Identity

This morning, standing on the Damen platform waiting for the train… I started thinking about identity. My own, mainly. I realized just how much stock I give work, and how much I define myself through my work. In many ways, it’s good to have this kind of work ethic, to be personally invested in what you do in the day-to-day. But in other ways, I’m finding out just how unhealthy that is.

I walked to work this morning slowly. I was late leaving the house, and I chose not to run towards the stairs when I heard the train approaching. I took my time and watched the cars snake by. I tried to take deep breaths, and tried not to worry about what I had to do or when I had to have things done by.

And you know what? The world didn’t end.

What I don’t want to happen is for me to lose the kind of drive I’ve had the past few years, the energy that fuels the all-nighters and the marathon sessions. But at the same time, I think I’m starting to question just how much I should define myself through my 9 to 5.

This morning, I took a few steps back in my head. And I gotta say – that felt nice, if not relaxing. Of course, once I got into the office things were busy and fast and stressful. But today felt better. Let’s hope this lasts.