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There is a bigger picture here.

That always works to calm me. Make me realise that the stress is not only unnecessary; but actively detracts from reaching the bigger goal. The bigger pictures means realising that the peak is at the end, and you are nowhere near. Nowhere near realising, or even thinking about, what you could even accomplish. There is no point thinking of it either. It is a kind of blind, but necessary trust. One that allows the path to be laid, but pressure to be released.

There’s always a bigger picture. That neither you. Or anyone else can see. Or even begin to imagine. To be crazy enough to believe in it is a superpower.

There’s something bigger; but you have to put yourself on the path to get there. If you’re not even on that path; you’ve automatically self-selected. You’ve automatically shrunk your life. Each step should open more opportunities, not close them.

Many people might do what seems like what you do or want to do for different reasons. So even if they do it, the goal is different. The vision of what is possible is different. What people believe is possible or can see as a path is truly what sets them apart. Most people won’t or even can’t see what is possible.

I’m not sure it is a coping mechanism. But it works. Maybe good coping mechanisms aren’t coping mechanisms at all. It’s just knowing the truth. And that sets you free.

Your life shrinks to the beliefs and thoughts of those around you. Don’t let that happen. And more importantly, don’t do it to yourself.