In this day and age, we have so many outside pressures telling us who to be and when to be it. We are constantly bombarded with outside information about what other people our age are doing. And with that information comes comparison.
Is there something wrong with me if I’m not doing those same things?
If I take one big step in my life, does that mean that my next moves are already mapped out for me?
If I decide to change courses, does that mean I’m a failure or that I’m behind?
The answer is no.
Because the beauty of life is that it is up to us how to live it.
No, you’re not a failure if you haven’t finished school yet.
No, you’re not behind if you’re not married or having kids yet.
And, no you’re not doing it wrong if you are.
Too often, we think that we are supposed to be doing what other people our age are doing. But, that’s just not true. We are all unique in how the pieces of our life fall together, and it shows us the beginning of our path. And, no path is better than the other, just different.
So, if all of your friends are getting married and having kids but the thought of it terrifies you, that’s okay. If you and your significant other are planning on trying for your second child while your other friends are planning their outfits for the club, that’s okay. If you’re desperately looking for your next step while it appears that everyone else has it all figured out, that’s normal too. Because there is no manual for life and no one actually has it all figured out.
So, never feel pressured to make a decision for your life because you feel other people expect it from you.
Never feel like you’re a failure if you’re not reaching those big milestones just yet.
Just keep trying to be the best you can. Make the decisions that get you closer to YOUR goals, whatever they may be.
Acknowledge and appreciate where other people’s lives are taking them without feeling the need to keep score.
Because chances are, we all feel a little jealous of each other. We all want, to some degree, what we see other people experiencing.
If you aren’t happy with parts of your story, I hope you change it because YOU want to, not because someone else made you feel pressured to.
If you feel behind or ahead, I hope you are comforted by the fact that there is no right speed. There is only living.
So, live the life that you imagine. Do things when you’re ready. And, if you’re anxiously awaiting your chance to reach big milestones, have faith that you’ll get there, and it’ll be exactly when you’re supposed to.
The most important thing to remember is that your life is your own crazy and beautiful story.
And no one wants to read the same story over and over, so don’t be embarrassed by how yours plays out. The pace of it may frustrate you sometimes, but it’s still your little tale to tell.
And there is no one better equipped to dictate the decisions for your story than you are.
