Dear Pristine,

I do not share the same continent as you, but I do share a similar culture to what you are describing in your post. From where I am living, success, to people, is doing things and making it known. Because if people knew that you were the winner in a competition or really smart or pretty or something, then that makes you a winner in life. Even if your life only consists of your family, friends and people you interact with in school and your neighborhood. And thats great for them because that might be what they wanted.

But I need you to take a step back from your dilemma and ask yourself why success means so much to you. Why is success the goal? Why do you have to be successful? What does success even look like? Ask yourself where these thoughts come from. Then ask yourself what you want from it.

Take your thoughts for what they are, but don’t allow them to determined who you are. And it’s hard, it is, but your thoughts only have power over you when you allow them to. So let them come, but gently let them go. Thoughts are only thoughts until you take actions.

GL