Amale Bouzlafa

Please, whatever you do,  don’t live an empty life ! It’s so easy to get caught up in the pursuit of things we think we need, constantly running after the next goal, the next achievement, the next validation. But in doing so, we often forget to observe, to experience, and to reflect on the moments that truly matter.

Living an empty life isn’t just about lacking material possessions or external achievements… it’s about missing out on the richness of each moment. When we’re always focused on what we don’t have or what’s coming next, we lose sight of the beauty and wonder that exists right now. Instead, we need to choose to be present, realizing that each minute, each second is a miracle. This shift in focus allows us to fully experience the depth and meaning of our lives.

I want to live a life where I’m not running after the illusion of what I think I need. Instead, I want to be grounded in the present, focusing on each thing I do with passion and intention. This doesn’t mean I have no goals or aspirations… it means I approach them with a different mindset. Instead of seeing them as destinations that will bring me happiness, I see them as parts of the journey that enrich my life.

In my own life, I’ve often found myself chasing after things I thought were essential to my happiness and success. I believed that once I achieved these goals, I would feel complete. But each time I reached a milestone, the satisfaction was fleeting. The joy of accomplishment was quickly replaced by the anxiety of the next pursuit. It was a never-ending cycle of striving and never truly arriving. It took me a long time to realize that this constant chase was not fulfilling me. I was so focused on the future that I was missing out on the present. I wasn’t appreciating the small moments of joy, the quiet victories, and the beauty of everyday life. This realization was a turning point for me. I began to understand that the key to a meaningful life wasn’t in the endless pursuit of more but in the deep appreciation of what I already had.

This shift in perspective didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow process of learning to slow down, to breathe, and to truly see the world around me. I started practicing mindfulness, which helped me become more aware of my thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. I learned to observe my experiences without judgment, to savor each moment as it came. By being present, I began to notice things I had previously overlooked. I started to appreciate the simple pleasures: the warmth of the sun on my skin, the sound of birds singing, the taste of a well-cooked meal. These small moments, which I had once taken for granted, became sources of profound joy and gratitude.

This new way of living also transformed how I approached my goals and aspirations. Instead of seeing them as ends in themselves, I began to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. I focused more on the process than the outcome, finding fulfillment in the journey rather than just the destination. This shift made my pursuits more enjoyable and less stressful. I was no longer driven by the fear of failure or the need for external validation. Instead, I was motivated by a genuine passion for what I was doing. Living a life of presence and intention doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges or difficulties. But it does mean that we approach these challenges with a different mindset. We learn to see them as part of the journey, opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to our happiness. We become more resilient, more compassionate, and more at peace with ourselves and the world around us.

Living a life filled with meaning is about being present, appreciating the moment, and finding joy in the journey. It’s about focusing on each thing we do with passion and intention, rather than constantly chasing after the next big thing. By doing so, we can avoid the trap of an empty life and instead live a life that is rich, fulfilling, and deeply meaningful.

Trusting it will bring some light to someone’s shadow,

Amale 💫💙