From the outside, my life looks fairly well-rounded. I have the material things I need, and I live comfortably. Yet, something has felt missing—an inexplicable void, a feeling of emptiness. I first truly realised, about six months ago, that my heart wasn’t fully in sync with my life.

Each time I achieved a goal, the joy I felt was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it had come. I’d find myself automatically seeking the next goal, telling myself I had to do more. This sense of urgency, almost compulsive, had become a pattern I’d unconsciously accepted for years. I never questioned it, letting it flow on autopilot, assuming that’s just how life was.

And I kept running, believing that happiness was just over the next hill.

But somewhere along this endless race, I grew exhausted. I began to ask myself, Will my life ever truly reflect what I wish for? And so, I started to genuinely consider what it means to live a happy, fulfilling life.

The first step was to know myself.

I remember once hearing from a mentor that “knowing yourself” is essential to change your life. At the time, I thought, Of course I know myself. But recently, I’ve come to see how mistaken I was.

I barely know myself at all.

So now, I’m committed.

I’m going to be more mindful, to truly listen. I’ll celebrate the gift of being alive, of having a body and a chance to experience life on this earth. This is my restart—a chance to fully embrace and enjoy every moment.