And then I burned out. Quietly at first - I stopped being happy, waking up with interest. Then - loudly. I got sick, quit my job, sat at home, and for the first time in many years I was alone with myself.

At first it was scary. Then - liberating. I stopped running. Now I walk. Slowly. If something doesn't work out - it means it's not mine. If someone leaves - it means they're not my person. If I can't cope - it means it's time to rest.

The world didn't collapse. On the contrary, it became warmer. And I learned to trust myself. Because, it turns out, walking slowly is not a loss. It's just a different path. And it's no worse.