There is danger in living a life imitating others, or even in having envy over what other people are doing.
When we live our lives based upon following a path others have forged, we risk living a life that isn’t fulfilling and doesn’t feel as if it belongs to us.
The result of imitating others is that we may get stuck pursuing a career that doesn’t satisfy us or staying in a relationship that doesn’t joy.
So many of us do this, though, follow a path that we thought we were supposed to follow, rather than forging our own way.
As the great American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.”
Emerson’s words ring true, even today.
Envy and imitation can lead us down a path that is not our own, while if we took the time, effort, and energy to embrace our unique strengths, abilities, and passions we would lead a more fulfilling life.
To do this, though, we must take ourselves as we are, recognizing that our own unique experiences and perspectives make us who we are. And, while the universe is full of opportunities, it’s up to us to work hard and cultivate our own plot of ground to reap the rewards.
So many of us end up feeling unfulfilled because we get attached to what we think we are supposed to do for various reasons, but it’s never too late to make changes and pursue our dreams – to look for what brings us joy.
The power to create a life that truly resonates with you resides within you.
Don’t let envy or imitation steer you away from your true path.
Look for ways that you can embrace your own unique strengths and abilities, and work hard to cultivate a life that aligns with your passions and values.
And, as Emerson wisely reminds us, “None but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.”
Always,
Your Trusted Friend ♥
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