The standards We Create
When I was young, I once earned fifty kyats in a day as pocket money. At that time, I imagined that receiving a hundred kyats in a single day would be the pinnacle of joy for me. I thought that reaching this milestone would be the happiest moment of my life.
However, when I finally received that hundred kyats, I was overjoyed. Among my friends who earned only fifty kyats a day, I was seen as a hero. When asked how much I earned, I would proudly show off the hundred kyats with a broad smile.
But as days went by, I no longer found happiness in receiving a hundred kyats.When I asked for two hundred kyats and didn’t get it, I felt dissatisfied and disgruntled. I complained to my mother, expressing how in this world, a hundred kyats was no longer enough to bring joy.
Later, when I saw a homeless person at the street, I gave her a hundred kyats I received as my pocket money. I was hoping for the complaint that I only gave her 100 kyats, I was so wrong. The sight of the hundred kyats note made her overjoyed, and she showered me with blessings.
From that moment on, I started to understand that we all have our own standards of happiness. When I got the distinction English and scored a total of 443 points in my matriculation exams, I was overjoyed, thinking it was as expected. Yet, a nearby girl who had achieved distinctions in four subjects was indifferent, and I found myself questioning why she didn’t celebrate as I did. Later I realized that she wanted six distinctions, not just four.
Even though we had done well in the exams, the people around us seemed to express dissatisfaction. My achievements seemed insignificant to them. I, however, stopped worrying about their standards and focused on my own.
The truth is, we all create our own standards, whether we are aware of them or not.
These standards are often shaped by our environment and family background. However, it’s important to remember that we can never fully align with the standards we set for ourselves.
In college, a friend and I both applied for a team leader position, but the requirements were exceedingly high. My friend became disheartened, believing that we lacked the qualifications to succeed. He eventually gave up, feeling that he couldn’t continue working in a lower role and saying he won't be happy anymore. Meanwhile, I continued in a lower role and managed to excel, with people often praising me.
This experience made me realize that these standards, which are often created by people, cannot fully define one’s worth. My friend felt he couldn’t meet his standards, and this perception led him to stop trying. As we grow older, we come to understand that these standards are created not only by individuals but also by large institutions and societies.
Even in societies where integrity and excellence are highly valued, I find myself sometimes straddling the line between perceived success and failure. Nations and religions also have their standards, which often categorize actions as good or bad.
While it’s crucial to strive for alignment with societal standards, it’s equally important to recognize that life is inherently imperfect. Success and failure coexist. When we feel we are falling short of these standards and feel inadequate, it’s vital to remember that these standards are human-made. They do not define our entire existence.
By accepting this perspective, we can find more joy in our lives. So, when you encounter people who seem to be striving to meet their standards, remember they are merely trying to fit into a mold created by others. Life is a delicate balance, and sometimes, it’s just about rolling with the punches and navigating the complexities of our human experiences.
