Having diligently fulfilled societal roles and relentlessly pursued progress, I eventually realized that I had lost my 'true self' amidst the overwhelming wave of burnout. When the familiar cityscape no longer excited me and the joy of achievement had faded, I set foot in the unfamiliar city of Dubai, seeking answers solely for myself.
This book is more than just a 'travelogue'; it is a candid record of a journey for everyone who has lost their own pace. Inside a cramped airplane without individual monitors, watching an animated movie on the overhead screen, I was exposed to visual information completely detached from my usual preferences. This experience made me reflect on my habitual self, who had always consumed only what was predictable within my tailored algorithms.
In the ordinary moments of getting lost, searching for the entrance to the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, I confront the existence of 'me.' The physical pain and loneliness of eating alone, experienced as a self-proclaimed 'budget pedestrian traveler,' along with the spectacle of stars discovered under the desert sunset, help me rediscover my forgotten 'own rhythm.'
"My Own Rhythm, My Own Pause: A Solo Journey Essay in Dubai" vividly illustrates how, amidst the hot and cold realities hidden beneath the glamorous city of Dubai, one can reflect on oneself and discover inner strength and resilience. Through unpredictable difficulties, I finally realize that it's okay to get lost on life's path, and it's okay not to be perfect. This book will offer deep empathy and courage to all those struggling, telling them, "It's okay to walk at your own pace." Now is the time to embark on a journey to find the 'true you' that has been dormant within.
