True Story: Appreciate Your Position In Life

One day, I found myself in a state of self-doubt. I picked up the phone and called my mum, my rock and confidante. The words tumbled out of my mouth faster than I could control.

“Mummy (it’s mami in my mothertongue), I met this woman today. She’s incredible! She’s so young, yet she has everything figured out—her career, her finances, her life. She’s accomplished so much, and she’s so wealthy already. I can’t help but feel like I’ve been wasting my time, like I’m somehow behind in life.”

Mum, in her usual way, listened quietly as I poured out my heart. There’s something comforting about a mother’s presence, even over the phone (even to an adult woman).

After I finished my breathless rant, she finally spoke, her voice calm and reassuring.

“There will always be someone ahead of you,” she said, her words sinking into the depths of my frustration. It wasn’t the comforting reassurance I had hoped for, but it was the truth. I felt a sense of resignation wash over me, a mixture of acceptance and defeat.

But then, she continued, “And just as true, there will always be someone behind you. So relax and enjoy where you are, while you aim at becoming better.”

Those words hit me like a gentle wave of clarity. I suddenly realised that life isn’t a race to be won or lost. It’s a journey, unique to each of us.

Mum’s wisdom reminded me that it’s okay to be where I am, to take pride in my progress, and to keep moving forward without comparing myself to others.

“You’ll always be the meat patty in a sandwich or burger,” she added with a light laugh, bringing a smile to my face. I got it then, and I hope you get it too.

In life, we often find ourselves in the middle of a sandwich, caught between those who seem to be ahead of us and those who might be trailing behind. But this position is not just about feeling stuck or insignificant—it’s actually a powerful place to be.

Imagine this: the woman who is ahead of you, the “top bun,” is someone who has navigated paths you’re just beginning to explore. She’s climbed mountains you’re still facing, and she has wisdom, experience, and insight that you can learn from. This woman can become your mentor, a guide who helps you avoid pitfalls and accelerates your growth. She’s not there to make you feel inadequate; she’s there to show you what’s possible and to inspire you to reach new heights.

On the other hand, the “bottom bun” represents someone who is looking up to you. She’s on a journey that you’ve already walked, facing challenges that you’ve already overcome. This is your opportunity to give back, to share what you’ve learned, and to help her navigate her own path. By mentoring her, you reinforce your own knowledge and skills, and you create a ripple effect of empowerment and growth.

Finding your top bun and bottom bun isn’t just about seeking help and offering it; it’s about recognising the flow of knowledge, support, and encouragement that connects us all. It’s about understanding that in one area of life, you might be the mentee, while in another, you are the mentor.

Life is about balance—knowing that you’re right where you need to be, even as you strive for more.

So, embrace your position in this sandwich. Seek out the woman ahead of you to guide you, and reach out to the woman behind you to guide her. In doing so, you create a dynamic cycle of learning, growth, and empowerment that benefits everyone involved.