I Once Used to Smell the Roses Every Chance I Got. That Feels So Elusive Now.

Summary

The author reflects on their busy lifestyle, which has left them with little time to enjoy life's simple pleasures, and describes their journey towards making a change to prioritize personal well-being and "smell the roses."

Abstract

The author begins by recounting a morning when they noticed the accumulation of items in their bedside drawer, a realization that underscored their lack of time for personal enjoyment due to a demanding work schedule. They contrast their situation with that of a neighbor who frequently takes her family on weekend outings, suggesting a commitment to savoring life's moments. The author acknowledges a previous era of social engagement and plans to rekindle that spirit. Despite the comfort of Netflix and South Korean movies, they recognize the insufficiency of this routine, especially with only two days off each week. The author admits to prolonged dissatisfaction and inaction in changing their lifestyle, with their spouse noting the duration of their complaints. Plans for change include reducing work hours and other unspecified strategies. An update reveals that the author has since incorporated more studying, housekeeping, and meditation into their routine, with a commitment to not accepting jobs that would impede

Do yourself a favor and smell your roses.

As I got ready to leave for work one morning, I opened my bedside drawer and reached for my perfume bottle.

I noticed everything in that drawer other than the perfume. Over time, I had accumulated many of these things. Yet, I had been so busy with life I hardly noticed them.

I live in a small space, so there’s a limit to what I can accumulate. I like that; small space, limited possessions.

However, that morning, I also realized that I work so hard and get drained physically, mentally, and emotionally that I don’t have time to smell the roses.

I know friends, family, and acquaintances who grind even more and accumulate much more. I don’t know if they have time to smell their roses.

There is this neighbor who goes away with her family every weekend. There are very few weekends she stays home. That’s some serious commitment. It’s safe to say she’s smelling her roses and hoping her family smells theirs too.

There was a time pre-COVID when I hardly turned down invites to social functions. That was my way of smelling the roses. Maybe I’ll revamp that this summer.

My work week starts between 4 am and 5 am and ends 12 hours later. All I do when I get off work is on-demand shopping, Netflix, chat, sometimes cook and eat supper with hubby, then hit the sheets. The grind starts again the next day.

I treasure my Netflix escapism and love my South Korean movies, but honestly; that’s not enough. A 2 day weekend isn’t enough either.

I think there’s something wrong with this lifestyle. I never thought I'd find myself here. In the past, when I watched people live their lives this way, I genuinely felt sorry. Now I am living my life the same way.

Hubby says I have been complaining so much for a really long time. That means there’s been inaction as regards changing the situation. I have a few things up my sleeve. Cutting my hours is just one of them.

Update

My lifestyle eventually changed. Right now and for the past 8 weeks, I have spent more of my time studying, housekeeping, and meditating. I smell my roses now. It is a transit time cos I intend to job hunt in a few weeks. One thing I know for sure, I will not accept a role that drains me mentally and spiritually and deprives me of smelling my roses.

I Once Used to Smell the Roses Every Chance I Got. That Feels So Elusive Now.

Do yourself a favor and smell your roses.

Update

“Today, just take time to smell the roses, enjoy those little things about your life, your family, spouse, friends, and job. Forget about the thorns -the pains and problems they cause you — and enjoy life.”