Letting Go of Self-Importance: Realizing the World Revolves Without Me
Description
As a professor who has achieved everything I ever wanted, I reached a turning point.
(I realize how self-important that sounds)
I have accomplished most of what I set out to do—publishing papers, mentoring students, and making my mark in academia.
But, I realized that the weight of self-importance was heavier than any accolade.
I bought into the system. I thought I was someone important.
But, ultimately to continue to walk forward, I have to acknowledge that I’m really NOT that important.
I have to step back from the notion that everything depends on me.
I learned to say, "It's not my problem," and began to release the constant urge to intervene or help.
This shift wasn't about “apathy”, but about understanding that the world continues to spin without my constant input.
By removing the feeling of self-importance, I found a newfound freedom and peace.
It allows me to embrace humility, accepting my small place in the world—if any.
Letting go can be the most profound way to move forward.
I can take a picture of something random—realizing that my playing and thinking has little to do with who reads this.
People that have not been in my position won’t understand what I’m talking about and will get upset.
Ultimately, you have to acknowledge you are just moments from no one even remembering who you are.
United States
