The Side-Kick
Growing up with a sibling who seems to be the shining star can often leave you feeling like the side-kick in your own life.
This was certainly true for me as I watched my twin sister receive endless compliments and attention, while I felt invisible in comparison.
Strangers would randomly stop my sister to tell her over and over again how pretty, smart, funny, and special she was, while I was left feeling like the awkward twin.
As I got older, the comments didn’t come from random strangers, but from curious peers wondering why, as a twin, I wasn’t as pretty as my sister.
Entering my teen years, instead of curious peers, boys started approaching me in order to try and get closer to my sister.
I never once questioned the reality of this, but accepted that my sister was the cool one and I was… Not.
I had a gap-toothed smile and a mullet, and I had zero cool.
This was a role I took to heart in my friend groups as well, quickly relegating myself to the comfortable role of side-kick. I learned to compare myself to others and to find how I was lacking.
This became a motivating factor as I grew up and strove to prove myself, always working hard and pushing to be as good as I perceived the people around me to be.
Comparing ourselves to others can be a slippery slope that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
I spent so much time focusing on my perceived shortcomings that I failed to recognize my own unique strengths and qualities.
I held myself back by comparing myself to the skills, talents, and abilities of others and not exploring my own innate worth.
This is something that I still struggle with.
I am still learning to stop comparing myself to my sister and others, and start focusing on what makes me special.
It isn’t an easy journey.
I am still learning to embrace my individuality and celebrate what makes me different, to break free from the feeling of being a side-kick in my own life.
By focusing on my passions and goals, and appreciating my own talents and abilities, I am working to carve out my own path and create a life that is uniquely mine.
It’s easy to feel like the side-kick in our own lives, especially when we’re constantly comparing ourselves to others.
But the truth is, there’s room for everyone.
We can each of us be our own superhero in our own stories, while also playing the supporting role in the lives of the people we love.
We can be both.
We just need to be willing to embrace it.
You never know, you might just inspire someone else to do the same.
Always,
Your Trusted Friend ❤︎
