It’s Your World, We’re Just Living In It

BY Carmen Szukaitis PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

It is easy to get caught up in the reality of comparing oneself to others on social media. It starts with the likes, the photoshop, and the unattainable and unrealistic beauty standards that are constantly pushed out, making comparisons become normalized. But it is not only social media that is forcing us to compare, it is so much more. Words are powerful; they are easily internalized and ingrained in us, especially at a young age. Statements like, “you are not good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough,” can cause a lot of damage to one’s self-esteem.

Societal pressures leave us with guilt, fear, insecurity, judgment, and a sense of inferiority. How can we

“BEING THE MAIN CHARACTER IS A MINDSET, AND ANYONE CAN BE THEIR OWN.”

be the protagonists of our lives in a society molding us to have all the traits of a malicious antagonist?

Being the main character is a mindset, and anyone can be their own. So, put those rose-colored glasses on, and let’s talk about how to confidently start writing a personal narrative.

STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS.

No more wanting what others have because there will always be someone with more — and less. The comparisons must be the first thing to go when embracing main character energy. Stop looking at other people and thinking about not being as far along in life as them. That person is not sitting in the driver’s seat of your life, you are. It does not matter if someone is in a different place than here.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT AND FOCUS ON THAT.

Finding a passion is one of the most rewarding things because it gives a purpose to living. A passion provides a reason to wake up in the morning — something to look forward to. Whether it is baking, swimming, or becoming a nurse, it

back of the closet does not matter. Living by wants pushes one in a direction of self-determination to continue working hard.

ACCEPT YOURSELF AS YOU ARE.

Take a look in the mirror. Find the imperfections, desires, dreams, strengths, and weaknesses. See all of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Accept it all because that is what makes you, you. Hannah Montana said it best: “Nobody’s perfect, I gotta work it.” As cheesy as it is, the message is there. We are not perfect, we are human. Be your most authentic self and know that is enough.

EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY.

Wake up with gratitude and grace. Take in the little moments of every single day and appreciate them all. Every day has new opportunities and endless possibilities. Today is a chance to rectify the mistakes of the past — a chance to be whoever you want to be. Believe in yourself and know that anything is achievable.

DESIGNATE A SET OF VIRTUES AND STAY TRUE TO THEM.

Define a list of virtues and figure out what is most important. Kindness, patience, diligence, generosity, and humility are just a few examples of some. Find a self-love mantra, like “I am deserving of all that is good,” and practice saying it every day until you genuinely feel it in your core. Staying true to a few simple beliefs will amplify your energy; people will take notice, and more genuine compliments will come.

Stay true to yourself, and soon enough, you will be the main character of your life. Write your own story and design a new path; the world is yours to explore. Being the main character is simply a mindset and an outlook on life.