career/business that can give you a good lifestyle. If you start to look after your parents in your late 30s, you would have a reasonably successful career/business already. Thus, you are able to enjoy the results you’ve got – you have something that is working & you can afford to spend more time with your parents. Therefore, I highly encourage younger people to figure out their careers when they are still young and then they will be able to enjoy the benefits later in life.
Spend more time enjoying art.
During my trip to Paris, I discovered the power of art. My French friends told me that art definitely improves our wellbeing, for there is a connection between an artistic experience and positivity. Further examination shows that an aesthetic experience brings about pleasure, and aesthetic beauty brings an individual more fully into the present.
Never underestimate the power of escapism. The reason people love music, movies, and novels is that everyone needs some time away from their reality. Of course, everyone has their own life concerns, but those concerns will still be there when the escapism is over (no matter whether you worry about your concerns during your escapism or not). Hence, you would be well-advised to be fully present while enjoying your escapism. Be mindful when you are smelling the roses!
I have a very close friend who draws pictures in her spare time. She says every kind of visual creative expression is helpful: she needs to engage her creative mind so that her analytical mind can have a break.
Personally, I love writing because this activity fully engages my creative mind while allowing my analytical mind to observe what I’m doing. It’s a way to strike the balance.
Prioritize well being…
Leaning into myself is a way to invest in myself because I should prioritize my health as well as wellbeing. This trip to Paris has taught me so many things; it was more than just a travel experience; it was a transformative journey that reshaped my perspective on work, life, and the pursuit of happiness. Witnessing the leisurely lifestyle of Parisians, who value quality time spent with loved ones and the simple pleasures of life, opened my eyes to the importance of finding balance.
Prioritizing not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being is an essential foundation for a truly fulfilling life. Through the lens of Paris, I learned to embrace the wisdom of balance, the enrichment of art, and the necessity of self-nurturing. This journey has bestowed upon me valuable insights that will forever influence how I approach work, relationships, and the art of living.
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