Today, in the spirit of #mentalhealthawarenessweek 🧠, let’s explore a different kind of Chinese pill — one that speaks to the hearts of freelancers and translators, navigating the intricate maze of their careers.

Just yesterday, while scrolling through LinkedIn, I stumbled upon a post by Sebastián Cortés Sepúlveda. His insights on overcoming anxiety as a translator felt like a reassuring embrace, making me realize I’m not alone in this journey.

As a budding translator, the early stages of my career often lead me down the rabbit hole of overthinking. Questions flood my mind:

💭 How do I secure a steady stream of clients? And once found, can I truly meet their expectations?

💭 How many CVs must I dispatch before sealing the deal with a translation agency? And after signing, what awaits me in terms of workload?

💭 Can I really become a full-time translator?

💭 …

After all, I’m a Sagittarius — I crave everything at once. So, here’s a Chinese idiom that can be helpful:

冰冻三尺，非一日之寒 (bīng dòng sān chǐ, fēi yī rì zhī hán)

“Three feet of ice does not form in a single day.”

We don’t have to succumb to disappointment when progress seems elusive. Growth and progress take time, and patience is our steadfast companion on this journey.

Now, what can we do today to enhance our well-being?

🔸 Set firm boundaries between work and life

🔸 Network

🔸 Study

🔸 Remind ourselves that every effort we invest is worthwhile.

How about you? What rituals or practices do you embrace to nurture a balanced mental state as a freelancer? Share your wisdom in the comments below! 💭