Chapter 1: The Miracle of Existence

In recent times, I've been immersing myself in the enlightening discussions from astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk podcast. Additionally, I’ve explored his audiobook Cosmic Queries and delved into Ryan Holiday’s book, Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave. I'm also currently enjoying Sasha Sagan’s For Small Creatures Such As We, which I've referenced in previous articles.

Across these various mediums, a profound message resonates: every individual born into this world is nothing short of a miracle. Statistically, the likelihood of your birth is approximately 1 in 400 trillion—an astonishing notion that can be challenging to comprehend.

Let’s reiterate that figure:

1 in 400 trillion

Isn’t that staggering?

Often, I find myself caught in the trap of comparison, measuring my worth against others. Recently, I shared on my Facebook page my reaction to an email from Ryan Holiday, in which he reflected on 35 lessons learned as he celebrated his 35th birthday. I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, he’s only 35 and has already achieved so much!” This left me feeling somewhat inadequate, especially since I’m 42 and haven’t published 10 books in a decade like he has. Plus, he runs a bookstore in his hometown and heads a successful company centered around Stoicism (The Daily Stoic).

Every so often, I catch myself thinking I ought to be achieving more, especially when I think of Jason Segel, who is younger than I am and has made significant strides in acting and directing. Even though that’s not my field, I can’t help but admire his accomplishments. It makes me question, “What have I done?”

However, I remind myself that life should not revolve around comparisons. One of my favorite lines from the poem Desiderata states:

"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."

This statement holds true. There will always be individuals who have achieved more than I have, and that shouldn’t detract from my self-worth.

I must continually remind myself that the very fact of my existence is extraordinary. The chances of being born are incredibly slim, making it something to cherish. I should feel gratitude for simply being alive, despite life’s challenges and joys, storms and rainbows, darkness and light. Life is a precious gift that deserves to be appreciated in all its forms.

For this reason, I want to convey to you, dear reader, that just like me:

You are enough.

Your mere presence, your ability to read this, signifies that you belong here. Even if you feel overshadowed by someone who appears more accomplished—like a neighbor who’s a rocket scientist, or if you dropped out of college (as Ryan Holiday did)—it does not diminish your worth. Whether or not you have amassed wealth, a beautiful home, or a series of published works, or even if you haven’t found your soulmate, you are enough. I am enough, just as I am.

It’s vital that I keep reminding myself of this truth.

Chapter 2: A Reminder of Your Worth

The first video, "A Reminder That You Are Enough," emphasizes the importance of recognizing your inherent worth and embracing your unique journey in life.

The second video, "You Are Enough: A 10-Minute Reminder (Guided Meditation)," provides a calming and introspective meditation to help you reconnect with your sense of self-worth.