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I’ve heard it time and time again. My parents telling me about a relative landing a top job at IBM. My friends narrating the tale of how a smart, funny and kind 22 year old successfully got in to Harvard. The internet parading anyone who had the resources to buy a Rolls Royce, whether by hook or crook.
Does anyone else feel like they’ve done nothing with their lives so far? I mean, I consider my biggest accomplishment to be winning a hot wings challenge. Compared to that award winning cancer researcher, I’m definitely not at par. At least, I’ve been made to feel so.
Some of us may go through our entire lives without a big breakthrough. Some of us may die heartbroken, broke, cold and lonely. Does that mean we failed? Does that automatically render the quality of our lives to a waste? No it doesn’t. We are not all born equal. We are not always given the same opportunities. And yes, there are those who strive hard to make their lives better, and to even better the lives of others. But that is an indication of their success, not my failure. I believe we can all live a satisfied, contended and happy life within our own small circles. To me, happiness is that big slice of cake while fame and fortune represent those little crumbs alongside.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not even remotely bitter about anyone who’s better off than me. But I refuse to consider myself their inferior. I have potential, as does anyone else out there. If I work hard enough, I am sure my breakthrough will arrive. For now, I will consider my successes to be bringing the little joys to life, both mine and others. That smile I bring to the watchman’s face will forever be as treasured as when I get that first major promotion.
So in conclusion, no, I am not falling behind. Neither are you. We are all little cogs that make this huge engine of a world turn. All of us matter. And believe me, our time will come.
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