You look into the mirror for the umpteenth time this week, and who you see staring back at you doesn’t look like you. Maybe you’re overworked, stressed, irritated, depressed, lost, or insert any other adjective here.
You walk down the street to grab a coffee before work, feeling like everyone is staring at you awkwardly. “What’s wrong with me?” You think. “Is there something I’m doing wrong?” “Am I a bad parent to my child?” “Have I gained weight the last few months?”
Stop! These are all anxious thoughts causing you to think that there is something deeply flawed and needs fixing about yourself. Are you perfect? No. Am I perfect? No. Is anyone perfect? Nope. What in life is perfect? Not a single thing. But sometimes, we do the best that we can. And that’s OK.
You’re the best parent to that child that you can be, if you will give yourself credit for it. You’re crushing expectations at work, but only when you allow yourself to recognize it. You’re kind to that stranger on the street when you hold the door open and smile. Even if it seems awkward and forced in the moment.
Yes, you are a good friend. You are also a good husband, wife, brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, aunt; whatever it is that you are. You know how I know? Because you are uniquely you, the only one that exists in a world of over 7 billion. You may be the light at the end of the tunnel for someone very close within your life, and not even be aware of that.
Today, you’re reading this short article and if it’s uncomfortable, let it be. Allow yourself to feel in this moment. Tomorrow, get back to loving you, you owe it to yourself.
No Place Like Gone 