Trapped in Routines

Life is valuable for all of us. Yet most of the time, without even realizing it, we find ourselves caught in a cycle. From home to work, from work back home, then dinner, shower, sleep… and the next day, the same again. This routine slowly imprisons us in a vicious circle without us noticing.

My own life cycle works in much the same way. I leave home in the morning and take the bus, spending about an hour and a half on the road before arriving at the office. At 9 a.m., work begins, and until 6 p.m., I sit in front of the computer writing code. After work, I head back home again; once I arrive, I eat, take a shower, and then return to the computer—this time to focus on my personal projects. By 11 p.m., I go to sleep, only to start the same cycle all over again the next day.

Small Steps to Break the Cycle
 

After a while, I realized I was stuck in this loop. But I also discovered that even small changes can be enough to break free. I decided to make use of my commuting time. During the 3–4 hours I spend on the bus or tram each day, I read books. This way, I manage to read nearly 50 pages a day.

Books have become more than just a way to pass the time—they nourish my mind and broaden my perspective. They expand my vocabulary, open my horizons, and unlock doors to new worlds.

Against the Madness of Consumption
 

In recent weeks, I’ve noticed something else: most people on public transport are glued to their phones. Out of ten people, seven are staring at screens, one is asleep, another gazes blankly out the window, and only one is reading a book. In those moments, I see more clearly how deeply society has fallen into the trap of consumerism.

The time wasted on screens is, in fact, one of the most valuable opportunities we could use to improve ourselves. This awareness reminds me to guide my own life more consciously.

Conclusion: The Meaning of Life

Life is not just about repeating the same routines. What gives it meaning are the small choices we make. Reading books, learning new skills, gaining fresh perspectives—all of these are steps we can take to break the cycle and make life more valuable.

Let’s not forget: life is a gift, but it’s up to us to make it truly meaningful.