It seems that being bombarded with the lives of others is an unavoidable aspect of life. While the extent to which we let other’s actions affect us varies, we can all agree that at some point or another we became preoccupied with what someone else was doing and lost sight of ourselves.
It is inevitable to compare ourselves to others. To nitpick the details of their lives versus ours, their positive qualities against our negative ones, their appearance, the way they conduct themselves. It is easy to regard what everyone around you is doing and feel a subsequent compulsion to doubt yourself. Am I doing this right? Am I living life the right way? Why is their life like that and mine is like this? Should I be doing what they’re doing?
You lose sight of the life in front of you and disregard your sense of self while in pursuit of something that you think will bring you happiness. Whatever it is, maybe you pursue it because it is socially acceptable - the allure of the “norm.” You follow the crowd, do what everyone else is doing, you’ll be fine right? Blend right in. Maybe you pursue it because it’s comfortable - the allure of safety and familiarity. You won’t be forced step out of your comfort zone and the space for uncertainty is limited. Maybe you pursue it because it won’t demand too much effort or force you to face the possibility of failure and disappointment - the allure of mediocrity.
Whatever it is, you chase it because you think it’s what you want. It’s what you’ve been told to want by friends and family, taught to want by society and the media - but at some point you have to return to yourself. You have to come to a point where you are done conducting your life under the influence of others and are finally ready to regain that sense of self that you lost.
It’s imperative to remember that you have this beautiful, wonderful, limitless life in front of you. You have the unmitigated power to make your own choices, to respond to who and what is around you, to make things happen for yourself.
Be grateful for what you have and regard it with a newfound appreciation, not condemnation. Rid yourself of the habit of feeling dissatisfied with things because you know someone who seemingly has it so much better.
Fight against the odds that you feel are stacked against you. Actively work towards overcoming the adversities that you feel control you. Defy the limitations that are the result your own self-making. Create goals for yourself and conjure dreams that terrify you because of the degree of their greatness.
Become more and more conscious of the actions you take and take steps that will guide you towards living a life that would make you, and only you, proud.
