I Am Slowly Learning That I’m Doing Okay

I am slowly learning that anything worthwhile doing requires time and effort.

There is no such thing as overnight success. It may take up to years to see the results. It may be incredibly frustrating to put in my blood and sweat day in and out without any return. It may need me to sacrifice important things yet the outcome is not guaranteed.

And after awhile, it gets tiring to continue. I understand that my initial enthusiasm may fade as the daily grind test my patience to keep going. I accept that the road to realizing my dreams is an uphill one, one often fraught with disillusionment and hopelessness. I trust that I’m making small progress everyday even when I may not see it now and when admitting defeat seems to be an easier option.

But when that matters, I will grit my teeth and prod on believing that success is closer than I think. It may just be around the corner and I shouldn’t give up so easily. I will dry my tears and refrain from thinking I’m a failure and calling myself nasty names. I will be my own best friend and offer myself all the kindness in the world. I will take a time out and remember to breathe in deeply to recall all the wonders of being alive.

I will then remind myself of all the reasons why I started in the first place and the most important of them all is for myself.

I am slowly learning not to compare my beginning with someone else ending.

Often I find myself comparing with my peers. Some of them have accumulated massive success, are confident of the route they are taking, and hitting all the key milestones at their age. When I look at them, it’s hard not to see the many areas I’m trailing behind. It’s difficult to love my life when they seem to have it easier. It seems almost impossible not to be envious of their good fortune and being affected by my glaring weaknesses.

But I will remind myself that there is no such thing as a perfect life. What I see in reality is often not be the truth. I must remember that everyone is fighting his or her own battles and no one truly has it easy. I will remind myself that everyone has a different version of success. I will rejoice their victories like they are mine by telling myself that if they can do it, so can me.

I am slowly learning to be patient and have faith that everything will fall into place.

My 20s are meant to be lost, hustling hard, and finding myself. I may not be where I want right now but I believe that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m working my hardest to attain my dreams and so that I won’t look back in regret. I’m in the midst of building something permanent and I’m proud of myself for what I have accomplished so far.

I know that this journey is a fulfilling one and ultimately, I’m doing okay.