[Haruchunja] Daily Admiration Power <2>

Editor's NoteThe author says that 'Gamtanryeok' (the ability to be amazed) is an essential skill, especially nowadays when people are engrossed in tearing each other down. Having the power to be moved by small things and to discover something special even in an ordinary day allows one to receive unique inspiration and take control of life. This book is packed with essential everyday skills that anyone who wants to work authentically and live joyfully must cultivate, including not only Gamtanryeok but also 'Socharyeok' (the ability to express anything in one's own style), 'Gyunhyeongryeok' (the ability to choose and focus on important moments in life), and 'Sudaryeok' (the ability to enhance the value of human relationships through conversation). The text contains 982 characters.

Just as I wanted to improve my physical strength to become healthier, I always have the desire to build the basic stamina of life to strengthen my daily routine. It feels overwhelming to figure out where and how to start, but a hint I got from exercising is that life can be broken down into small units, and I can start small from there. Even if it’s not a big change, wouldn’t it be enough to gradually build very small muscles that I can develop? With this thought, I wanted to break down the big goal of 'living well' into smaller parts. What does 'living well' look like to me? What do I want to do better? And what strengths do I need to cultivate for that?

The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, 'Gyunhyeongryeok' (balance). I want to cultivate a rich life by balancing what I have to do and what I want to do, but in reality, I often get blinded by greed, accepting this and that because they seem fun, only to end up not doing anything properly or getting exhausted. So these days, I’m trying to get used to saying no. In the past, everything felt like an opportunity cost, so I felt sorry and reluctant to refuse anything, but I realized it’s better to focus more on what I really want to do well and consider important. I am slowly building life balance by learning to cherish what I hold in my hands first and practicing the repeated exercise of saying no.

The second is 'Sudaryeok' (the power of conversation). You might wonder if chatting can really be a strength, but I truly believe it is. Especially for me, who starts from small ideas and creates something visible and tangible, chatting is both a source of inspiration and a way of working. I consider my lack of curiosity about people a constant complex as a planner, but still, whenever I have a chance, I deliberately add a word or ask a question to friends or colleagues. When talking in a flexible and soft atmosphere, I can always encounter various ideas beyond my own. To break out of my shell, the power to chat is definitely necessary.

－Kim Gyurim, Everyday Gamtanryeok, Whale Book, 16,800 KRW