There's No Comparison

Each culture has specific expectations of each demographic: men should be physically strong; women should cook; teenagers should get good grades in school; and children should be seen, not heard. The problem with having specific expectations of whole sections of society is that it's unrealistic.

It's unrealistic, because we're each unique in biology and experiences. Even identical twins have very subtle differences between them. So why should you expect someone else to be just like you or you to be just like someone else? That belief tricks us into negative self-talk and weakens our confidence and self-esteem.

There's nothing wrong with having mentors, teachers, or role models. They help you discover what's meaningful to you and ways to achieve your goals. But as unique individuals, we're each meant to travel our own path toward a fulfilling life. Doing so means finding happiness within yourself and expressing yourself to the world in a way you can be proud of.

​Think of a 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle. No two pieces are alike; but all pieces still come together to form something beautiful. So if you're not a puzzle piece that becomes a professor, weighs 120 pounds, owns a mansion, or speaks a second language, no worries! The jigsaw puzzle of humanity is not complete without you.