it begins
Hello dear reader!
How are you? Has your brain also started leaking out of your ears from all the New Year's wisdom, predictions, resolutions, and clever remarks on social media? I'm completely done, and I'm glad that the year is finally starting.
I don't mind at all that social media is dying. It will be good without it, although I don't know what will replace it. Will we have to meet in person with smaller groups of people again and deepen relationships, like our ancestors, without having anywhere to share selfies and ussies?
I'm a huge fan of regular relaxation and self-reflection, but I don't like it when it's forced on humanity centrally. This end-of-year period can put tremendous pressure on us, as expectations skyrocket. Christmas is the time to reach the most intimate "blessed" state, to cook the finest food, to bring the greatest joy to our children and to relatives and "friends" who don't care about our needs anyway. Shortly after, New Year's Eve arrives, which, of course, must enter in the history book as the biggest party of the year, with glitter and a wild atmosphere at a minimum!
Meanwhile, summaries come, strictly shared uniformly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.: I achieved these things this year (new diploma, promotion, awards, etc.), I read this many books (because I'm more cultured than you), I traveled to this many countries (because I'm richer and cooler than you), and I have so many friends who all love me and, by the way, look how damn good-looking I am!
We see this everywhere, and as a result, we tend to put pressure on ourselves and set goals that not only are unrealistic but also do not reflect our desires.
It is essential to understand that the continuous pursuit of grand ambitions for the sake of a glamorous goal does not really bring happiness. What's worse is that those who achieve their insanely big goals are most exposed to collapse and depression - just ask a Hollywood star or a rockstar!
The process is the essence, the everyday routines, the habits you develop for your well-being. Of course, some self-awareness and a lot of courage to go against the crowd wouldn't hurt either.
This was the first newsletter of 2024.
Best regards,
András