Life's Rollercoaster: Finding Balance Through Choice

Life can be a wild ride, with twists and turns that leave us feeling like we're running on a never-ending treadmill just to keep up. But amidst all the ups and downs, the chaos and stress, we often forget to take care of ourselves and do things that bring us joy.

Our health and well-being can suffer if we don't give ourselves time to enjoy the things that make us happy. We can be absorbed with the demands of work and issues of this life, which can Rob us of the best moment of this life.

There are many problems in the world which can't solve at all but we prevent them from denying us the enjoyment of the present. Rather than simply whining about our problems, we must take a step back and devise creative solutions. By transforming our struggles into stepping stones towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life, we can make the most of every opportunity.

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a post that delved into the hardships of residing in bustling metropolises and abroad. While I didn't completely concur with the author's viewpoint, I could relate to and feel it.

Having spent the majority of my life in the cities of Kumasi and Accra, I know all too well the hustle and bustle of urban living. The cost of living, accommodation and transportation can be a burden in both developed and developing countries. But, from my experience, I've learned that it's often the choices we make in how we live our lives that can make it difficult, not necessarily the location we find ourselves in.

City life can be a real grind - sky-high bills, never-ending traffic, and a constant rat race to keep up. But, just because life in the big city can be tough, doesn't mean you can't make the most of it. It's all about perspective and how you choose to approach it. Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way to help you navigate the hustle and bustle, and still find joy in your daily life.

Stop Living to Impress Others
You are not in competition with anyone but yourself. The true pursuit in life should be to strive towards becoming the best version of yourself, rather than trying to outdo others. Unfortunately, many individuals live unhappy lives because they constantly try to live up to the expectations of others.

They conform to societal norms and seek validation from the people around them. Instead of creating a life that truly resonates with them, they are mesmerized by the achievements and lifestyles of others, longing to have a similar one, but true fulfilment and happiness come from living a life that is authentic to them, not one crafted to impress others.

Create Your Way of Life
Each of us uniquely approaches life. Personally, life is all about how you choose to live it. Many individuals waste time and money attempting to live certain lives, but in the end, they do not achieve the type of life that provides true satisfaction.

Make decisions in line with your principles and goals rather than going along with the masses. To save money means for me to scale back on indulgences like upscale dining, pricey fashion and lifestyles. Everyone has different priorities and preferences, so what I consider to be good may not be for someone else. It's all about choices.

Overall, you must choose a lifestyle that you can afford, it is always the best way to live. Making wise decisions and living a good life brings you joy in the end. The important thing is to make conscious choices about how you want to live your life and not let the dictates of society determine your actions. It does not matter where you live, taking control of your happiness is the key to living your best life.

Live Within Your Means
it's always a good idea to plan and have a budget for yourself. Without a plan, life can be super frustrating, It's like going on a trip without a map or having no clue of your destination.

Unfortunately, some people choose to live without a budget or don't stick to one if they have one. When I was living in Ghana, I decided to walk some distance to work instead of taking public transportation to save money. Not only did I save some cash, but I also got in some exercise.

At the time, transportation fares had gone up, but by living a more minimalist lifestyle and sticking to a budget, I was able to handle the cost of living in the city of Accra. In the end, it's all about how you choose to live your life.

Give Yourself Some Break
Don't kill yourself chasing material possessions and societal expectations of success. It's not worth it to constantly push yourself beyond your limit just to acquire material possessions or reach a certain level of success.

True happiness doesn't come from owning the latest car or the most expensive mansion. Instead, find contentment in what you have and make the most of the present moment. Don't let unfulfilled dreams and lack of certain possessions weigh you down.

Take a step back, enjoy the company of your loved ones, find activities that bring you joy and make the most of the time you have. Life is too short to constantly strive for more without taking the time to appreciate what you already have.