Do you remember
Do you remember as children when we would run around in the street
Climbing the neighbor’s trees
Shooting the basketball with the cul de sac friends

Do you remember
When we had high hopes
And strong aspirations
For what our lives would be

And in those moments
We were infinite

I remember
I remember telling myself that I would never struggle
That money would be no issue
And my career would fall into place

That I would marry young
Just after my education was done
And kids would follow
The world would be mesmerized by my ability to accomplish

Accomplish what though
The fancy house
And CEO job title
The number of zeros on a bank statement
Or the letters that follow after a last name

Do you remember
When we believed success was measured
In the tangible markers of society’s expectations
The material wealth
The prestigious positions
The external validation
And endless competition

But as time has passed
We realized that life’s true essence
Lies not in the trappings of success
But in the moments we share
The love we express

I remember
Being so young
With the world at my fingertips
And as I grew
The lines became blurred

Each day passing on
Some harder than others
Moments of failure
Followed by success

And I remember
I remember the day I realized
That our best is good enough

And we can continue to push for titles that don’t represent the beings that we are
And we can continue to satisfy others
While feeling like we’re dying inside
And feeling like all we want to do is hide

Or we can soar
Being alive
Trying our best at what feels right
And knowing that is good enough

I remember playing in the streets
And climbing trees
And playing basketball

And that was always enough
Time has passed
But our hearts remain here
In this moment
In our bodies
Infinite and still

The thing that was holding us back from being enough
Is believing that we are not
And we are
Always
Enough

Your best is enough
Your worst is enough
You are enough
Just as you are
Always 
Enough

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In life, we often find ourselves striving for perfection, seeking to achieve the unattainable, and constantly pushing our limits. The relentless pursuit of excellence can be both inspiring and exhausting. In this quest for greatness, it’s easy to forget a simple yet profound truth: your best is always enough. In fact, it’s more than enough. It’s a force of nature, a beacon of hope, and the key to unlocking your full potential.

The Myth of Perfection

In our digital age, the allure of perfection is ever-present, with social media portraying lives seemingly without a blemish. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that perfection is a mirage. It’s a standard that no one, no matter how accomplished, can maintain. The images we see are curated and polished, concealing the complexities of real life.

Perfectionism can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and relentless comparison, eroding our self-worth. Instead, authenticity is the key. It’s about embracing your true self, with all its imperfections, and acknowledging that growth arises from challenges and setbacks. Your worth isn’t tied to an idealized standard; it’s found in the authenticity with which you live your life.

In a world celebrating authenticity, the myth of perfection fades. Your beautifully imperfect self can shine, inspiring others to do the same. Embrace your uniqueness, cherish your journey, and remember that your best is defined not by perfection but by the authenticity you bring to every moment.

The Power of Effort

The power of effort lies not only in the tangible results but in the intangible qualities it cultivates within you. It’s in the discipline that you develop, the determination that fuels your spirit, and the resilience that strengthens your character. Each moment of effort is a declaration of your commitment to your goals, a testament to your unwavering belief in yourself, and a step closer to the person you aspire to become.

Effort is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. It’s the sweat on your brow, the late nights spent honing your craft, and the courage to push past your comfort zone. It’s the belief that every endeavor, no matter how small, is a building block in the grand edifice of your life. When you harness the power of effort, you transform aspirations into achievements and dreams into reality. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey you undertake, the person you become, and the indomitable spirit that defines your pursuit of greatness.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

Failure, far from being a final destination, is an integral part of the journey to success. It’s not the antithesis of achievement but rather a crucial stepping stone towards it. When you encounter setbacks and stumbles, it’s easy to view them as roadblocks, but in truth, they often hold the seeds of your most profound growth. Your best self often emerges from the ashes of failure, phoenix-like, stronger and more resilient than before.

The magic happens when you shift your perspective and embrace your failures as valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Each misstep becomes a lesson, each setback a chance to refine your approach, and each mistake a stepping stone toward your dreams. In this process, your best effort is not diminished by your errors; rather, it’s enriched by the wisdom and resilience you gain from them. Your willingness to confront and learn from failure demonstrates a profound commitment to your goals and an unwavering belief in your ability to overcome challenges. It’s a testament to your character, resilience, and the unyielding spirit that propels you forward on your journey to success. So, remember, when faced with failure, don’t see it as the end, but as a powerful catalyst that propels you toward your fullest potential.

Growth Through Failure

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone towards it. Your best often emerges from the ashes of failure. When you embrace your failures as opportunities to learn and grow, you transform setbacks into stepping stones toward your dreams. Your best is not diminished by mistakes but enriched by the resilience you gain from them.

Give it Your All, Whatever That Is

Your best is not about measuring up to someone else’s standards or achieving perfection. It’s about embracing your uniqueness, giving your wholehearted effort, and growing through both success and failure. Your best is a powerful force that can lead you to greatness, inspire others, and make a lasting impact on the world. If 40% is all you have on a given day and you give it your 40%, than that’s your 100% for that day. And that is enough. Remember, in every moment and in every endeavor, your best is not only enough; it’s extraordinary. Embrace it, and let it guide you on your journey to achieving your dreams.