What If It Isn't What You Think It Is?

Words I need to hear (and maybe you do too?)

Hey you, 

What if it isn’t what you think it is? 

What if you’re not behind? What if you’re not lost?

What if, rather, you’re exactly where you need to be? What if this is all a part of the process, what if every winding road is already leading you in the right direction?

What if what you’re leaving behind wasn’t for you? What if it was bringing you down and getting in your way? What if it’s helping you see what you want more clearly? What if it’s actually helping you get there?

What if you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing? What if following your own path is what would make you happiest? What if happiness in itself was valid? What if it was enough – just like you – just as it is?

What if the way you currently see success is only one way of looking at it? What if it’s not even the best one or the right one for you?

What if “success” is relative? What if it’s not what anyone around you says it is? What if it’s not based on who knows your name, what your title is, or how much is in your bank account?

What if you, in fact, are worth more than what you make or could ever make? What if your value is something only you get to decide? What if it’s the way you treat people and other living things around you: with kindness and empathy?

What if you’re not “too sensitive”? What if you’re exactly the right amount? What if you just feel things deeply, and what if that sensitivity is your strength? What if that’s what makes you, you, what if that’s what makes you human?

What if all your hurts have happened to tell you something? What if they’re teaching you about yourself? What if they’re making you stronger, more resilient? What if you’re meant to share these learnings because what if that will help others? What if it will give them hope? What if that will make you feel more connected, more purposeful, more alive?

What if you didn’t question yourself? What if you didn’t overthink it? What if, instead, you approached every crossroad without fear and trusted that you will go the right way? What if you already know what’s right, what if all you have to do is quiet your mind and listen?

What if you spoke to yourself like this, like a friend? What if that made you feel more held? What if feeling more held made you feel more safe, more understood, more ready to take on the world around you?

What if you asked “what if”?

What if you listened to the answer?

And what if you believed it?

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Author’s Note: This post finds me in another off week. And on the off chance you’re having an off week, too, I hope this helps. I hope these words can serve as a reminder for us both that though we are our own worst critics, we don’t necessarily have to be. If we’re doing our best, that’s the best we can do. Thanks for being here 🤍