The pressure to be "special" can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction. Here's why celebrating being ordinary can be a much healthier and fulfilling approach:

Release from unrealistic expectations:

The constant pursuit of extraordinary achievements can create a sense of never being enough. Recognizing that most of life is made up of ordinary moments allows us to release ourselves from those impossible standards.

Finding joy in the everyday:

Ordinary moments, like a morning coffee, a walk in the park, or a conversation with a friend, hold immense value. By appreciating these moments, we can find joy and contentment in our daily lives.

Reduced comparison and envy:

Social media and societal pressures often fuel the desire to be exceptional. Focusing on our own lives and appreciating what we have reduces the tendency to compare ourselves to others and experience envy.

Increased gratitude:

Celebrating the ordinary fosters gratitude for the simple things in life. This shift in perspective can lead to greater happiness and well-being.

Acceptance and self-compassion:

Accepting our ordinariness allows us to be kinder to ourselves. We can let go of self-criticism and embrace our imperfections.

The ordinary is extraordinary:

Many people have begun to realize that the consistent, every day experiences are what make up a life. And that by appreciating those experiences, those ordinary moments, that those moments become extraordinary.

In essence, celebrating being ordinary is about finding beauty and value in the present moment, rather than constantly chasing an elusive ideal.

Many of us struggle with the desire to feel special. We often operate under the unconscious belief that being special makes us better, and that living an extraordinary life is inherently superior. Whether this sense of distinction comes from fame, social media validation, professional success, or childhood achievements like being the head girl (which, for the record, I wasn’t—not that I’m bitter about it), the need to stand out can deeply influence our actions and ambitions.

This craving for specialness may shape our relationships, leading us to seek partners who make us feel exceptional and dismiss those who don’t. It may be the driving force behind late nights at work, striving for perfection instead of settling for “good enough.” It might even be the reason behind waking up at dawn to train for a marathon or master a yoga pose.

Ironically, the pursuit of a “special” life can distance us from a genuinely fulfilling one. It’s easy to obsess over LinkedIn promotions and social status, losing sight of the meaningful moments already present in our daily lives. The better life we long for may already be unfolding before us—we just fail to see it while chasing an idealized version of success.

This unconscious longing to feel special makes us vulnerable. It can lead us into relationships built on illusions—falling in love not with a person, but with how they make us feel about ourselves. Someone who makes you feel like the most special person in the world can just as easily make you feel insignificant. And when that happens, you might believe it’s true.

There’s a profound relief in finding a partner who embraces you as you are—ordinary, unembellished, real. At first, it may seem dull if you’re accustomed to the highs and lows of being idolized and then discarded. But in time, you might realize that “boring” is just a misinterpretation of something much more valuable. You may have found someone who sees you and loves you for your true self. It may not always feel thrilling, but it can feel grounding—like coming home.