Sometimes I find myself snooping through other people’s online profiles that scare me. It’s hard to keep away comparisons. It may sound petty- I don’t care about how other people manage their lives, but even inspiration can be overwhelming. There’s been so much happening in my own life, but I wonder what if all change is not growth. Am I really moving forward?

It makes me think if I am doing enough. I feel ambitious in a good way, but I’m at that age where I can hardly say I’ll do this when I grow up. Will I run out of time? Am I nurturing the right parts of me?

Although, even as I write this, I’m reminded of a story I read this week, which make me smile: Hanna Kistner’s life began at 60. How amazing is she? She gives me so many ideas and hope.

All Change is Not Growth – It’s A Scribble Towards It

Speaking of amazing, Hannah Jacobs creates beautiful, inspiring art. She makes me realize how important it is to keep the scribbles alive. No matter what anyone says, there’s no reason why your figures need to be classically proportioned. They could Follow your messy, uneven dream patterns.

She named this personal illustration, Dear Mum. I re-created it and colored it all shades of green and thought of my mom. No one else helps me deal with my insecurities better. It makes me want to go back to childhood and scribble some more. I’m going to change my mind a little. All Movement may not be forward, but it isn’t backward either. All change is not growth, but you’re sure scribbling your way towards it.

Steps to follow if you’re feeling like an underachiever today

Underachiever may be a strong word. But we all go through these moments of lull. It’s easy to feel this in the U.S., which I find inherently competitive as a culture. This does allow for more creativity and progress, but it can also feel like you’re in a rut consistently. It’s not sustainable to feel like you’re on the edge each day. Here’s what I think is essential to make yourself feel better (because what else do you live for?):

1. Wearing your headphones and marking out whitespace/ downtime in your calendar
2. Online detox zones by creating an analog desk
3. An hour within a day that you spend listening to others (on the radio/ on Spotify anything)
4. Giving yourself the permission to end projects that don’t work
5. Ticking things off a to-do list. I just started using Trello for work and play. It sounds promising.
6. Meditating
7. Finding time to reflect on your achievements

I’m ready to eat an Apple now.

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