Prioritizing Your Peace As The Main Character
Never feel like the side character in someone else’s life.
by LYLA YOUNG ★ APRIL 11, 2023
Remember that TikTok trend from last fall when people described themselves and their lives as different elements in tv shows? The side character, the series premiere, the writers decided to give me a spin-off, and the list continues. But what this trend fails to promote is that we are all the main characters -- not in a narcissistic way, but in a way that is about cultivating inner peace and showing up as our highest selves. You are the main character of your own life.
Actress Diahann Carroll once said, “No one can make you extremely happy but you,” and she is spot on with that observation. Ultimately, it falls back on us and ourselves to think about our happiness. The best decisions we make in our lives are the ones we make for ourselves because we know what’s best for us. We listen to our intuition about people we want to keep around, where to go to college, what sorority/frat to bid on, and the list goes on. Let people audition to be in your life before you decide that they deserve to be a part of it. Sometimes they cycle in and out, a recurring character if you will. As for when things fall through, maybe the timing wasn’t right because you still have a lot left to learn, or – as a whole – it’s not your destiny.
For all my fellow theater kids, it’s hard to see this when you don’t get the part you want in the production. But it doesn’t just apply to theater. It’s hard, and even painful at times, to see someone who didn’t work as hard as you get the job you wanted. Life really can be absurd. It’s tempting to fall down a rabbit hole of blaming the person who made the call because you think you’d be much happier if you got the part you wanted. But in reality, other people are not responsible for your happiness; you are. It’s up to you to understand why you let others have power over your emotions, in order to unlearn such a tactic and live your best life
It’s about being more real, realizing your self-worth, playing, and loving yourself. You’re the divine creator. You’re one step away from changing the trajectory of your life – as cliché as it sounds, it’s true. Life truly is as cyclical as the phases of the moon. Sometimes people aren’t meant to be lifelong friends; they’re only meant for that specific point in time. About four years ago, I met a man in Denmark who I got to know well, and he said to me, ‘Everything in life is temporary.’ I remembered his words whenever I felt most stuck and also in moments where I neglected to realize all that I’ve accomplished. There really are some wonderful people in your life that won’t always be there in the way they are now. So make the most of these relationships while they are still there. Embrace the harmonious nights filled with dance, laughter, and song. You are inherently worthy.
There is something so beautiful about undergoing much-needed emotional clearing, releasing the old before stepping into the new. Reflecting, dreaming, listening to your heart for a change, and diving deep. And with Aries season in full swing, it allows us to channel this rebirth. Aries marks the beginning of the astrological new year. It not only is emblematic of the start of spring and representative of new beginnings, but Aries is a fire sign that radiates confident and self-determined energy. That blissful lively feeling you get when the warm sun shines in Syracuse after months of darkness is reflected in the stars. Aries season will light the fire within the collective to push forward to achieving our greatest ambitions. Realizing the power you have to make your dreams come true is the essence of what it means to be the main character. Let this be a reminder that every important decision you have ever made and ever will make is because of you and your needs. Every successful life decision you made so far was because of you. Listen to what your heart is telling you, and it will carry you far in life.