The more I grow up and look around at my peers and those around me—younger and older—some people have high-paying jobs that aren’t really fulfilling, and they just go with the flow, checking off tasks to receive a paycheck at the end of the month. Some people are taking a break from work to travel, some are struggling to find a job in this economy, and some are working just to support their dreams or someone they care about—or just to satisfy their hobbies, like Labubu or other expensive blind-box toys.

Everybody has their perks and struggles; it depends on your perspective. You need to look within yourself to find happiness and be content with yourself, remember to look around from time to time, and enjoy the journey. The only one you should compare yourself to is you.

Keep moving forward, be kind to each other, and remember to be gentle—especially with yourself.

Recently, I came across a saying that stuck with me: “Working out should be a celebration of what your body is capable of; working out shouldn’t be a punishment for what you have eaten.”