It’s amazing how quickly moments turn into years when you’re not paying attention to the moments. The following story is about Ben’s awakening to that fact.
Ben had always lived his life by a strict schedule. Each day unfolded with the same sequence: wake up at 6:30, check phone, shower, breakfast, commute, work, gym, dinner, social media, bed. His friends often joked that you could set your watch by his routine. But Ben found comfort in predictability, believing it brought him efficiency and success.
One overcast Tuesday morning, something unusual happened. Ben’s alarm didn’t go off. Panicked, he jumped out of bed, hurriedly dressed, and rushed out the door. As he hurried to catch the bus, he noticed a colourful mural on the side of a building he passed every day. He had never seen it before, though he must have walked by it hundreds of times. The mural depicted a lively scene of people dancing and celebrating, a stark contrast to his rigid, mechanical life.
Ben caught his bus and made it to work just in time, but the image of the mural stayed with him. For the rest of the day, he couldn’t shake a sense of unease. If he could miss something as big, bright, and bold as that mural, what else was he missing?
That evening, Ben decided to take a different route home. He walked slowly, observing the world around him with fresh eyes. He noticed the friendly nod of the newspaper vendor, the aroma of fresh bread from the bakery, and the laughter of children playing in the park. These everyday scenes, once blurred in the background of his regimented life, now appear vivid and full of life.
In the days that followed, Ben began to question his routines. He realised that his strict schedule had turned his life into a series of automatic responses, leaving little room for spontaneity or awareness. He decided to make small changes: trying a new café, taking up a hobby, and reconnecting with old friends.
One evening, while having dinner with Claire, an old friend, Ben shared his recent experiences. Claire listened intently and then said, “You know, Ben, if you don’t notice change, nothing will change. It’s like driving on autopilot—you might get where you’re going, but you’ll miss the journey.”
Her words resonated deeply with Ben. He understood that recognising the need for change was the first step towards transformation. Over the next few months, he made a conscious effort to live more mindfully. He started a journal, recording moments of gratitude and reflection. He learned to savour his morning coffee, enjoying its warmth and aroma rather than drinking it absentmindedly.
Gradually, Ben’s life began to shift. He felt more connected to the world around him, more engaged with his work, and more present in his relationships. He found joy in the small, everyday moments that he had previously overlooked.
One day, as he walked by the mural that had sparked his awakening, Ben stopped and smiled. The people in the mural were still dancing and celebrating, just as they always had been. But now, Ben felt like he was part of the dance. He realised that change doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with simply noticing what’s been there all along.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
