With the weather getting nicer and the sun staying out longer, I yearn to frolic the fields. I really enjoy spending time outside and find myself looking for any excuse to do so. For example, instead of walking at my normal hustle pace and taking the quickest, most efficient route, I find myself walking slowly and stretching my walks by taking the longer routes. Despite it not being the most effective use of my time, I really enjoy doing this. By slowing down, I have noticed so much more than I have ever noticed when I am in a rush. I pay attention to not only the sounds of the birds chirping but what those birds look like. I notice not just the beautiful sunset view but how the reflection of the sunset looks on different buildings in the NYC skyline. Overall, I appreciate this time of year because I live more presently in the moment. However, it also leads me to think why can’t I sustain this?
Even now, I am forced back inside due to classes, school work, and my actual responsibilities all of which are valid, but sometimes I cannot help but dream about living a slow life. How fun would it be if I could sleep in all the time, take long walks all I wanted, and truly live in the moment? Unfortunately, being a full-time student in the month of April means projects, homework, and upcoming finals keep you preoccupied. On top of that, when you are a college senior like me, there’s this invisible clock ticking, telling you to make the most of your time so you say yes to every plan with friends, and essentially, the hustle never stops. Don’t get me wrong, I love being busy and working towards my goals but I will admit it is exhausting. So when the weather turns good, and you’re actually getting Vitamin D, you fantasize about how nice it would be if this sun, this weather, this moment lasts forever. However, the thing is that it can’t.
I know at least for me, I am very ambitious, and as nice as it would be to slow down, it raises this dilemma of being behind. Of course, taking a break doesn’t mean you don’t ever get up again, but in a system that very much rewards and requires hard work, taking some time off does come at a cost. For example, with the school work that unfortunately needs to get done, spending all my time outdoors would have consequences on my academic performance. However, that doesn’t mean you always have to operate at the speed of light. I think the beauty of spring is that it forces you to slow down to appreciate nature. I also think that if moments like this lasted forever, they would lose value, as they wouldn’t be as fun anymore. My solution is to make time for living in the present, where you can balance out your life. For example, this past week, my friends and I went to Central Park for a picnic on Monday. None of us had class before 6 p.m., so we were able to spend the entire day there and return in the evening. That respite was very much needed, and then when I did go to class, I was in a significantly better mood. Overall, I encourage people to make the most of this time, and as hard as it is to be pushed back indoors, having to do work, try to fit in those moments where you can live in the present.
