LOSING THE JOY OF LIFE
Funda
was finishing the final details of the dinner table. She carefully placed the
napkins and the guest dinner set on the meticulously ironed tablecloth. The
menu had been planned days in advance. Funda enjoyed stepping into the kitchen
whenever she had the time to create something. She had planned the day’s meal
ahead of time, just as she always did. She would meticulously plan every detail
to ensure nothing was missing. A shopping list was taped to the fridge.
She
was so focused on making everything perfect that she forgot to enjoy what she
was doing. In fact, it often turned into a chore because, for Funda, whatever
she did had to be done in the best way possible. This mindset was actually
making her life harder. She couldn’t dedicate enough time to herself, but for
Funda, that didn’t matter. She was fixated on the idea of everything being
exactly the way she wanted.
She
applied the same meticulousness to her job. She always delivered her work on
time and without any mistakes. At home, she planned what needed to be done each
day in advance. There was always a written to-do list ready. She had the same
approach when it came to her child. She kept a close eye on school matters and
never wanted them to fall behind in lessons.
Recently,
however, she didn’t feel very good, even though she was fulfilling all her
responsibilities. There was a sense of unease inside her. When she reflected on
it, she realized she wasn’t actually enjoying the things she was doing. Her
relationships at home weren’t great either. She had become increasingly cranky
and constantly complaining. Something wasn’t right, but what?
She
wanted everyone to be as organized and planned as she was. She expected
everyone to be seated at the table when it was time for dinner, and for the
children to get straight to their studies afterward.
What
Funda didn’t realize was the simple fact that everyone is different. Some of us
are meticulous about planning and organization, while others care much less.
Funda’s perfectionism was bothering her family, too. Her expectation for them
to conform to her way of doing things was causing tension.
Taking
responsibility for one’s duties is, of course, important. However, sometimes
things might fall short. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and unexpected
situations arise. Some things are beyond our control.
Funda
found herself on an inward journey, wondering about the root of her unease as
she sipped her coffee.
Life
is about movement. While continuing daily routines, we are also working toward
our goals. Most of the time, we try to do what needs to be done in the best,
most flawless way possible. But humans are imperfect beings, and we have the
right to make mistakes. Trying too hard to avoid mistakes can take away the joy
from what we’re doing.
Perfectionism
wears us out in both our tasks and our relationships. Yet life is a long
journey, and it’s meant to be enjoyed. When we focus on the result rather than
the journey itself, we miss out on life’s joys.
The
desire for perfection often stops us from even starting. Some of us say:
“If I’m going to do it,
it has to be perfect. Nothing should be missing.”
But
this perfectionist mindset increases the number of things we give up on in
life. After all, isn’t it natural to make mistakes when starting something new?
Isn’t
this why many of us never start exercising? We say, “I need to join a good gym first.
Besides, I need new workout clothes.”
But a simple walk in the fresh air could be the first step. If we continue
consistently, exercise can become a natural part of our lives.
The
same goes for diets that always seem to start “next Monday.” We think, “I can’t start without a dietitian.”
But even reducing portion sizes slightly can be a great start.
We
wait for the perfect time to study, which often results in not starting at all.
However, waking up just ten minutes earlier can be a small but impactful step.
The
key is starting with what we can do and maintaining consistency. When we aim
for perfection, we often find ourselves doing nothing. Even the smallest steps
get delayed.
But
those small steps are what lead to big achievements. Continuing with steady
effort isn’t about doing the best; it’s about doing good enough. When we start
thinking this way, our motivation grows. We not only enjoy the outcome but also
the process itself. Enjoying the process means enjoying life.
As
Funda thought more about these things, she noticed her mind starting to relax.
She had always searched for the source of her unease in the outside world. Now
she realized it had been right in front of her all along—like looking for
something only to find it was right under her nose.
The
Experiential Design Teaching says: “A person’s greatest friend and enemy has always been the same—the
one in the mirror.”
For the person
in the mirror to enjoy life, all it takes is a small step. That step may bring
challenges or mistakes, but perfection isn’t required. Taking that step can
free us from our burdens and help us enjoy the journey.
So,
are you ready to take that step?
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Experiential Design Teaching is the knowledge of reality that enables people to design their future through past experiences. It offers individuals strategies they need in order to solve their problems and achieve their goals.
"Who is Who", "Relationship Mastery", "Psychology of Success" programs provide individuals the methods to being happy and successful.
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"Out of billions of people, what importance can "one" person have?
To know the answer ask that "one" person!"
Yahya Hamurcu
There are so many details that we should not forget about art of living.
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