The power of patience: why taking your time is key for personal growth

Inspired by our exclusive interview with Joe Sugg, nature's our greatest influence – teaching us about the value of the moment, and gradual growth

Dear Happiful readers,

What is it that Ferris Bueller says? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

It’s funny to think this classic pop culture reference could really be advocating mindfulness (along with taking a much-needed ‘day off’). And while we wouldn’t encourage you to mimic all the exploits of the protagonist, giving yourself permission to have fun, take a break, and savour the moment are certainly traits worth embracing.

In this issue, we’re encouraging you to take a leaf out of Ferris’s book. We’re calling for a respite from the relentless noise of the world, asking you to press pause, and revel in the journey, the experience, and not just the destination.

The patience of nature really epitomises this. Not only is the wilderness a place to marvel at and treasure the present, but it serves a valuable lesson. We might not be able to see growth before our eyes as it’s happening, but day by day, change is there. And in a week, or a month, progress can be unrecognisable!

Our special edition cover star Joe Sugg is certainly on board with this. In our exclusive interview, Joe opens up about the value of taking your time – how we’re so often in a rush, we don’t appreciate the advances we’re making. That, in particular, with our wellness, there’s no quick-fix. It’s about devoting the ongoing time, energy, and care to yourself over the long-term that matters.

So, with that in mind, we’ve peppered this edition with a wealth of features to support gradual growth, and living for the moment – from setting ourselves free by joining the anti-perfectionist movement, to rediscovering our silly sides, and the power of adult play. Plus, our print-exclusive journaling pages are all about taking inspiration from nature to support our personal growth.

Let’s move away from a life at full-speed, and instead try a change of pace. Take a step into the unknown, and let you heart roam.

Your wildest imagination is a wonderful place to be.

Rebecca Thair
Editor

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