Self

We Are Living for Everything Except for Us

Average Person Sleeps for a Third of Their Lives

I have been thinking a lot about life recently and how we spend the little time we have on this earth. The our daily brain’s grind make it easy to go through the motion and just follow the current of the routine flow without actually living. But wait, there is only one life as I think on this earth and we are all responsible to take control of it.

I recall reading a research paper that opened my eyes some time ago. It showed how much time we spend doing things like sleeping, eating, working and commuting. Believe me when I say it was mind-blowing. As per the research, average person sleeps for a third of their lives, spends more than 10 years in school and works full-time for around three decades.

When you add in the times spent eating as well as driving to work or just housekeeping chores you’ll realize that what remains is just a tiny fraction of one’s life where they can live freely. I said “this tiny fraction is my real life, all of the rest is for someone/something else” I was disappointed, at least for a moment.

Now I know what you are thinking — that’s really sad. However hold your breath on that. This research made a very valid and promising point: it doesn’t matter how much free time we have but rather how well we utilize it. There is hope.

Look at it this way; certainly, we must work hard so as to cater for our families and meet our needs too. What if instead of hating our workplaces, we pursued jobs we like? Those jobs that would fill us up with joy when done at any particular time of day? Rather than staring emptily at phone screens during our journey to place of work suppose we used such moments learning new things or catching-up with friends?

It all depends on how we look at things! As Eckhart Tolle said “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life” (Tolle, 1999, p. 35). And he was right. Life becomes so much richer and more meaningful when we live in each moment and savor the little things.

But, here is what I learned. Never allow people’s opinions to determine how you live your life (Read My Article Here Which Discussing This Subject). Eckhart Tolle stated that about 80% of people are unhappy because they care more about others’ opinions than their own. Imagine living your whole life based on what other people think you should be doing?

This is no way to live. In fact, what is life if you ignore what you say about yourself, your things, your feelings, and just focus on what others say about them. This is as we live for everything else, except for ourselves. I am not innocent here. I am the first person to blame here, and I am falling frequently in this trap. However, and fortunately, writing and journaling are helping me to recognize this issue, and maybe try to address it with some degree of success. Let’s not give up. Lets keep trying.

Regret is one thing we should all strive to avoid as it can easily ruin everything. The last thing anyone would want when they are old and unable to do what they used to do is to look back at their lives with regret. That’s why it’s important for everyone to live a happy life by making their decision and following their own terms.

No, I am not saying you should quit your job or leave school today. That’s not the point. Remember, it is not just the destination but the journey too that matters. What I mean is this; reflect upon where you are investing most of your time in. Is it living or existing?

It is an enormous query, and I understand that. Nevertheless, it’s worth going deeper into it. This is because in the final analysis we only have one life on earth. And in the whole vastness of the universe our time here is merely a momentary flicker. Why not make the most of it?

Lets shut out our brain’s monkey negativity. Shut off all distractions and listen to your inner voice instead. Listen to yourself about yourself, that’s it. Once you come to realize that your own opinion is the only one that counts, life becomes quite simple, and the road ahead can become much brighter.

See you then at the other end of the real life of those who care just about their own opinion about themselves, those who just live the now, and those who live with no regret.

Author’s Note

Thank you for reading my story. Here is some information about my background. 🙏Consider sharing and participating in the conversation if this content speaks to you. For any queries, collaborations, or comments, reach out to me at [email protected]. Thank you for supporting my work!

Reference

Tolle, E. (1999). The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. New World Library.