The world can be a confusing place and it’s not uncommon to hear people express their desire to be special, yet normal at the same time. As someone who interacts with individuals regularly, I often encounter those who experience distress and describe feelings of insignificance. They mention loneliness, a lack of purpose, and a sense of not belonging. However, there is an upside to feeling insignificant: it’s freedom. When you hold significance, similar to a politician, your every move is watched, criticized, and psychoanalyzed. Even worse, if you make a wrong decision, you can drastically affect people’s lives. On the other hand, when you’re insignificant, you can go unnoticed and your actions have little to no consequences. For instance, you can quit a job, move across town, or end a bad relationship without much fuss.
I’m not advocating for mediocrity, as I believe everyone should strive to reach their full potential. But I also believe that life is transitional. So if you find yourself in a temporary low point and are feeling insignificant, there’s a silver lining to it.
Coffee Note: The word “coffee” comes from the Arabic word “qahwah,” which means “wine of the bean.”