Is 'Free Time' an Endangered Species?
[Where can I meet 'free time'?]
Lately, my own time has been avoiding me. Or rather? I find myself asking, 'Where did my time go??' more and more often.
[Daily Schedule (Mostly Tasks)]
• 7:00 Wake up (silencing the inner voice saying 'I don't want to get up')
• 8:00 Arrive at work (already exhausted)
• 9:00–18:00 Work (thinking, 'Whose life is this?')
• 19:00 Get home (just breathing is all I can manage)
• 21:00 Realize I'm dropping my phone
• 22:00 Go to sleep while saying, 'I'll go to bed early tomorrow for sure'
Yes, I've achieved zero time for myself! The night shift version is a different story, though.
['Want to' is being eaten by 'have to']
Before, I used to spend my time on things I liked, like watching anime or looping videos. But lately, it's: • I have to reply • I have to do laundry • I have to do my job properly. Wait, when did 'want to' become an 'obligation'?
[Getting stuck when asked, 'What do you like doing?']
Calling all working adults who are about to answer 'sleeping' when asked, 'What are your hobbies?' But that's not really a hobby; it's just a life-sustaining activity. When was the last time you actually 'properly enjoyed' something you like?
[Conclusion: Your own time won't come on its own]
This is cruel, but I've come to realize it's the truth. Your own time doesn't just fall from the sky; it won't come back unless you consciously 'take it back.' Stolen by work, consumed by others' expectations, if you do nothing, 'you' will gradually become transparent.
[Why not take back 5 minutes today?]Won't you try taking it back with me? • Sing your favorite song with all your might • Close the curtains and zone out in silence • Watch one favorite video, not for anyone else's sake. '5 minutes for yourself' recharges your heart more than you think.
[Is your free time alive?]
You have time, but you aren't there. Before you get used to days like that, just a little is fine. I want to regain my own will in my own life. Being able to have your own time is actually a huge luxury. So, just for today, let's try to 'do nothing' with confidence.
[And, to you]
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me your precious 'free time' to read this far. You can't get time back. I'm so happy that we could 'pause for a moment' like this together. When you're tired again, please feel free to come back and read. I'm sure I'll be waiting with something else written.
'I'm pouring all my inner thoughts out here👇'
👉 'Hide's Paid Diary'