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Final Fantasy XIV has often been referred to by many as the "One Piece of videogames" due to being critically acclaimed in its writing but also one of the longest single game campaigns there is, with estimates at around a minimum of 300-500 hours to "catch up". For many years, I always wanted to experience it, but I felt overwhelmed about committing and rarely got past the first few hours. Which feels ironic given how many times I've reread One Piece, but I can't deny that if I tried to read the series for the first time today I'd probably struggle catching up (also why I've always postponed series like Naruto, for example). With FFXIV, especially early on, the game can be very slow, tedious, or even boring, which turned me away from ever trying to commit. In recent years, I've been contemplating more the art of learning to be bored. That even if something isn't as captivating and stimulating, to take the time to find enjoyment even in the slower and more boring things. After putting it off for so long, I've tried taking this approach to FFXIV and I suddenly found myself finally able to commit and enjoy it. Even if the early hours are still boring, there's something relaxing about just letting myself be bored, and enjoying more the journey than the destination. There is no such thing as "wasted time" as long as you're enjoying life. With that simple change in mindset, with a bit of time, I'm now over 100 hours deep and into Heavensward, having completed the first of 6 expansions. The slow burn worldbuilding, the long-term character development, and the way you slowly get to find out more about this world reminds me so much of what makes One Piece such an enjoyable journey! Seeing that kind of Oda storytelling applied to a long-scale videogame is incredible, and not surprising knowing the director is a massive One Piece fan. I've been really enjoying the experience and I hope to keep learning how to enjoying the more boring parts of life little by little as I keep growing up!