An open letter to those feeling uncertain

An open letter to those feeling uncertain

I often ponder the idea of existentialism and its essence in the presence of humanity. Evolution trotted in silent footsteps and bled over its entirety, transforming humans into the complex beings we are today. The social construct that generations before us built fostered connection, but it overlooked the idea of authenticity while embracing each other. The world we live in promotes the counterfeited fallacy of having your life together at every cycle and step of our lives.

The digitalization of media and virtual connections connect us with the world at any corner but leave us cornered with isolation and antisociality. The stalled belief in being successful and achieving milestones by a certain age as dictated by the realm of the civilised community we live in often forces us to doubt our worth. That belief is projected by the glimmer and forgery of social media. Where people are plastering and concealing their insecurities behind a filtered sense of reality. How often do we sit and think about the duality in which we live in today’s era? How often do you hear the phrase self-doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever will? Our worth is often determined by the external factors that surround us. We are all conditioned to follow societal norms and adhere to the timeline that society wants us to follow.

The ones who follow the unconventional path are named as unsuccessful or appalling for not fitting in with the norms. Validation from others is what we need to grow and sustain. How many of us have been taught that? nurtured with the teaching of not being too loud or too bold.

There are voices in our heads that constantly remind us of how unworthy we are to achieve our dreams. Whenever we achieve something we have worked hard for, our imposter syndrome kicks in and tricks us into believing that it was a mere coincidence of luck and not our hard work and capability. We are our own worst enemies when we don’t credit ourselves for the growth we have accomplished and the journey that is individualistic to us. Self-doubt chains us to our comfort zone and keeps us from reaching our highest potential. And the world we live in would use our self-doubt as a catalyst for our downfall. It is essential for us to know that the world perceives you as the version of yourself you hold for yourself. The next time you doubt yourself, here are some reminders to recenter yourself and calm your anxious thoughts. Know that your journey is unique to you and that you do not need to adhere to anyone’s perceivable reality of your life. You are not obligated to work according to the set timelines; everything meant for you will happen at the right time. We live in absolute time zones that have their own timelines.

When self-doubt kicks in, replace it with action. Remember, it is not about moving mountains every single day; it is about setting small goals and being consistent in your practise. Confidence builds itself on the foundation of the promises we keep to ourselves and others. Learn to reflect on your growth. You are living the reality of at least one of your dreams that your past self yearned for to come true. Have faith in yourself and God. It will help you navigate through difficult times.

It is okay to make mistakes. Mistakes and failures are evidence of you trying and putting yourself out there. Improve yourself for yourself; there is absolutely nothing you have to prove to anyone. We live in a generation where people are validated by their likelihood on social media but cannot withstand their true selves in the mirror.

The darkness that dwells within us

The demons that hide

Behind the shadows of glimmery joy,

We lie hollow inside.

Our idea of success lies in a zero-sum game where you can only succeed by defeating others. But in reality, the opportunities to succeed are endless, and the timeline that society wants you to follow is their perception of what your life should look like. You do not need to adhere to anyone else’s perception of what your life should look like. I hope this reminds you that everything that is meant for you will never pass you by, and anything that is not meant for you never stays.

Lest it be the darkness that makes you dread the uncertainty,

Whisper your wishes to the universe; it listens to you.

The noises that belittle your quest,

Would one day narrate the stories of you they knew

In the abundance of sanguinity, I hope you do not let your faith fall apart.

In the trials of perseverance and toil, the universe blesses the brave heart.

_Hridya Sharma