Albert Einstein once said, “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” How often do we judge ourselves—or others—by the wrong standards?
How often do we believe we should climb a tree when we’re meant to swim?
See yourself for who you truly are. Explore the journey of self-discovery. How else do we grow?
The truth is, each of us is our own. You can’t compare your growth to someone else’s. You are not meant to be them, and they are not meant to be you. Some people thrive in the spotlight, sharing their lives boldly for all to see, while others find their strength in private moments, nurturing their growth quietly. Neither is wrong. Both are necessary.
It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game, measuring ourselves against someone else’s timeline, achievements, or personality. But just as every flower blooms in its own time and place, so do we. The garden of life is vibrant because of its variety, not its uniformity.
If we think about flowers for a moment: some stretch tall toward the sun, like sunflowers basking boldly in the light. Others bloom quietly in the shade, like lilies of the valley, hidden yet exquisite in their own way. And then there are flowers like the rare corpse flower, which might take years—sometimes decades—before it reveals its unique bloom.
Instead of judging or comparing yourself, embrace who you are and the unique way you are growing. Your purpose isn’t to mimic another person’s path but to walk your own with authenticity. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be, and that your growth is unfolding as it should.
And remember: the same applies to others. Just as you wouldn’t expect a fish to climb a tree, don’t hold others to impossible or unfair expectations.
The world doesn’t need you to be like anyone else. It just needs you to be fully, beautifully, and unapologetically you.
The Wild Gems 