Perhaps it was the limoncello.

Or the high I was on from staying in Amalfi for a week.

I sat on the floor, rolling and stuffing my clothes back into my pack, yet again; a skill I have perfected over time. I reminisced the moments I spent back in Naples, and the week in Amalfi that was soon to be stored in the memory banks in a few hours.

I looked at what I was doing, and took some time to digest everything. I realised that it’s critical to take time out of the day to appreciate yourself, and everything that you’re doing. Take age and personal finance out of the game and leave everything else open on the table. Everyone has their own path and their own way of going about it.

I have realised the importance of self-acknowledgement; nay, the importance of self-love.

Just because there are people who are onto their PhDs, putting the final touches on their thesis, or getting ahead in their careers, doesn’t mean you have to be on their level. You have done great things, equally. One of the hardest struggles in life is to not compare yourself to others. It’s habitual and subconscious. Do what you want to do, and if that means you want to pursue a higher degree, then do it. If it means you want to be the next fittest person in the world, then do it. Don’t do something just because everyone else is doing it.

I know I struggled with this very thought when I was in college. I wanted to do what everyone else was doing. I tried to conform to the majority and in the end, I ended up completely lost in myself, unsure of my identity.

“What do you want to do?” A vital question that often gets ignored and manipulated into, “what are you doing?” which is answered with great anxiety. You’re great at what you do, so don’t feel any less, because you don’t need to.

I acknowledge my lone bachelors degree, and despite my mother’s dream of my unforeseeable masters degree, my career is standstill at the moment. In my mother’s eyes, I’m not worth much due to my lack of degrees, but I’d like to think I have more to offer than a wealth of textbook knowledge. Maybe.

I’m newly 24 and by December I will have visited 30 countries. I’m proud of that accomplishment, even if that means I only have one degree to my name.

Travelling reminds me to be patient, to dream big, to do better, but most importantly, to be better as an overall human being. The kindness received from strangers in every country is a sign that humanity is not dead, and we’re all looking out for one another. Modesty and patriotism is encouraged, and it only makes visitors love the country more.

In this new stream of consciousness, I’ve taken notice of who’s around me and their achievements, not to be envious, but to be motivated and inspired.

You. You are an inspiration to me, and by being in my life, I have so much respect for you. I glorify those who have been accepted to PhD programs, have their career goals in check, or are pursuing their dreams. I admire your intelligence, your fiery passion, and your determination.

To embody self-love is difficult, but once it’s obtained, life becomes blissful. Even more blissful when you have a shot of limoncello next to you.

For what it’s worth, no matter what you’re doing, keep going ’cause you’re amazing.