Chapter 1: A New Perspective on Life

It all began with a frustrating inconvenience; the malfunctioning elevator in my building has been out of order for almost two weeks, and it has significantly altered my daily routine.

Each day, I find myself climbing the five flights of stairs, often weighed down by a 15-pound backpack. This physical exertion not only raises my heart rate but also revitalizes my enthusiasm for life. Whether this transformation is purely due to my stair-climbing routine or not, I can confidently say that living without the elevator has brought about noticeable changes. Here are some of the shifts I've experienced.

Section 1.1: A Career Shift

On the very day the elevator ceased functioning, I was informed that my teaching contract would not be renewed for the upcoming academic year. While describing this event as "getting fired" might be a bit exaggerated, it marked my first encounter with job instability as an adult post-college.

If you've read about my relief at this unexpected turn, you already know that I'm excited to explore new opportunities. I feel liberated from the constraints of a school that lacks a music room, and I can explain to future employers that my position was reduced from full-time, which justifies my decision to seek other roles. I eagerly anticipate the next step in my career, which includes finding a classroom and relocating from the city.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Refreshing Change in Routine

Chapter 2: A Journey of Self-Discovery

I’ve also found myself choosing the stairs more frequently. Initially, climbing those five flights left me breathless, but after a few days, it became manageable. I began to see the staircase as an opportunity for exercise, reminiscent of my college days when I lived on the eighth floor and opted for the stairs even when the elevator was functioning.

Five flights should not leave me gasping for air, indicating that I need to either hit the gym more regularly or keep embracing the stairs. Moving forward, I plan to continue using the stairs even when the elevator is operational.

In the video titled "I tried getting 15,000 steps a day for a month, here's what happened...", the creator shares their transformative journey with increased physical activity, resonating with my own experiences.

I've also started writing for Medium. My creativity is flowing, and I hope this writing inspiration lasts. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and in the past two weeks, I have produced more content for myself than ever before. My writing goals now seem achievable, and I'm excited about the possibilities ahead.

Is it the rush of endorphins from climbing stairs that has ignited this spark, or have I simply realized I want to pursue my ambitions independently? Regardless, I am aware that only one of these changes can be directly attributed to my stair-climbing habit. However, I prefer to view the elevator breakdown as a signal that my current situation wasn't serving me well, and the positive changes I seek will come with effort.

In the second video, "I Tried Getting 20,000 Steps a Day for a Month, Here's What Happened," viewers witness another inspiring journey toward fitness and self-improvement, paralleling my own story.

The broken elevator has opened doors to new opportunities and is guiding me into the next chapter of my life, and I'm grateful for this unexpected turn of events. Thank you for taking the time to read my experiences! If you found value in this, please consider following for more insights.