The culture of bigger, better, faster, stronger is often overwhelming. It feels all consuming.
I forget I know myself. I forget very easily.
One suggestion from someone of how I could raise the bar or elevate an aspect of my life makes me disregard what I have done already.
Existing feels like it’s not enough. Being feels pointless. Simplicity feels weak, as though I’m not living enough.
And so, I strive to do more and perhaps by doing more I will be more. Then my existence might count for something to someone.
“Get your master’s degree” I’ve often thought.
Then someone would suggest grad school and I’d feel like the thought could no longer just be a thought.
I spent six months after I graduated from college degrading myself and bashing my degree. “You didn’t earn it” said my inner critic, “you’re not good enough to have a college degree. You didn’t do enough”.
For six months I did battle with myself. Then one day, I realized that I did the same thing when I graduated high school. I felt I wasn’t good enough, and I didn’t do enough to have graduated.
There I was with a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree. Some might say I am well educated. Some might not have made it through high school. Some might not have been able to go to college. I am lucky and privileged.
When I put aside my self-criticism and when I quiet the noise of others’ opinions, I can see that I worked hard in those moments. As a student I did what I could each moment to pass my classes. Passing each class each year moved me to the next grade level. That was not for nothing. It was not magic. Nor was it a fluke.
So, what if you take what you’ve done already as a sign that you are already credible, valuable, worthy?
Can you step into your next chapter knowing a simple life is exquisite? Can you let yourself be? Just be.
Advance into each moment knowing that being you is the point, a simple life is not without vibrancy, depth or meaning, and your existence is more than enough. Let that be enough.