Troubles of “ordinary people”

In the morning, my colleague Xiaoxiao came to me to consult me about some work issues. After talking about work, we chatted about other things for a while.

Xiaoxiao is a few years younger than me. She is currently working and studying for a degree. She said that she is under a lot of pressure. She concluded that before she started studying for a degree, she was very happy every day, but since she started studying for a degree, she has not been so happy anymore.

In my impression, she was always cheerful, always talking and laughing with everyone, and was very serious at work, so she was likable. I couldn't believe that such a sunny person was unhappy. So I said, "I think you are very happy." She pointed to her face and showed me that she had a lot of pimples on her face.

Xiaoxiao then explained that she was under too much pressure and couldn't sleep well at night, which was reflected in her skin. I understand the feeling of being unable to sleep at night because of anxiety. Looking back on my own degree process, it was also full of hardships. It's not that I endured much physical suffering, but the invisible pressure in my heart.

In the two years after graduation, I would occasionally dream about the past, as if I was shrouded in darkness. When I woke up from a nightmare, I had to calm down and realize that everything was over and I didn’t have to be so depressed anymore. Later, I entered a new stage and slowly stopped having such nightmares.

Xiaoxiao was very moved and even a little excited when she heard me talk about my nightmare. She asked me, "So you have the same worries as ordinary people?" I laughed and said that I am an ordinary person, so of course I have ordinary people's worries. Xiaoxiao laughed and said that I have always been an idol in her heart that cannot be surpassed. It seems that I can do everything well, and naturally I am appreciated by my mentors and leaders, so how can I feel pressure?

I laughed and told Xiaoxiao that it was her imagination. There is no difference between ordinary people and extraordinary people. Everyone grows up step by step, makes various mistakes, and goes through various tests, and finally can live calmly. Xiaoxiao nodded repeatedly and said that she felt much more relaxed after the chat. She always felt that the various pressures and troubles in life were not her own problems.

When we look at others, we tend to only see the external halo, but we have no idea what they have actually experienced. When we look at ourselves, we tend to get confused, focusing only on our own problems and ignoring that we are also excellent in the eyes of outsiders. In short, on the road to growth, everyone is an ordinary person, and no one has a shortcut. Letting go of all worries and trudging forward step by step is our only way...