Choosing a slower path and still feeling worthy.
CHOOSING A SLOWER PATH AND STILL FEELING WORTHY.
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For many of us, the path through our institutions of higher learning felt like a relentless pursuit of the next impressive achievement. We were taught to strive, to accelerate, to seize every opportunity with an almost aggressive ambition. The "Ivy Identity" often comes with an unspoken pressure to constantly be on an upward trajectory, to define ourselves by milestones met and fast-tracked careers. It’s a powerful narrative, deeply ingrained, suggesting that slowing down is akin to falling behind.
But what happens when your heart yearns for a different rhythm? What if the conventional race feels misaligned with your true self, demanding a pace that depletes rather than fulfills? Choosing a slower path—whether it’s taking a sabbatical, exploring unconventional careers, prioritizing personal growth over rapid professional ascent, or simply taking time to figure things out—can feel counterintuitive, even a betrayal of the high expectations we’ve internalized and those projected upon us.
It’s crucial to remember that your worth is not tethered to external timelines or the speed of your progress. Your value isn't diminished by detours, pauses, or by simply choosing to breathe. True self-discovery often happens in the quiet spaces, away from the demanding noise of external validation. It’s about understanding that the labels we carry, even those of prestigious affiliations, do not define our intrinsic value. Embrace your unique pace. Allow yourself the grace to explore, to build a life that truly resonates with you, knowing that your worth is inherent and unwavering, regardless of how fast or slow you choose to move.