I came across this new word few days ago which caught my attention. I did my reading on this newfound concept to understand its origin and the meaning. Turns out it was first coined by an Australian fashion designer named Sienna Ludbey. The idea of SGA (Snail girl era) is to slow down slogging from work, slow down the rat race, basically slow down on anything related to corporate hard work. To make it simpler it’s the opposite of girl boss.
I liked the sound of it. This is exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I have been in the rat race for 10 years which ultimately took me nowhere. The more I won the race, the more the race progressed and there seemed no stopping to it. I believed this is the way of life since everyone did it, I assumed it’s fair if I did too. But who is clapping for me each time I won? No one. This is sad. Despite of the hail or storm I ran the race thinking it’s the right thing to do. Hamster on a wheel or a horse and a carrot stick is the right example to describe the life I lived.
I recently quit my job not knowing what’s next. I wasn’t inspired by SGA to quit because my quitting happened before I even knew what SGA is. Ironically, before SGA could make its announcement on the internet, I began to embrace slow living. This helped me in many ways by especially calming down my nervous system, identifying my stressors, exercising, eating healthy, breathing in breathing out, learning new things, getting to know myself even better. I began to analyze and reassess people, things I once thought were important. I used my break well enough to realize I need to remove certain people from my life whom I thought meant well while infact they did not.
You see, during my decade of working it never once occurred I must know who my “friends” are. I had more than 200 contacts in my phone, about 700 friends in my Facebook and I followed 400+ people on IG. These huge numbers I followed were just colleagues and ex colleagues from work and acquaintances who simply followed me, and I followed back with no actual conversations since years. It seemed pointless having them around with no actual benefit. I took charge in clearing out many people. I did not feel guilty, nor did I waste time thinking how they would feel if they got to know I removed them from my list. Truth is, they will never know. This digital decluttering is much needed for me to finally breathe. Now I am surrounded with meaningful like-minded people who mean well. This is one such activity I did while I embraced my SGA.
SGA is not a bad idea after all. It is essential and much needed to sit with our selves. I neglected self-care during my busy years which I now am able to focus upon. I began reading and I am compelling to finish a book by the end of 2023. I need to get back to writing which was and is my passion but neglected due to my 9–5. Life is actually good when we slow down.
“Pause and reflect”
I am using my time well on my personal reflections. This time is very crucial for me to pause, reflect in order to move forward. For instance, I am an online shopper, not an impulsive one but a mindful shopper. I clearly know the difference between my needs and wants. If I must buy something I see, I ask myself if I really need it or want it. Is it worth the money I spend or can I survive without it. This analysis taught me to refrain from unnecessary expenditure. Another practice I began is to listen to my senses. If I happen to meet someone or I am invited somewhere, if I feel the vibe is off, I listen to it and never make my appearance again. If it’s between fight or flight, I choose flight. It’s the safest and wise choice for me.
What got me to this decision?
During my working years I remember feeling disconnected with myself. I felt I am living someone else’s life and not mine. I did things for the people and not for me. Horrifically, I became people pleaser. But you see, my job demanded me to be people person which I personally did not like. In my expressive opinion hearing words like people person literally translates to “people pleaser”. It’s the corporate way of telling to be a bootlicker. Now don’t get me wrong on this interpretation with your pitchforks for we all have our frustrations to let it out based on our individual experiences!
I had to put on a fake personality like I cared what people wanted while each passing moment I cursed everyone under my breath. I simply did not belong here. I found my corporate life overwhelming and exhausting. There were days I cried in the office washroom and there were nights I cried my eyes out to sleep. This I realized is my body’s way of saying to slow down to take a break. At first, I neglected signs knowingly well there’s nothing much I can do. I thought grinding the mill will heal in due time, but it only got worse.
I remember being wanting to climb up the corporate ladder taking up leadership responsibilities. This was before I knew the repercussions. At the time I liked being girl boss, but since the recent days I strongly felt it has run its course. I remember the days taking my office work home which to no avail stole my personal time. Not wanting to continue this further I decided to step down. In other words, I took a pause, reflected on what I was doing and wondered how any of this is useful in the long run. Of course, “we must work for survival but also understand we must and should take a step back when needed!”
Taking a step back from girl boss to snail girl era may not be for everyone. Understand that I am neither encouraging nor motivating you readers to choose your pick. I am only expressing how the life we once perceived to be effective will eventually lose its effectiveness. All that glitters is not gold. People around the globe are slowly realizing which lifestyle works best for them. Very few work on their desired passion projects while the rest stick to rat race. Either way, whatever works best — to each unto their own.
I will advise one important aspect — it’s not just enough to take a break: it’s essential. Embrace the power of pause! Take time to rejuvenate, re-educate and rediscover your passion.
