If you are conversant with the Bird app I'm sure you already have an idea of what I am about to write on "At 23" . Recently it was topping the trend table on Twitter Nigeria. Going through the trend in order to get a grasp of what it's all about, I realised one is required to list all his achievements as at the age 23. The Certificates you've bagged with high grades, the cars and houses you've bought, the number of countries you've travelled to, the places you've worked at amongst others. To many that is the definition of achievement.
The feeling of not being enough, not being at the same level with one's mates has led so many people to an early grave. We were taught from a young age that being better than the rest is far greater than being happy. We look up to the rich people in the society and pray to God to have the type of wealth they have, we don't care about the sacrifices they made, the things they've been through, all we want is to be as rich as they are or even richer than them. Before you start comparing yourself to others, why don't you consider the following:
● All fingers are not equal: The family in which you were born , the place we live, the people we associate with are all factors that determines who we are today. Have you ever thought of this "What if you weren't born into the family you are in today?" Or "will you be who you are today if you didn't leave where you were before?" Those living under the bridge who are hungry and have no hope of the next meal- where did they get it wrong? Is it their fault or that of their parents or society?. Truly Motivational speakers will tell you "we all have equal opportunities to make it, you've got no excuse for failing, they can even go ahead to give you example of how they started their Poultry with Just a Feather, or started their multi-million firm with just 50 cents." Cut yourself some slacks , don't be too harsh on yourself. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your background should be an excuse or hindrance to your success, no , rather it should be a motivation to succeed, but never let anyone's success push you to do the things you ought not to.
● Social Media is a place where someone with no shoes comes to mock someone with shoes. We've heard of cases where people go to the length of borrowing clothes, jewelry and cars to snap ,post and impress their followers. And the followers Envy them and pray to be as rich as they are. The same way it is written in most side mirrors "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear " I believe each social media app should have "What you think is real may never be real" as an header. Never make someone else your standard, social media is meant for the good times only, nobody post pictures or videos of the bad times, if they do, it's either to chase clout or to get a reaction from the public which in the long run will be Beneficial to them. So why have sleepless nights wondering how to be as successful as someone whose life is based on lies?
● Time: Everyone's time is different, we can have Two people given birth to the same day, same place, same time and they will still have different characters and future. Truly life is a race ,but in your own race you are the only Athlete and in your own lane. Compete with no man. If "Pete" gets a car before the age 23, and you get yours at age 27 that doesn't make yours less of a car. So many people are forced into shackles of a marriage due to the facts that their mates are married, or having the third child while they are still unmarried. One of my big brothers do say "You might get into the higher institution before me but i may graduate before you, you might graduate before me but I may get a job before you, you might get a job before me but the job I get later may be worth the wait, you might rent a room before me, but I may build a house before you..." All these is to say, never feel bad or Jealous because someone else is living a life of your dream, your time will surely come, just be patient and steadily work towards it.
In conclusion what have you achieved at 23? Are you still in the Uni while your mates are out? Give yourself some praise, some people are out there praying to be in your position. Are you still living with your parents when your friend is in his own house? Worry not, your time is coming. Don't push yourself to an early grave, never allow social media standards to lead you to depression, so far there is life there is hope. Rise up Champion and face the world.
Link to other posts by HappyBoy
https://read.cash/@HappyBoy/the-secret-they-dont-tell-you-about-bitcoincash-8585f25b
https://read.cash/@HappyBoy/cursed-9a4f449b
https://read.cash/@HappyBoy/lockdown-587fe4a4
Till next time guys, byeee
These are very wise words. It's good to have role models and to strive to always be a better version of yourself, but sometimes I feel like social platforms do more damage than good. Just focus on your own journey, help others where you can, and try to be better every day.