Monday Motivation
Something fun to start your week
Do you ever think to yourself, “I should be more [fill in the blank].”
For example:
Or maybe you feel like you should be doing things that other people are doing.
We all have these thoughts, and sometimes it’s good because it motivates us to try new things or make a positive change. Other people can inspire us, and that’s great.
But what about those times when we feel like we SHOULD be a certain way, even though it’s not really what we want? Like “I should be more social,” when really you don’t actually want to be more social. You’re just feeling like everyone else is social, so you should be that way too.
That’s when I would tell you: You can absolutely just stay in your lane.
Think of “your lane” as the way you like to live your life. The things you prefer. The personal decisions you’re comfortable with. The qualities and quirks that make you YOU.
Other people have their lanes, and that’s great! All these different lanes keep life interesting.
But don’t feel like you need to merge into some other lane (in other words, don’t feel like you need to become someone you’re not). Your lane is yours, and it’s great!
Don’t compare your lane to other lanes. They’re so different, it’s ridiculous to even try to compare.
And don’t apologize for your lane, or feel like it’s less than any other lane. It’s not! Relax into your lane.
It’s fun to hear about other lanes, and maybe you’ll want to incorporate new things into your lane. But again, make sure it’s coming from a genuine desire to grow and explore, not a feeling of “should.”
After all, you are perfectly YOU. And your lane is perfectly your lane.
So, hello from my lane to yours, and I hope you have a great week ahead!
~ Adrienne
My website
Past Monday Motivations & Newsletters
The kid’s rhyming book about nature that I illustrated!
Thanks for this! My lane is riding my bike, walking, doing paper crafts, printing. The rest of my friends seem to be moving so much faster than me (traveling the world, playing a lot of sports). But I don't want to speed up! I like my lane!
on the one hand, this is great! not arbitrarily comparing ourselves to others is frequently beneficial. On the other....I have found in the past that there were folks that would outright discourage me from trying new things or bettering myself while telling me that I should 'stay in your lane'. I learned that this was not because they were trying to direct me in the best direction but rather felt uncomfortable in my desire to become more than what I was. before staying in your lane, make sure that it IS your lane and not merely one that someone has conveniently forced you into.