After a family gathering, my work feels insignificant
This is a story for you, coming home from a family gathering after hearing about others’ achievements, feeling as if what you’ve done is nothing.
Scenes
- Only what I’ve done looks small — After hearing my cousin’s news and coming home, my day suddenly felt like nothing worth mentioning.
- I’m happy for them, but my heart sinks — I truly congratulated them, but when I get home, the quiet thought follows me: Why am I still here?
- I smiled and said I was fine, then made my work sound smaller — When your family asked what you’d been doing lately, you gave a short answer instead of explaining: “Just getting by.”
- Comparison turns facts into verdicts — When self-worth is shaken, the mind ties someone else’s news to your value in a single line. That’s why one person’s achievement can feel like proof of your inadequacy.
- Write facts and judgments on separate lines — Write “My cousin got promoted” and “I’m falling behind” separately. You may be able to see that your mind has joined the two together.
- My life isn’t only a spot on a comparison chart — Even today, someone else’s news may make you feel small. Still, it’s okay if there isn’t just one way to measure your life.
Stories by Dalbit
- Dalbit
- When dinner with my coworkers ends, I think of the path my parents chose for me.
- When I close the door after work, I can’t think of anyone to reach out to.
- When a notification comes in, my shoulders tense up first.
- On payday, I want to ask how you are first
- When I think of my child’s report card, I end up grading myself too.
- After hearing about my friend, my own day feels small.
- Even in the salon mirror, the silence between me and my husband follows me.
- Folding laundry, I start worrying about my child again