I stand at the crossroads of a new year, both excited and apprehensive, as I begin this journey of vulnerability. It’s important for me to share that starting this blog is a deeply personal challenge. It is completely unnatural for me to share my personal thoughts and feelings with others, and starting this blog is a way for me to face my fear of opening myself up to others.

Three years ago, I left a seemingly stable engineering career, one that, despite its success, left me completely unfulfilled and yearning for something more. So, I took a leap and left behind the comfort of what I knew to pursue a life aligned with my passions and values.

In the initial stages, I was dealing with an overwhelming sense of confusion. I wasn’t just leaving a job; I was departing from a version of myself that no longer resonated. The past three years have been a process of self-discovery, an unveiling of passions and values that were buried beneath the surface.

Along this journey of growth, there’s been a constant companion – the nagging feeling that I’m not doing enough. The weight of self-imposed expectations has cast a shadow on my progress, overshadowing the milestones and victories. This year, I’m making a conscious decision to confront this guilt and let it go.

Shortly after I left my engineering job, I was inspired by a book on the concept of lagom. Lagom, a Swedish term, encapsulates the essence of balance and moderation. It signifies “not too much, not too little—just right.” It has become the foundation of my pursuit for balance, urging me to find harmony in all aspects of my existence— from work and personal growth to health and self-acceptance. Lagom living, for me, now involves the art of releasing the chains of guilt associated with the idea that I’m not doing “enough.” It’s a commitment to acknowledge and appreciate the strides I’ve made, both big and small. This is the year I reclaim my journey without the burden of guilt.

Lagom living invites us to be kind to ourselves, to celebrate our progress, and to recognize that the path to self-discovery is an ongoing process. Here’s to a year of embracing imperfection, finding balance, and letting go of the guilt that no longer serves us. Together, let’s celebrate the blossoming of lagom living.