Prathima's Miles & Milestones

No matter what you do, some people will applaud you, some will criticize, and most won’t care. With time, you care less and less about what others think and do what’s best for yourself. Because, ultimately, it’s your life that you’re living. We recover from disappointments and carry on because our needs and wants change. Like a river, we find a way around obstacles. As we go through different stages of life, our priorities shift. Being in a toxic relationship or maintaining ties simply out of obligation wears you down and incites negative emotions. Eventually, you only keep in touch with those who matter the most and uplift you. As you get older, you gain more experiences. Then, you look back at others’ situations and realize that there was a reason behind their actions. You become less judgmental with time.

You feel like you’re falling behind in life. You wonder what seems to pull everyone forward while you stay stagnant — drive, charisma, courage? But when you worry that you’re failing and underestimating your worth and potential at every turn, your mind is deceiving you. It’s convinced you that nothing you could possibly do matters anymore, that you will never deserve hope, love, and happiness.

If you’re doing something because you’re imagining what people will think when they see you doing it, you’re not doing it for the right reason. It’s the things you do even though you might get made fun of by those you fear seeing you do it, that define your true passions. Pursue the things that scare you even though you might embarrass yourself. The embarrassment isn’t real. The people that you feel “embarrassed” by are scared too. I was and sometimes am one of them. The hesitancy to pursue these things are what you’ll regret. Do what makes you happy. I’ll try and do the same.

But the truth is, you are enough.

You are enough to love. One day, someone will admire every inch of you, every quality you wish you could hide. They’ll adore the way you hide behind your hair when you’re feeling vulnerable, the way your cheery laugh echoes across the room, and the way you sprawl across the bed. They’ll kiss your scars, hug you through illness, and love you through struggle. They will see you as the most lovable, deserving person on Earth, the only one worthy of their affection.

I’d rather be a failure at something I love than be successful at something I hate. Deep down you know exactly what you’re capable of. There are even moments where you get a glimpse of all the potential you have. You can get there. You just have to be willing to sacrifice the habits, things, and situations that are standing in the way of your success. When you are drained and tired, you must honor yourself and go rest and recharge. You may want to fight and keep going, however, there is honor in folding and regathering strength. Don’t force yourself to suffer in the name of people pleasing. Honor your energy. Recharge!

You are enough to achieve. One day, you will fulfill every dream you’ve believed is far too unreachable. You’ll earn that advanced degree, climb the corporate ladder, and become the most successful version of yourself. You’ll settle into a white picket fence life, surrounded by a loving family of children and dogs. You’ll touch others’ lives, inspiring them with your story, encouraging them to keep pushing through life’s toughest moments.

You are enough to live. One day, you will fully celebrate your place in this world. You’ll give thanks for the way your headaches after you cry, and praise the way you feel after a sleepless night, simply because you are alive. You’ll savor the joy of rainy days, freshly-picked flowers, and home-cooked meals, fully understanding that you are worthy of experiencing life’s pleasures. You’ll find the courage to persist through your darkest days, remembering that you are brave enough to handle anything life throws your way.

You feel left behind, inadequate, and unworthy, but it’s time to recognize the most valuable truth you’ll ever know: you may think that you will never meet your expectations. You may believe that you are undeserving. But despite your doubts, you are enough, right here, right now.