Where does it start and end?

In life, the starting line is different for everyone.

Some people are born into wealth, allowing them to pursue education and opportunities without the burden of financial constraints.

Others with more common backgrounds find themselves on diverse life paths. At the same time, those who were born into a less fortunate family may face even greater challenges.

Our starting point shapes our journeys, whether it will be smooth sailing, a hike, or even a steep climb. It sets us on the first path to our life.

And unfortunately, we can't choose where we started. But we can do two things: change our mindset about the journey and decide where we will end up.

Where does it start?

Suppose you aren't the child of wealthy parents and don't possess extraordinary talents or abilities.

I think this is the case with most people, and because of that, we may feel that we are at a disadvantage in life–we are behind, and we are losing.

But:

Who decides on the starting line?
Who decides who wins and loses?
Who determines the rank?
Who is ahead, and who is behind?

Nobody makes the decision.

Most people have this mental model of comparing themselves to others and putting themselves less than others just because they couldn't have the things they have.

Schools taught us that grades and ranks are the best way to "feel good" about ourselves–but there are no grades, ranks, wins or losses in life. It's all in our minds.

I think this is the case with most people, and we may feel that we are at a disadvantage in life—that we are behind and losing.

But this doesn't mean you're destined to fail. Instead, it means you may need to fight harder and walk further to reach the starting point of those who had a head start. It means we must spend more effort to get to their "starting line."

Once we accept that this is just how it is, it gets easier to do the work, walk the distance, and live our lives. That's just the nature of life.

Nobody chose their starting line. We all need to accept the fact that we may have to do more than others because the starting line is different.

Where does it end?

Now, I realise that the starting line doesn't matter anymore.

Because what really matters is where we want to end up being. And what matters the most is the journey to get there. Is it going to be one you enjoy? Or is it going to be one you spite because of what you were born with?

It excites me and fuels my fire to think that even though I can't choose my starting line, I get to choose where to go next. Rather than being shackled by what I can control, I feel better thinking about things I can control.

Sure, life is hard, and it's gonna be a long and windy road.

But at the very least, I can make the ride enjoyable.

I have a YouTube channel!

If you haven’t heard, I made an animated version of my comic strip. Please support me by watching the video!

Ps: episode 2 is coming this month, so please subscribe 😄

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.