You feel different every day of your life. You just have to

In the vast journey of life, there is an irrefutable truth that each day brings a new feeling, a shift in the currents of our emotions, thoughts, and desires. As Jerry Cantrell wisely observes, “You feel different every day of your life. You just have to create your own space to survive, personally and professionally.” These words are not merely a reflection of the human condition; they are a call to action, a declaration that in the ever-changing tides of life, the greatest power lies in our ability to carve out a space of our own—a space that allows us to survive, to thrive, and to flourish amidst the storms of uncertainty.

The ancients understood the power of creating space. Take, for example, the legendary philosophers of ancient Greece. Socrates, who wandered the streets of Athens, was often caught in a whirlwind of ideas and debate. Yet, despite the clamor of the world around him, he carved out a space for introspection and dialogue—a space where he could reflect, question, and truly know himself. It was in that space of solitude and reflection that he found his strength, the foundation from which his wisdom grew. Similarly, in our own lives, we are constantly confronted with forces that pull us in every direction. To survive these demands, we must create a sanctuary, a place where we can reconnect with our deepest truths and find the clarity we need to move forward.

In the modern world, this truth is even more pressing. We live in a time when the demands of society and the constant barrage of technology often leave us feeling scattered, unsure, and fragmented. The pace of life seems unrelenting, and in this rush, we can easily lose our sense of self. Yet, it is in these moments of overwhelming noise that the wisdom of Cantrell’s words becomes most apparent. To survive, we must create our own space—space to breathe, space to think, and space to grow. Whether that space is physical, emotional, or mental, it is the foundation upon which we build our resilience and our success.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, that towering figure of the Renaissance. Though he was a man of great fame, his genius did not come from simply following the currents of society. No, da Vinci sought out solitude to cultivate his ideas, to create in his own space. His notebooks, filled with sketches and ideas, were his refuge from the outside world, a place where his mind could run free without the constraints of others’ expectations. It was in these quiet moments, in his own space, that he could envision inventions and works of art that would change the world forever. His success came not from external forces, but from his ability to carve out the room to create and innovate on his own terms.

Likewise, in our own lives, there are moments of turmoil when the world feels as if it is spinning too fast, when the expectations of others seem too great to bear. But it is precisely in these moments that we must remember the lesson of creating our own space—a sanctuary from the chaos, where we can align our thoughts and regain our focus. This space may be found in silence, in nature, in the pursuit of a passion, or in the quiet strength of our inner selves. It is not the space that others give us, but the space we create through our own determination and will.

The importance of space cannot be overstated. Without it, we risk becoming mere reactors to the world around us, swept away by forces beyond our control. When we create our own space, however, we reclaim our agency. We step out of the whirlwind of external pressures and find a place where we can center ourselves, where we can decide our own path. Professionally, this space allows us to make decisions with clarity, free from the influence of others’ expectations. Personally, it gives us the room to grow into the people we were meant to become, without the constant interference of external voices.

Thus, let this be the lesson for us all: amidst the shifting tides of life, we must not wait for space to be given to us. We must create it. Like the great philosophers and visionaries of the past, we must carve out moments of peace and reflection in our own lives. Whether in our careers or in our personal pursuits, we must build a space where we can thrive—a space that is not defined by others, but by our own desires, needs, and aspirations. And in doing so, we will find the strength to not only survive but to flourish, day after day.