There’s no such thing. It’s simple. It’s the truth.
You’re living your own life, no one else’s. This idea of ‘being behind in life’ casts a shadow and leaves you feeling hopeless. There is simply no such thing. You feel that way because you’re comparing your life to other people’s, measuring success by comparison. There is no way to fall behind when there is no race, when we all have different paths, different journeys, and different experiences. My mother always says- ‘look at your hand, are you fingers all the same? Do they all look the same? They’re all different and each has it’s own role, each is just as important as the other.’ Just like our fingers, we’re all different. When I remember this, I find it futile to compare myself to others.
Where you are in life today, right now and in this moment is where you’re supposed to be.
Is it where you wish to be? Maybe not. But, are you prepared to be at the place you desire to be? You must understand this- things will fall into place when they are meant to. Things align when they’re supposed to. Nothing and I mean nothing that is meant for you will EVER pass you. If it’s meant for you, it will be yours. Trust in that and believe it. Believe that when the time is right, it will come. Cast intention into the daily decisions you make so that you can achieve your desires- whatever that may be.
Maybe it’s a relationship or a job? Perhaps all your friends are graduating, getting married, travelling the world and you feel lost, you feel behind. The lives of others should not be your concern. Do not fixate on what other people have. Do not envy others or wish for their lives- there is often a difference between perception and reality.
Instead, wish them well. Wish for joy, happiness, and success (whatever that may look like) for those in your life.
There is only one you. And you have one life. Even if your life mirrored those you adore, it’s possible you wouldn’t feel the happiness one would expect. There is no standard measure of success. One’s success may be living in a luxurious home and driving the most expensive cars but mine.. mine is feeling the earth between my toes, it’s laughing with the people I love, it’s seeing beauty in me and around me always, it’s travelling the world, it’s helping others. To you, success may be different. It wears different faces.
Sit with yourself, learn, and understand what you want. You may find it’s very different to others. Surround yourself with people who are kind to you, people who support you and people who love you. Consume media that makes you laugh until your stomach aches, and you find it difficult to breathe. Learn to love yourself and fall in love with the here and now. Indulge in life’s simplest offerings- the warmth of the sun on your face, a warm cup of coffee, the peace of a star lit sky, the kindness of a stranger, the chimes of laughter.
Understand that there is no scarcity in life, only abundance. You want love? Give more love. You want more joy? Bring joy to others. You want more success? Celebrate the success of others.
There is so much to be grateful for. That’s not to say life is perfect and without challenges. It may be easier to dwell in misery but I assure you, when you really look at it…life, with all its complexity is truly beautiful.
Affirmation: I can never be behind in my own life. I trust that everything that is meant for me will always be mine.