This essay is absolutely amazing. It’s beautifully written and the way you articulate all these feelings that so many of us have is truly special. Thank you for this, it makes me feel less alone in my own thoughts
I've struggled with that a lot, specially after i graduated. I often still do. I came to the conclusion that being mediocre is a thing that do not exist, because i saw no correlation between artistry, success, recognition, money or social impact.
But the fear of being mediocre does exist and I see it plaguing anyone, regardless of size.
I had to live with the idea of being a mediocre person to see what else i value in doing art
1. You are mediocre. Everyone is. The people you're comparing yourself to are almost certainly mediocre in other areas of their lives. Name a non-insecure not messed-up happy successful famous person.
2. Everyone - I think - has that feeling. I've got something that people need to hear, or see or feel or know. My life can't be just .... Ordinary. We all feel special. But we all can't be superstar famous. I think the answer is simply to follow your instincts and leave no stone unturned. No regrets.
ive struggled with this my whole life. my mother, when i didn’t study, would say that i wouldn’t amount to anything more than a manager at mcdonalds. now im 19, putting my foot in the door to all of my creative pursuits, i got my dream job as a phlebotomist, and im slowly getting my childhood aspirations back.
growth takes time, greatness takes time, and I believe so ferociously in each and every one of you reading this. we’re all changing, and someday, with time and hard work, we’ll become the butterflies of this world <3
I've had this saved for months and have been meaning to read it. I am sad to have only just read it now, knowing I have missed out on this piece for months, however happy it found me when it did. This is so, so good, and almost too relatable to be real. seriously, every single word. so good.
it means so much that you saved this and waited to read it! i'm beyond grateful for your support, and i'm so happy that you found comfort in this piece <3
I’ve struggled with the fear of mediocrity a lot and I’m constantly engulfed in my thoughts , the desperation I have to be known, to make my mark on this world has trapped me I can’t escape my own mental prison and I fear thats what’s actually holding me back and it’s like I’m stuck in this limbo of anxiety, fear and it’s stopping me from achieving my dreams. Thank you for this beautiful article it makes me feel less alone , less trapped in my thoughts
oh my god. ive been trying to avoid this feeling like wayyy too hard, i couldnt even acknowledge it because if i did-- i knew it would bring me great distrsss.
My mom told me years ago, after getting some not-so-good-not-so-bad-grades at school, 'sometimes it's just best being mediocre, it makes life easier. Would you really want to stand out like that?' I know she was just trying to comfort me, but it's something I still very regularly think about.
This essay is absolutely amazing. It’s beautifully written and the way you articulate all these feelings that so many of us have is truly special. Thank you for this, it makes me feel less alone in my own thoughts
I've struggled with that a lot, specially after i graduated. I often still do. I came to the conclusion that being mediocre is a thing that do not exist, because i saw no correlation between artistry, success, recognition, money or social impact.
But the fear of being mediocre does exist and I see it plaguing anyone, regardless of size.
I had to live with the idea of being a mediocre person to see what else i value in doing art
A few comments
1. You are mediocre. Everyone is. The people you're comparing yourself to are almost certainly mediocre in other areas of their lives. Name a non-insecure not messed-up happy successful famous person.
2. Everyone - I think - has that feeling. I've got something that people need to hear, or see or feel or know. My life can't be just .... Ordinary. We all feel special. But we all can't be superstar famous. I think the answer is simply to follow your instincts and leave no stone unturned. No regrets.
3. Recommended listening. Bob Dylan wrote a poem pretty close to this subject. Listen to him reading it out at a live concert. He was 22 when he wrote it. https://open.spotify.com/track/5sVuzjB0r2ac42HuLPGSYq?si=aa1AWFHCTUqWdD9ZdiLLrg
4. You're only 23 but you are already a great writer. Fantastic piece. Keep at it.
I need to stop being afraid. Thank you for writing this. ❤️
ive struggled with this my whole life. my mother, when i didn’t study, would say that i wouldn’t amount to anything more than a manager at mcdonalds. now im 19, putting my foot in the door to all of my creative pursuits, i got my dream job as a phlebotomist, and im slowly getting my childhood aspirations back.
growth takes time, greatness takes time, and I believe so ferociously in each and every one of you reading this. we’re all changing, and someday, with time and hard work, we’ll become the butterflies of this world <3
this is beautiful, thank you so much for sharing <3
oh my god this is my favorite one of yours
AHHHH thank you 💌
I've had this saved for months and have been meaning to read it. I am sad to have only just read it now, knowing I have missed out on this piece for months, however happy it found me when it did. This is so, so good, and almost too relatable to be real. seriously, every single word. so good.
it means so much that you saved this and waited to read it! i'm beyond grateful for your support, and i'm so happy that you found comfort in this piece <3
<3
I’ve struggled with the fear of mediocrity a lot and I’m constantly engulfed in my thoughts , the desperation I have to be known, to make my mark on this world has trapped me I can’t escape my own mental prison and I fear thats what’s actually holding me back and it’s like I’m stuck in this limbo of anxiety, fear and it’s stopping me from achieving my dreams. Thank you for this beautiful article it makes me feel less alone , less trapped in my thoughts
may thy knife chip and shatter
You’re a great writer. You should be published some day
oh my god. ive been trying to avoid this feeling like wayyy too hard, i couldnt even acknowledge it because if i did-- i knew it would bring me great distrsss.
My mom told me years ago, after getting some not-so-good-not-so-bad-grades at school, 'sometimes it's just best being mediocre, it makes life easier. Would you really want to stand out like that?' I know she was just trying to comfort me, but it's something I still very regularly think about.
you made me cryy. how did you articulate exactly whats in my heart
Thank you for writing this.
OOOOOOOF SARAH. you are not alone this is so real.
“I’m in a cage of my own making” hit really hard.