Some time ago, I was driving to a meeting. I was alone, moving at my own pace, maintaining a steady speed, and truly enjoying the drive.
Suddenly, another vehicle pulled up behind me, travelling much faster than I was, and overtook me in an instant.
Immediately without anyone prompting me, it was as if something "switched on" inside me. I began to accelerate, speeding far beyond what was necessary just to catch up with the vehicle ahead and overtake it.
In that moment, I forgot that our destinations were different.
I pushed my car to its limits, desperate to regain the lead. The most painful part was that the harder I tried to overtake this car the more impossible it seemed.
It felt as though the other driver was simply moving at his own natural pace, while I had completely lost the beauty of my journey. I hit potholes recklessly and drove aggressively, essentially "chasing the wind."
Before long, the other driver branched, turned off into another lane and continued his journey to another direction, leaving me alone on my path once again.
It was then that the foolishness of my actions dawned on me. I have just been chasing wind thus far
How foolish that was...
I realized that everyone is on their own journey toward their own unique destination. Although we may meet at certain points or travel the same lane for a while, the truth is that we are not all heading to the same place. Soon enough, everyone will arrive at their own finish line.
So,
Why the unnecessary pressure?
Why the needless competition?
Why live recklessly just to keep up with a life that isn't yours?
Why become a "copycat" or worry because someone else moved ahead of you?
My friend, please enjoy every bit, every phase, and every stage of your journey and never yield to any form of pressure.
Do not engage in unnecessary competition and lose sight of your own path. Sooner or later, the person you are competing with will branch off, and you will be left realizing you were running a race toward nothingness.
Beloved, I encourage you: Live your life. Enjoy your journey. Stop the unnecessary comparisons and focus solely on your path
I assure you, you will reach your destination gloriously.
Shalom!
©Temitope Samuel Okoilu