Chosen Priorities

A Lesson in Prioritizing Well-being: From Traffic Jams to Open Roads

For years, I chose the shortest route to the city: 35 km of frustrating traffic, stealing two hours of my day. It was the "sensible" choice - save money, endure the stress. Classic middle-class Indian mindset, right?

Two years ago, I decided to value myself more. I switched to the Outer Ring Road - 63 km of smooth driving, cutting my commute to just one hour. Yes, it cost more in tolls and fuel. But the payoff? Priceless.

Today, with my electric car, I wouldn't dream of taking the city route. Even for a movie, I choose the ORR. My drives are peaceful, my time is my own - for connecting with loved ones or diving into fascinating podcasts.

This shift - from penny-pinching at the cost of my sanity to investing in my well-being - has transformed my daily life. It's a small change with a big impact.

In India, we're often taught to prioritize saving money over valuing our time and peace of mind. But isn't it time we flipped the script?

Your well-being is worth the investment. Choose the route that brings you peace, even if it's not the cheapest or shortest. Your future self will thank you.