"What Should I Do When I Feel Behind in Life?"
Have you ever felt like you’re a step or two behind others - like you’re never quite on the same page as your peers or colleagues? This experience can certainly feel frustrating & confusing. Juliette (who submitted this week’s question) has struggled with the very same challenge for some time now. In this post, I’ll offer a few insights & ideas to help Juliette & all of you who worry about “feeling behind.” I hope you have your cup of tea handy. Let’s dive on in!
“Just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost.”
~ Gerard Abrams
Show Notes:
First of all, I honor your feelings. I want to help you understand & navigate them - so living your life won’t be quite so overwhelming. Helping you sort out your feelings & thoughts = my jam!
Please remember: Life is not a race - especially for HSPs! Our preferred pace is slower & more methodical. Rushing is definitely not our thing.
There’s a lot of pressure from society (& oftentimes from family) to be “successful” - to climb the corporate or professional ladder - to tally our numerous “accomplishments.” It can be challenging for HSPs to tune out this kind of pressure. We definitely do not need it; we already put enough pressure on ourselves!
Everyone’s path is unique. HSPs highly value “being” - pondering, listening to ourselves & others, dreaming, creating, growing. Most of us are introverts. Our culture is very “doing”-oriented. I posit that “being” is equally as important as “doing.” (I have many thoughts on this topic!).
It’s truly imperative for HSPs to authentically live our lives in alignment with our core values. Our lives may not look nor be very “mainstream.” (A journaling question: What are your core values?)
Journaling is a great tool to help one find & cultivate one’s voice & distill one’s core values. It’s also a great place to share thoughts about gratitude. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, practicing gratitude is life-changing!
Be patient with & kind to yourself! Life is not a race. How can we possibly be behind in/on our own life? We need not compare ourselves to anyone else; period.
I promise you this: If you consciously choose not to compare your life to the lives of others, but rather, live your one glorious life to the best of your ability (& in the way YOU so choose), you’ll be doing yourself a tremendous service. Additionally, you’ll feel more at/in peace & happier. Playing the comparison game is a risky & non-productive endeavor. Focus on creating/living your dream life + staying true to your beautiful self + making our world more loving & kind.
You may want to consider finding some support - from a trusted friend/family member, professional coach or counselor, a spiritual leader, etc. Reach out if you could use some guidance. It’s an important step!
Resources:
Wabi Sabi by Beth Kempton - This book looks SO good; really excited about reading it! Let me know what YOU think!
Any lovely journal of your choosing!
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Hi; I’m Mary - a Highly Sensitive Person, cat lover and guidance counselor for adults. I love helping young women navigate life while caring for their sensitive souls. Thank you so much for your time today. It’s always my pleasure to get to know & support you. I hope you enjoyed my video!
Please follow me on my Facebook Business Page. If my work resonates with you, I think you’ll enjoy joining my email list & receiving my free HSP Manifesto. Hope to connect with you soon!
Love + Meow.
❤ Mary
TSS 🐈
Do you have a question or topic you’d like me to discuss?