Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5 — Snow Huo

Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5 — Snow Huo

"Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5" by Snow Huo is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a fulfilling life and following our true passions. It resonated with me deeply, as it reminded me of one of my favorite TED Talks by Scott Dinsmore titled "How to Find Work You Love". In his talk, Dinsmore asks the audience, "is this how you are going to spend the rest of your life? Have you tried your best to figure out who you are and why you exist?" These questions hit home for many of us who may feel trapped in a monotonous routine, sacrificing our time and happiness for the sake of societal expectations.

Life is indeed short, and this is a fact that we often overlook or take for granted. Snow Huo beautifully illustrates this by highlighting the limited number of days we have on this earth. With an average human lifespan of 30,000 days, we are left with a mere 10,400 days once we deduct the time spent with our parents before college and the essential activities of sleeping, eating, and exercising. In the grand scheme of things, that's only 28 years. So, if we were faced with the reality of having only 28 years left to live, how would we choose to spend that time?

Money, often seen as the ultimate measure of success, pales in comparison to the value of time. While financial stability is important, it should not be the sole driving force behind our decisions. Snow Huo realized that sacrificing her time and true passions in pursuit of financial success was not fulfilling for her. She recognized that there are individuals who thrive in that lifestyle and make a significant impact, but it wasn't aligned with who she truly was. She discovered that the sparkles in her eyes came to life when she worked on creating something meaningful that helped people or brought joy to their lives.

In this pursuit of a meaningful life, Snow Huo advises us to pay attention to our inner child. Our inner child holds the key to who we really are and what truly brings us joy. If we only have a limited amount of time on this earth, it is crucial to tap into our inner child and listen to its desires. How do we want people to remember us? What are the things that, if left undone, would fill us with regret on our deathbed?

The importance of understanding history in defining who we are cannot be overstated. Just as Snow Huo encourages us to dig deep into our inner selves, the study of the history of psychology allows us to make sense of where we are and how we got here as a field. The precursors to American psychology can be found in philosophy and physiology, with philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Reid promoting empiricism, the idea that all knowledge comes from experience.

The 19th century saw a convergence of philosophical questions about the nature of the mind and knowledge with physiological investigations of the human sensory systems. Researchers like Hermann von Helmholtz, Ernst Weber, and Gustav Fechner delved into the relationship between the mental experiences of the senses and external reality. Their work laid the groundwork for the understanding that there is a distinction between psychological and physical realities.

Wilhelm Wundt and his students further advanced the field of psychology by demonstrating that the mind could be measured and consciousness could be examined through scientific means. Experimental psychology quickly spread throughout North America, leading to the establishment of more than 40 laboratories in the United States and Canada by 1900. The American Psychological Association (APA) was also founded in 1892, solidifying the organization and recognition of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Incorporating the insights from both Snow Huo's personal journey and the history of psychology, we can draw three actionable pieces of advice to live a fulfilling life:

1. Embrace your inner child: Take the time to reconnect with your inner self and identify the activities and pursuits that truly bring you joy. Listen to your inner child's desires and align your life with those passions.

2. Prioritize time over money: While financial stability is important, remember that time is a finite resource that cannot be retrieved once it's gone. Consider how you are spending your time and ensure it aligns with your values and true passions.

3. Understand your history: Whether it's the history of psychology or your personal journey, understanding where you come from helps shape who you are. Reflect on the lessons and insights from the past to inform your present and future decisions.

In conclusion, Snow Huo's courageous decision to quit her 9 to 5 job and pursue her true passions serves as a powerful reminder for us all. Life is short, and we must prioritize our time and listen to our inner child. By embracing our true selves, understanding our history, and making conscious choices, we can create a life that is truly fulfilling and leaves a lasting impact. So, let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and live the rest of our days with purpose and joy.