To You, on Days When You Just Can’t Keep Going

A gentle reminder from a student of Buddhism: your worth isn’t measured by how much you can produce. Sometimes, simply being is enough.

“I want to create a society where people who can no longer work are still cheered for.”

These were the words of a business leader.
Hearing such a statement from someone with real experience gave me a surprising sense of relief.

As someone who studies Buddhism, I found myself deeply nodding along.
And I asked myself:

“If I were the one who couldn’t work anymore — would I be able to accept myself as I am?”

Somewhere along the way, many of us started to believe that being able to “push through” is just normal.

Wake up, go to work, somehow get through the day, come home, and sleep.
Repeat again the next day.

Even if we collapse from overwork, or our hearts break under pressure,
we still feel guilty for resting, as if we’re doing something wrong.

But —

Don’t measure yourself solely by society’s standards.

It’s okay if you don’t get promoted.
It’s okay if you don’t feel motivated.
It’s okay if you can’t work well, or if you simply can’t try anymore.

The eyes of Amida Buddha are still fixed gently upon you.

Please don’t forget:
This feeling of “not being able to keep going” is only a temporary state.

It’s just how things are right now, not who you are permanently.
If you’re tired, it’s perfectly okay to stop.
Rest is not a sign of weakness.

In fact, it’s a crucial step in rebuilding your strength.

Think about strength training.
Your muscles tear slightly from effort, but they grow stronger through rest and nourishment.

The heart is just the same.

So on days you can’t go on — really rest.
Eat something delicious.
Laugh at a silly YouTube video.
Get plenty of sleep.

And if the urge to move arises again, then — and only then — get back up.

Your worth isn’t defined by your productivity.

Just by being alive,
you are already someone deeply precious in the eyes of the Buddha.

Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the recent earthquake in Kamchatka.
May peace and stability return to your lives as soon as possible.

Я с печалью узнал о землетрясении на Камчатке.
От всего сердца соболезную и надеюсь, что мир и покой скоро вернутся в их жизни.

For Japanese readers:
This story is also available in Japanese.
↓ 日本語版は（note）へ

「がんばれない日の、あなたへ。」
https://note.com/makijaku7676/n/n50582a15b7c4

まきじゃくのnote
https://note.com/makijaku7676/