"Reflections on the Morning Commute"

While on my way to work, I've noticed that many of the people commuting to their workplaces have similar facial expressions. They don't look particularly cheerful, and most of them seem tired. It makes me wonder whether I too have the same expression, which makes me feel uneasy. At the same time, it also makes me feel observant, as I can't help but think that maybe they’re aware of it as well, and perhaps they think the same thing about me.

I believe that even when you’re doing something you love, the routine can still become tiring. Whether you enjoy your work or not, burnout can happen, and there is little you can do to avoid it unless you take a meaningful break. That is probably why many office workers choose to travel, sometimes far from where they live or even overseas, to experience a different place and culture. It is a kind of reset that helps relieve the stress of a busy work life. It is an activity that helps lift the burden of living a repetitive life.

However, living a routine lifestyle or working a repetitive job is not always a bad thing. In fact, some people thrive in those kinds of environments. There are individuals who learn how the system works and use the routine to their advantage to improve their skills and become better at what they do.

In the end, whether we thrive in routine or seek escape from it, what matters most is being mindful of how it affects us. Sometimes, simply noticing our own expression can be the first step toward change.

Link to the source of the image.