Fear

“When I wake up, I am afraid somebody else might take my place”.

The Neighbourhood - Afraid

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I have this fear that haunts me day and night that someone might take my place. I have to be the best student in every class. I have to be ‘that’ pretty friend who everyone loves, and I have to be a better person who excels in everything. This takes a toll on my mental health. I constantly doubt my self-worth and wonder if I am capable enough. The constant worry and anxiety about someone replacing me is the worst feeling. I am so afraid of failure, being overlooked and overshadowed by someone, that I do not realise how it is affecting me. In this war that I have with myself, I forget how everyone is different and how some people might feel the same things as me. Each one of us is built differently- both physically and mentally. Everyone is beautiful, smart, and interesting in their own way. Will someone take my place in some aspects? Yes! But the thing that I have learnt is that I should not compare myself with anyone but rather focus on myself and try to be a better person. Having good company is very important in life- people who help you grow as a person and value you as their friend. I know that I can be more, and I know my worth. I will not let the worst version of me get the best version of me. From now on, I will not be afraid of waking up and seeing somebody else take my place.

 

Pragati Jha

9D