SIMPLY PUT, I AM ME

    

There’s nothing extraordinary about me—nothing special, different, or unique. There’s nothing you’ll discover about me that you couldn’t find in someone else. I am who I am simply because I exist. I have many flaws, shortcomings, and obstacles I’ll never conquer, but I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. I like who I am, flaws and all.

Sure, my father was famous, but plenty of people have famous fathers. I grew up in Beverly Hills, but countless others have lived there, will live there, or dream of living there. Even my learning disability isn’t unique, nor are my shyness, lack of social skills, or insecurities. Millions of people deal with these same struggles.

When people tell me, "You deserve greatness," or "You’re entitled to happiness," or "You’ll be successful someday," I usually nod and agree out of politeness. But deep down, I don’t believe in being entitled to anything. I believe you only get what you’re willing to work for. Nothing more, nothing less.

When my father passed away and left me nothing from his millions, I wasn’t upset. Of course, it hurt to be cast out of his life, but not because of the money. What I mourned wasn’t the wealth—it was the time I didn’t get to spend with him. I never felt entitled to anything he owned, nor did I expect a penny. I knew enough about my father to expect exactly what I got: nothing.

I’m not someone extraordinary. I’m just a simple person, doing the best I can, living an ordinary life—and I’m happy with that. I always strive to be better, to learn, and to grow because there’s always something new to discover about myself and the world. But my goal in life isn’t to be “better” than anyone else. My goal is to be content with who I am, day by day, moment by moment. To accept that we all have our own building blocks to work with.

The child I once was is still the person I grew up to be, if that makes sense. I carry that child’s curiosity, that child’s resilience, and that child’s capacity to grow into the person I am today.

The bottom line? Life is what you make it. You should only get what you’re willing to put into it. You shouldn’t rely on anyone to give you what you think you’re owed, and you should never feel entitled to anything. Not all days are sunny. Not all skies are clear. Not all paths lead somewhere grand. And not all love lasts forever. But that’s the beauty of life. I accept who I am—flaws and all—and I’m ready to accept the rainy days still to come.

T