It's hard to see a situation for what it is and not label it as something more. We love to see patterns, fall into the same routines, stereotype a situation, follow the clichés, and compare ourselves to others.
We say things like, "Well, if they're still together even after he cheated on her, maybe I should stay with my boyfriend who cheated on me." Or even, "He took a year off college and loved it, maybe I should too."
What you hear from others' situations does not mean you are living yours out wrong. Just because something is the way it is for someone else, doesn't mean it has to be that way for you.
Just because...
Just because he doesn't call you, it doesn't mean you're not beautiful, talented, loving and lovable.
Just because you didn't get the job, it doesn't mean you're not in every way career-worthy and set for greatness.
Just because you didn't see yourself here, it doesn't mean you're not on the path you need to be on.
Just because you want to change where you are, it doesn't mean you're quitting or that you are failing.
Just because something feels difficult, it doesn't mean you can't handle it. You will.
Just because you don't understand it now, it doesn't mean one day you won't look back and appreciate the lessons you learned from this experience.
Just because you have to move on, it doesn't mean that you can't remember and appreciate what you have for what it is. Memories can last a lifetime if you let them.
Just because you don't know what you're doing now, it doesn't mean you'll be lost forever. You have to let yourself take the time to find the right path.
Just because you aren't meeting their expectations, it doesn't mean you aren't meeting your own. Dance the beat of your own drum and you'll never be off-beat.
Just because you feel like falling apart, it doesn't mean that you're not okay. You have a heart, and that gives you the capacity to feel. So feel!
So take heart in the fact that you're meant to live your own situations out for the way they are, not for what you heard them to be.
This world has a lot of things going on inside it and that can be scary — terrifying. But you have the tools and weapons to get you through it called your soul, heart, and mind. Just because something isn't going your way doesn't mean you're not succeeding. You are living life, every step of the way.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Be proud, always.