You're not different

I realized something today. 

I realized something I've been needing to realize for a long time. 

I think for awhile, I walked around with an insane amount of well, pretentiousness — an insane amount of thinking I was different. 

I was different than the other person that reached out to their favorite blogger. I was different than the other person the artists' work spoke to.

I was different than the other woman that wanted to run her own business. 

I was different because "I truly cared." I was different because "my story was a good one."

I realized today that I'm not different. 

Sure, I'm special — because we all are. Sure, I'm my own individual — because we all are. Sure I'm enough — because we all are. 

But I'm no different. 

I'm no different than you, than her, than him — than anyone out there with similar dreams and desires.

I finally realized this, because I finally realized that things don't come to you just because you're different, because things work out, or because you want it. 

No, things happen because you make them happen. 

Obviously, things take talent. Obviously, some people have that "sparkle." Obviously, different abilities are needed for different things. Obviously, connections help immensely. 

But at the end of the day, it's not going to make a difference if you're the most passionate, authentic, and talented person in the world — if you don't work for it, you won't get it. 

By all means, be all of those things. By all means, don't make it harder than it needs to be. 

But remember that at the end of the day, the world IS on your side, but only if you're willing to put in the hours. 

I realized today that I am meant to do great things, but ONLY because I want to. I am meant to have things work out, but only because I'm going to MAKE them work out. 

I realized today, that I'm no different. 

I decided today, that no one is going to out-work me. 

And hopefully, the world will notice that.

Basically, I decided to take ownership, get over myself, and realize that I had to work just as hard as the next person — harder — if I wanted everything I wanted to come to fruition. 

So that's what I'm going to do.