✍︎ Czarhytha Ais Omaguing
“Once, I saw a bee drown in honey, and I understood.”
These words were written by Nikos Kazantzakis, the renowned Greek novelist, philosopher, and poet who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature nine times. Best known for weaving profound philosophical questions into his works, Kazantzakis often explored the tensions between desire, purpose, freedom, and the human condition. His writings invite readers to confront life’s contradictions rather than escape them—and perhaps no quote captures that idea more simply, yet more powerfully, than this one.
Like Kazantzakis, we all have our own honey.
Our honey is our passion, our dreams, our ambitions, the things our hearts long for, and the desires that keep us moving forward. It gives life sweetness and purpose. Yet sweetness, when left without limits, can become poison. Pleasure without boundaries can slowly suffocate us. The very things that once inspired us can consume us until they become cages instead of aspirations.
Sometimes, we chase our dreams so relentlessly that we forget to ask ourselves why we wanted them in the first place. We become trapped by our own expectations, torn between pressing on and letting go. What once felt like a dream can eventually leave us asking, “Is that it? What now?”
This does not mean we should stop dreaming. On the contrary, dreams give direction to our lives. But genuine fulfillment comes not from endless pursuit; it comes from awareness, balance, and moderation. We must learn to set boundaries and not allow our emotions or ambitions to take complete control. Self-awareness and self-discipline are what keep us from drowning in our own honey.
Love your honey—your passions, your dreams, your purpose, or even someone dear to you. Savor its sweetness. Let it become part of your everyday life, something that motivates and nourishes you. But never let it consume your identity or your peace.
If you ever find yourself in the position of that bee, surrounded by the sweetness you’ve always desired, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
“Are you truly happy while pursuing it, or is the honey slowly causing you to drown?”
