who said life isn’t a race?

Photo by RemaintLab on Pinterest

They always say life isn’t a race. That everyone has their own path, their own time. That you’re not supposed to compare yourself to others, because we’re all growing at our own pace.

And I believe that. I really do.

But sometimes, it still feels like I’m being left behind.

I look around and see people moving forward, graduating, working, building careers, ticking off milestones I haven’t even reached yet. Some are holding diplomas. Some are receiving their first paychecks. Some are living the very dreams I once whispered to myself in quiet moments.

And here I am. Still in college. Still trying to pass a course they’ve already forgotten. Still figuring out what I want, while they’ve already started chasing what they’ve found.

It’s not that I’m not happy for them. I am. Genuinely. But happiness doesn’t cancel out the wondering.

When will it be my turn?

I know I’m not supposed to compare, but comparison doesn’t ask for permission. It just shows up. Quiet. Heavy. Sitting beside me when I least expect it.

So I remind myself, again and again: My journey isn’t late. It’s just different.

And maybe that’s okay. Maybe being “behind” is just another name for becoming.