It’s okay to slow down.

Barely breathing. Barely able to catch my breath.
I stop myself and ask, “What’s the rush?”

Why am I always on the go, always stressing, always thinking about the future?
Why do I always have to be doing something?
Why is it so hard for me to rest and slow down?

I think I’ve always been this way, even from a young age. Maybe it has something to do with being the oldest — carrying responsibilities early on. I had to be ready for anything and everything. Slowing down wasn’t a luxury I was allowed.

I’ve spent 25 years rushing through life, constantly worrying about a past I can’t change and a future that’s out of my control.

Somewhere along the way, I forgot that this is the one life I get.
One chance to live this life, in this moment, fully.
I forgot to live in the present — to truly experience the now.
I forgot that the now is all I ever have.

This is my reminder to myself, and to anyone else who feels the same way:

You are allowed to slow down.
You are allowed to rest.
Take a step back. Breathe.
Let go of the “what ifs” and accept what is.
You deserve rest.

Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re weak — in fact, it means the opposite.
It’s taken me time, but I’ve come to realize that honoring your emotions is a sign of strength.

There will be days when you have all the energy in the world and feel unstoppable. And there will be days when getting out of bed feels like the hardest thing.
In those moments, be gentle with yourself. Take your time.

It’s okay to be human.