When the Year Takes Off Like a Bullet Train

 

This year didn’t ease in gently.

It took off — fast. Like a bullet train.

Last year ended on a high, and before I could fully catch my breath, this year began on an even higher note, professionally. Work picked up pace almost immediately. New challenges, engaging conversations, demanding timelines, and opportunities that required me to be fully present from day one.

And for that, I feel grateful.

The year also began wrapped in family moments, celebrations, gatherings, laughter, and togetherness. The kind that you enjoy before life pulls you back into its rhythm. Soon after, the days became busy, not in a draining way, but in a stretching way. The kind of busyness that keeps you on your toes and makes you feel alive.

There have already been moments that asked for focus, patience, and presence. Situations that were challenging, yet deeply engaging. The kind that don’t let you function on autopilot.

And as I look ahead, I can sense that there are fun times coming too and moments of joy tucked between responsibilities, learning, and growth.

But somewhere in the middle of all this movement, I made a quiet promise to myself.

A promise to slow down every now and then.

To pause.

To check in with myself.

To ask, How am I really feeling amidst all this momentum?

I promise I will not stop the train, but pause, just to look out of the window once in a while.

Because it’s easy to stay busy and miss yourself in the process. It’s easy to keep going without noticing how the pace is landing on your mind and body. This year, I want to be more conscious of that.

As the year unfolds, I’m curious to see how well I honour this promise. I know I won’t do it perfectly. But even the intention feels like a good place to start.

Here’s to a year that moves fast:)

and to learning how to pause within the motion.