You are where you need to be.

I was once in conversation with a friend who was depressed about his upcoming birthday; he was turning 37.  I thought, well that does not make sense, I am always excited about mine.  He felt that he ought to be further in life and the idea of getting older having not reached this imaginary goal did not sit well with him.

This sentiment seems to prevail in the minds of many of my friends who are unhappy with their seemingly unapparent progress and at no stage in life are they satisfied. Your desire to strive for better suggests that you possess a level of ambition and are, for the most part, a level headed individual and it is my hope that these words are well received.

• You are where you need to be. No one was handed a blueprint for life and no one knows how it should be navigated. Stop comparing yourself to others and recognize the accomplishments you have made instead of harping on the things you do not have. Be grateful, always.
• Everyone’s journey is unique. Your struggles are not the same as others and neither are your opportunities. Where you are now might be a desired goal for someone else. Be grateful, always.
• Live in the moment. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” (Source) There will never be a right time; stop waiting for the perfect moment and enjoy your life now. Many have not been privileged to make it this far so make it count and be grateful always.

At the time my friend was an IT Manager in a medium sized company, made what he admitted to be a ‘good’ salary which afforded him the ability to pay the mortgage on his home. I reminded him that many would be grateful to have amassed half of the things he thought to overlook. I reminded him that life is not a race but a journey which is to be enjoyed everyday and that he should be grateful, always.