At a time when 15-year-olds are millionaires and exaggerated beauty standards turn unfit into an object of mockery. All this makes me believe that many have at least once asked themselves: “Who am I? What have I achieved in my life?” So here are three handy ideas for reflection to nourish your spirit.
- “Find a job you like, and you won’t have to work a day in your life”. So, what does this have to do with the Confucius quote? Finding oneself is fundamental. Very few young people consider its importance as this may seem a corny and old-fashioned phrase. Though our time is called the era of “unprecedented opportunities”, this does not mean that your life’s work is around the corner or that, in principle, you can do anything.
Society exerts tremendous pressure by enforcing standards of excellence from an early age. If honest, the thought of being a twenty-year-old loser who hasn’t achieved anything is something anyone once had in mind when seeing a teenager making a lot of money. In this respect, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own time and path.
However, there is no point in waiting for sudden success or wealth because that’s not how things work. To find your path, you must work hard and keep trying. In the process, you may realize that it is in what seemed unattainable that you feel free, happy, and fulfilled. Never stop trying, even when fearful or unsuccessful, because progress cannot be made by remaining constantly in your comfort zone. As Jérôme Klapka said: “Our world is a vale of sorrows, and man is created to suffer, as the sun is to shine.” Happiness and satisfaction are only possible by overcoming difficulties.
- Know the value of your time. Have you ever considered “What is the value of my time? Often, we waste our time without realizing its worth. For example, why do you think people choose to fly business class? After all, everybody will be on the same plane, and if it crashes, everybody ends up the same way.
Yet the idea I’m about to share has radically changed my life and perspective. People choose business class because they value their time. Since time is the most precious resource, they refuse to waste it checking in or waiting to board. On average, a business class ticket costs $300 more than an economy class ticket, but queues are 20 minutes instead of 3 hours. With this time saved, the person can indulge in more important and meaningful activities.
So, my 20 minutes are worth $300.
- Love yourself. The shape of the eyes, the color of the hair, the curves of the body, the character – it’s all so individual. In the same way, your thoughts, feelings, and emotions are unique. There is no one like you, never has been, never will be. No one will ever see the world or experience feelings as you do. Hence the saying: you are your closest and dearest person.
As we care for, protect, and cherish those we love for who they are. Remember to apply this principle to yourself. Look after your health as well as your mental health. Never reprimand yourself or minimize your efforts. On the contrary, praise, appreciate and encourage yourself. Lastly, high beauty standards, family criticism and social rejection can undermine your self-esteem. Therefore, practicing self-love is essential to ensure no one can destroy your inner world.
I have shared my most helpful insights, and I hope they will help you.
Abdyldaeva Shirin
Photo: Scott Webb / Pexels