As I reflect on my journey of quitting my 9 to 5 job and embracing my inner child, I am reminded of a TED talk by Scott Dinsmore titled "How to Find Work You Love." In his talk, Dinsmore asks a thought-provoking question: "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 struck a chord with me and made me realize that life is indeed short.

As I reflect on my journey of quitting my 9 to 5 job and embracing my inner child, I am reminded of a TED talk by Scott Dinsmore titled "How to Find Work You Love." In his talk, Dinsmore asks a thought-provoking question: "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 struck a chord with me and made me realize that life is indeed short.

An average human lives approximately 30,000 days, which may seem like a significant number, but in the grand scheme of things, it is merely a tiny fraction (0.0000006%) of the current lifespan of the universe. When we deduct the days we spend with our parents before college, as well as the time we allocate for sleeping, eating, and exercising, we are left with only 10,400 days. That's merely 28 years. This realization begs the question: if there were only 28 years left in your life, how would you spend them?

Money, often seen as the ultimate measure of success, pales in comparison to the value of time. While money can be earned back, time is irreplaceable. I used to believe that sacrificing my time was necessary to achieve success. However, I gradually came to the realization that this lifestyle did not align with my true self, nor did it bring me fulfillment.

In my quest for a more fulfilling life, I looked to my inner child for guidance. Our inner child is a part of us that remains unchanged over the years, still holding onto the sparkles in our eyes and the pure joy of creating something meaningful. It is that inner child that knows us best and understands what truly makes us happy.

Embracing our inner child requires us to ask ourselves the difficult questions: If we only have 28 years on earth, how would we spend this time? How do we want to be remembered by others? What are the things that, if left undone, would leave us with regret on our deathbed?

While embarking on this journey may seem daunting, I have come to realize that it is not so trivial. During my studies, I stumbled upon some interesting insights that I had never shared with anyone or even written down. Now, I wish I had documented those thoughts so that I could further analyze and explore them. It is essential to scribble down any spontaneous ideas or thoughts, whether in an app editor or a Google Docs file. You never know how these ideas may help you in the future or ignite even better ideas.

Incorporating these unique insights and ideas into our lives can lead us towards a more fulfilling path. It is crucial to take the time to understand ourselves and what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. By doing so, we can navigate away from the societal pressure to conform to a traditional 9 to 5 job and instead pursue work that aligns with our passions and purpose.

Before concluding, I would like to leave you with three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Take the time to reflect: Set aside moments in your day to reflect on your life and the direction it is taking. Ask yourself the difficult questions and be honest with your answers. This self-reflection will help you uncover your true desires and passions.

2. Embrace your inner child: Connect with the part of you that still holds onto the sparkles in your eyes and the joy of creating. Listen to what your inner child is telling you and allow it to guide you towards work that brings you fulfillment.

3. Document your insights: Whenever a unique idea or thought pops into your head, take the time to write it down. By documenting these insights, you can revisit them later and explore them further. You never know when an idea may prove to be invaluable.

In conclusion, embracing your inner child and pursuing a life that aligns with your passions and purpose is not a trivial endeavor. It requires deep introspection, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to prioritize your time over money. However, the rewards of living a fulfilling life far outweigh the sacrifices. Remember, life is short, and your time is precious. Don't spend it solely on someone else's dream. Embrace your inner child and create a life that you will look back on with joy and satisfaction.