“Don’t discredit yourself. Everyone’s journey is different. Some are short, some long; some are easy, some hard—but they all have a purpose.”
The world can be cruel, amplified by the luxury of technology. From the privacy of their homes or behind the screen of their smartphones, people can scrutinize your life without ever knowing you. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced this firsthand, but my harshest critic has always been myself.
Growing up wasn’t easy for me. I lived in poverty, and my mother relied on welfare. She received a check twice a month—on the 1st and the 15th—and we frequently visited food pantries to stock up on essentials. I still remember the “good cheese” in a cardboard box with wax wrapping. It made the best-grilled cheese sandwiches! Our household, just my mother and me, also relied on food stamps back when they came in booklet form. As a child, I was proud to use them at the store to buy snacks, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my reality differed from others.
At night, I would often ask God why my life was the way it was. Why didn’t I grow up in a two-parent, middle- or upper-class household where I didn’t have to wear hand-me-down shoes? Back then, I didn’t understand, but as I grew older, the answers began to reveal themselves.
Life often leaves us questioning the journey we’ve been given from birth. It’s a journey uniquely designed to inspire and motivate someone else. Each of us has our own goals, dreams, and aspirations. Maybe you’ve said, “By the time I’m 25, I’ll have accomplished this,” or, “After I get my degree, I’ll land this job and earn this amount.” But what happens when those plans don’t materialize on your timeline? Do you feel like a failure or as if you’ve neglected your purpose?
I’ll admit, sometimes it feels that way. But it doesn’t mean it’s true. What often fails is our plan—the life we think we should have—when it doesn’t align with the divine plan connected to our destiny.
“Don’t discredit yourself. Everyone’s journey is different. Some are short, some long; some are easy, some hard—but they all have a purpose.”
As humans, we naturally compare our lives to others. I have done it and seen my peers do it too. It’s rarely malicious; it stems from a desire to grow and be better. But we must recognize that what others achieve may not align with our destiny.
Each of us is on a unique path, and our journeys will look different. If we embrace our authenticity and stay true to ourselves, we won’t feel the need to measure up to someone else. By being the best version of ourselves, we eliminate the competition. The sky is the limit, and your destiny will unfold as it’s meant to. True success is achieved by following the path you were given—your unique path for life.
So, give yourself credit. You are good enough. Trust your journey, embrace your purpose, and keep moving forward.