These People Opened Up About The Moment They Realized Their Childhood Dreams Were Unattainable
As children, we often have enormous fantasies of growing up and changing the world. Dreams of becoming princesses and crime-fighting superheroes feel entirely reasonable and attainable.
Beyond these unrealistic hopes, even teenagers and young adults who have some sense of reality still imagine lavish lifestyles of success and accomplishment in their futures. Although almost everyone does have achievements, the “real world” is often not everything it’s cracked up to be.
One user named Matchamotchie went through this realization and questioned their life’s mark. They shared their epiphany that they “are not special” and will not leave behind “major ‘legacies’ in their lifetime” with the Reddit community.
“I was a ‘child prodigy’ in a small pool of kids. So, I got called a ‘genius’ a lot. I had big dreams to be the next Zuckerberg or something,” the user explained.
“I participated in national and international competitions and was used to being the best in everything. But, then I went to a pretty prestigious college abroad,” the user continued.
Their entire self-perception changed from that moment on.
“I struggled with grades for the first time and went through hell to get part-time jobs and internships. Then, one day, I just woke up and realized that I no longer have big dreams,” the user said.
“My smarter, more privileged, and/or more hardworking friends might go far in life. But, I will always be a nobody to 99.99% of people. And it just makes me sad,” the user finished.
The user also asked if anyone else in the Reddit community felt the same way. Unfortunately, most– if not all– users have experienced similar epiphanies. But, they have also discovered other ways to find meaning in life.
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This Former “Child Genius” Found Solace Through Helping Others
“I, too, was a child genius. I just was not very motivated. Everything in school bored me, and people did not expect much from me. I wanted to be a doctor, but I flunked out of pre-med due to a mental breakdown.”
“But, I set my goals smaller, and I am almost done with paramedic school. Now, I get to be there for someone on the worst day of their life. I cannot think of anything else I would rather do.”
“My legacy is going to be helping people. I will be a blip in the big scheme of things. But, to the people I meet along the way, I will be something more– the person who was there when they needed it.”
“It is not much, but it is honest work that gives me pride to wake up to.”
This Man Realized He Can Make A Difference Through Parenting
“I used to think I would do something really special, too. I am forty-one now, have a good job, but I will never do anything special.”
“I will, however, put everything I have into being a father and a husband. If I can raise my boys to be good men– good future husbands and fathers– then maybe I can help make this world a little better.”
This User Was An Opera Singer
“I was in the same position. I was the best opera singer my age in the city, and everyone gave me so much hope. They kept repeating how special I was and how famous I was going to be.”
“I got accepted into the best opera school in the world, and I was the worst of my class!”
“I realized that I did not really care about not being the best, and the struggle made me realize that it was not my dream– it was other people’s dreams that they projected onto me.”
“I am now doing what I really love. It is not super prestigious, but I feel so free and deeply happy. Many people around me think I made a huge mistake by dropping out, but I do not care.”
“I hope you find something that makes you happy and not something that looks good on paper.”
And, if you are still struggling to figure out your next step in life, take this user’s advice.
“It is not your fault. You were conditioned to equate your worth with your intelligence– which is a backward concept.”
“Step outside and take a breath of fresh air. Do some new things– make good friends, find love, have some hobbies or passions, and find inner peace.”
“None of us are getting out of this alive. Just enjoy this life. Live it well, and live it meaningfully.”
Can you relate? To read the full Reddit thread, visit the link here.
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