Be Still

Career-driven individuals are often encouraged to keep moving—always striving for the next big opportunity, the next promotion, the next goal. We’re told that success lies in constant motion, in climbing the ladder without pause. A perfect example of this mindset can be found in the character Rachel from Friends. She begins her journey pouring coffee, dreaming of a glamorous job in fashion. Eventually, she works her way up: sorting clothes hangers and serving coffee, landing a job at Bloomingdale’s, securing an interview with Ralph Lauren, and finally moving to Paris to achieve her ultimate dream to live in the fashion capital of the world.

In many ways, I followed a similar path. I spent years hopping from job to job, never staying in one place longer than a year or so. Each move brought a better opportunity, a clearer step forward in my career as an administrator. However, something recently shifted. I listened to a podcast episode called Everyday Better hosted by Leah Smart. In that episode, Leah and her guests—her producer and another LinkedIn employee—discussed their experiences navigating work and life. What stood out most to me was the concept of being “still.”

Each woman came from a different generation—Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z—and was at a different stage in her career. Some were moving up; others were simply present where they were. To be “still,” they explained, meant to be fully rooted in the moment without constantly striving for more. It wasn’t framed as stagnation, but as contentment. That message resonated deeply with me. For the first time in my life, I realized I didn’t feel the need to chase the next title or the next job. I’m happy where I am. Sure, a raise would be nice—but I’ve reached a place where I feel genuinely satisfied, professionally and personally.

Stillness has also become a theme in my personal life. I’m married, without children—what some jokingly refer to as “DINKWAD”: dual income, no kids, with a dog. And I’m okay with that. I’m enjoying this phase of my life, and I don’t feel the need to constantly change it. From time to time, I crave small changes—like a move to a new place—but overall, I’ve embraced the beauty of the life I’ve created. I have the flexibility to take paid vacations and hop on a cruise if I feel like it. There’s no sense of lack or urgency. I truly can’t complain.

That said, I understand that for many people, the idea of being still may feel uncomfortable or even negative. Stillness can be misinterpreted as giving up or settling. But I believe the opposite is true. Choosing to be still does not mean you’ve stopped growing—it means you’ve reached a place of peace. It means you’ve weathered the storm, found solid ground, and are finally able to bask in the sunshine. I often think of my journey as moving through rain and chaos; each step forward eased the storm until I found myself standing in the sun, no longer wondering, “What’s next?”

There are moments when I still wonder what else could be out there, but realistically, I know I have built a beautiful life. After years of spinning in circles, I am finally standing still—and breathing into that stillness. As Morgan Freeman once said, “Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen—that stillness becomes a radiance.” That quote captures the heart of what I’ve come to understand. Stillness isn’t empty—it glows.

Of course, if your life feels unfulfilling or in need of change, you shouldn’t ignore that. Stillness comes after the effort, after the climb. Once you’ve reached the place you were striving for—whether it’s earning a degree, having a child, receiving a promotion, or landing your dream job—don’t forget to pause and fully exist in that moment. Let yourself enjoy the success you’ve worked so hard for.

It’s okay to just be. It’s okay to not chase. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is stand still—and let life unfold.