In this world full of "fast forward", have you ever reminded yourself to "Slow down. You're doing it fine."?
Life can sometimes drag you to a busy railroad where everyone is in a hurry to catch the last-minute train. We get so busy focusing on the speedometer that we forget to slow down our pace, appreciate every little milestone, and enjoy the journey.
Lately, in the office, we were rushing things to finish all the needed documents for the occupancy permits of the building that we are constructing. The client was pushing us with the deadlines and by hook or by crook, everything needed to be finished on time. There was very short notice and we were not able to prepare all those required As-built plans for the specific target because we were just given 2 days prior to submission. And I was like, whaaaaaaaaat? How are we going to finish these all in two days??! It was like my mind was about to explode. I don't even know where to start or how to strategically make it faster when "fatal error" and "loading" unfortunately butt in now and then.
There was no choice but to render overtime for two consecutive nights but still, it was not enough. Unless someone, enchanted, from Fairyland, will let us borrow Fairy Godmother's magic wand and a "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo" can finish all the drawing-layouting-plotting-plan folding in an instant. How I wish I could just magically click my fingers and then all these blahhhh-blahhhh-blahhhhhh be prepared by the mice that I can also get to talk with. How cool is that? Well, do these overwhelming tasks have something to do with the crazy thought that made me think of this silly stuff because it was so mentally draining that I want to escape reality?
Ok, snapping myself back to reality. Time to cut loose the daydreaming because I am no Cinderella! There was no magic wand. All I am facing is the pinching truth that I am a mere employee, paid by my employer, and should follow everything that I was ordered to do. That is the very main reason why I am here in this office, in the first place. My day is paid anyway so how dare I complain? Shame on me.
But don't get me wrong. Let me just make it clear, I am not complaining though. I am in fact, thankful for this job that I have. I know some people would give up something just to be where I am exactly right now. It is just that, human as we are, we sometimes get burnt out with the stress and pressures in the workplace. I guess we are naturally and obliviously wired this way, aren't we?
Having tons of seemingly-endless loads is but normal. I feel like I am drowning with this left and the right list of to-do's and struggling myself in analyzing which should be done first? Is it the "urgent"," priority", "rush", or the " I need it now"? Ughhhhhhhh, what a headache!
But you know what I get to realize? These everyday errands that we deal with daily are but a series of endless pages we read. It can never be completed. And if we have to deal with it deeper, we are just punishing ourselves. Instead of complaining, why not stop for a moment and breathe? And let yourself look for something that will help you relax and get through it all. A niche that will though not magically finish it all in the blink of an eye, somehow help lessen the toxicity in climbing this mountain of paperwork. As the lyrics of the song go and gently remind us to "Slow down. You're doing it fine. You can't be everything you wanna be before your time". For me, these two were a big help;
◾Listen to music. Let me just emphasize "relaxing music". Depending on your preference on what the definition of "relaxing music" is to you. What genre of music do I preferably listen to? Well, I am fond of listening to:
🔹OPM (Original Pilipino Music) love songs . These are songs that are created by Filipino songwriters and composers. Songs that we can proudly share and let the rest of the world hear. I like listening to them because some of their lyrics are something relatable that helps you sing your heart out with all the things you exactly feel but do not have ways how to exactly say. Especially when you are lonely, ooh why do we love singing the blues?
🔹Bisrock songs. It means Bisaya rock. A loud justification showing just how talented Visayans are. Well, a proud Visayan here! Singing songs in my mother tongue has been so therapeutic to me, now that I am away from my province, speaking a language that I never used to speak as I was growing up, these bedrock songs help me think that I am not that far.
🔹Classic love songs. The old but gold. It may sound boring to some but I found it soothing. Its nostalgic element is the only "magic" that helps me calm down mentally.
Once the earphone is put on, each melody runs through within and replenish every tired inch of me. The lyrics are the rythm has amazing tune that can give you a fabulous magic carpet ride. Soothing music is all I need to get me back on track. And one step-at-a-time, one music after the another, everything can be done.
◾Make yourself a cup of coffee. Yes, every day can be very hectic and stressful. But you are not a robot that can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without getting tired. Even they, need time to get the battery charged when they run out of energy. So how much more on humans? You need to rest for while dear and.....breathe. Make yourself a cup of coffee, or tea if that's what you prefer. Fuel up your senses with a cup of aromatic and sweet coffee. Let it fill up the happiness and motivation that is about to be taken over by all the negative energies from the different errands we run everyday.
Slow down. Let the music and coffee take charge of everything. That's what I reminded myself to get me through this busy week. In the end, we were able to submit the drawings on time.
Magic wands may not be real. Fairy tales are but a child thing. But life itself has its unique way to helps us deal with toxic things. You just have to inhale and exhale. Slow down and you will see, life itself is magical.