"Me levanto en la mañana dividido entre el deseo de mejorar el mundo y el deseo de disfrutar del mundo. Esto hace difícil planear el día"

This quote speaks to the inner conflict we all feel between wanting to make a positive impact on the world and simply wanting to enjoy the pleasures that life offers. It's a tug-of-war between altruism and self-indulgence. Think about it. Some days you wake up brimming with ideas on how to better your community or work on a project that matters. Other days, you just want to kick back, watch your favorite show, or enjoy a long, leisurely walk. Balancing these urges can be challenging. How do you decide what to prioritize?

This sentiment is pretty timeless, but it became more prominent in modern times as our lives have become increasingly busy and our awareness of global issues has grown. With the rise of social media and 24/7 news cycles, many of us are more conscious of the world's problems than ever before. This awareness can make us feel a certain responsibility to act, but it can also be overwhelming. The desire to retreat into personal enjoyment is a natural counterbalance to the weight of that responsibility.

Take Jane Goodall as a real-life example. She’s famous for her work studying chimpanzees in Tanzania. Imagine the dedication and passion it takes to live in the jungle, observing animals, sometimes in harsh conditions. But even she has moments when she simply enjoys the beauty around her—the sunrise, the peace of the forest. Balancing her groundbreaking work with the sheer pleasure of her environment must've been a daily challenge. Yet, she managed to merge those two desires, finding joy in the very work that improved our understanding of primates.

You might be wondering how to apply this wisdom in your life. Start by recognizing that it’s okay to feel this duality. You don’t have to choose one over the other every day. Instead, try to weave both into your daily plans. Maybe spend the morning volunteering or working on a project that helps others, and reserve the evening for something you love, like reading a book or cooking a delicious meal. It’s about finding harmony and allowing yourself the grace to enjoy both worlds.

Let me share a little story to bring this concept home. Imagine Sarah, a graphic designer who loves her job but also feels compelled to volunteer at the local animal shelter. She often feels guilty for enjoying her weekend brunches and Netflix marathons when there’s so much she could be doing to help. One Saturday, she decides to spend her morning walking dogs at the shelter. It’s fulfilling, but tiring. That afternoon, she treats herself to a spa day. While getting a massage, she feels a wave of contentment wash over her. She realizes that by balancing her desire to improve the world with her need to enjoy it, she’s more fulfilled and less stressed. The next day, she returns to work with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

So, next time you’re planning your day, remember it’s not about choosing between improving the world and enjoying it. It’s about finding your own sweet spot where you can do both. Be kind to yourself. After all, you deserve to enjoy the world just as much as you want to make it better.