Our chronically hyper-paced world seems to be a never-ending endorphin chase whose finish line is physical, mental and existential fatigue. If we’re bold and brave enough to run our own race, a quiet truth—one that’s been there all along if we’d only look—can sustain us: nature, in its unadulterated splendour, offers a sanctuary.
I’ve always been an overachiever. I’m not saying that in a bragging kind of way – overachieving is hardly a worthwhile goal. But it’s not a type of pathology either, as some would have us think.
Ancient philosophy is a timeless and infinite teacher … if only we would listen. In fact, in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, winding back the clock a few millennia might just be the key to finding our footing.
Contentment is more about what’s within. It’s about finding joy in the simple things, like feeling the sun on your face, or being followed by a rainbow. Getting lost in a pile of autumn leaves or laughing so hard hurts. It’s about being satisfied with what you have, rather than always striving for more. Contentment is like a cosy jumper – the colourful one your gran knitted for Christmas. It may not be the most fashionable thing in the world, but it’s comfortable, and it makes you feel good.