to step back and join the crowd instead

Ever dreamt of being the guy or girl who owns the latest Nokia handphone or Macbook? The one who owns the coolest bike, car, house or the biggest bank account? At some point of our lives, we want to be one step ahead - to own something that someone else doesn't have - to be the talk of the town where everyone's talking about how you have something that everyone else envies. Staying ahead is a big deal in a world where everyone wants to be the best in everything - best in school, best in behavior, best parent, best everything - you get the picture.

Why am I making it such a big deal about wanting to be a step ahead of everyone else? It's because I think that it could be detrimental to your health! Detrimental to my health??? Wait up, something doesn't sound right here - just because "I" want to be a step ahead of others could be damaging to my health? Yes... my (Nathaniel) answer to that is yes, yes and yes again.

Here's why:
1. The guy who's 'the best' or owns the 'best and newest' always worries about losing out. A new gadget appears every few weeks/months and you can never ever keep up! What's worse is that they worry about losing or damaging their prized possessions so much that not many of them get a good night's rest!

2. The guy who's 'the best' or owns the 'best and newest' who's ahead of everyone else seldom has true friends. All his peers are fellow 'competitors' to him and "none are really trustworthy enough" to be his true friend. What a lonely life! Geez!

3. The guy who's 'the best' or owns the 'best and newest' rarely has a carefree life...

Is that how you want to live your life? All stressed out? In cycling races, it isn't too often that the one who takes the lead in the beginning is the one who wins the race - all too often, he hasn't got the nerves of steel required to keep his anxiety in check and pace up. The winner usually would come from pack that trails the leader. This pack moves swiftly together - everyone can see each other and it isn't so stressful.

I think that life is to be lived to its fullest in joy, not in stress... what do you think? I say, make your choice today - take a step back, join the pack and enjoy your life :)