For awhile, I tried to keep up with everyone. 

I made sure I got invited to all the important events by all the right people.

I only hung out with people who had the right status.

Laughed at all of the jokes at other people’s expense.

Walked into places with groups acting like we owned the place.

Pretended to have fun.

But secretly thinking about all of the things I would rather be doing.

The people I would rather be with.

It was draining.

Maybe you have never felt that way before.

Maybe you enjoy keeping up with everyone.

You might even be the one everyone else is trying to keep up with.

That’s ok too. That is completely fine.

But maybe you’re like me.

Maybe you want something different.

Maybe instead of partying, 

you want to watch the sunset and go stargazing.

Instead of being invited to all the right events,

you want to go to Friday night football games and town celebrations.

Instead of hanging out with people who help your social status, 

you want to spend time with people you don’t have to try with.

Rather than making crude jokes about other people,

you want to be with people who make you genuinely laugh.

Maybe you want to talk about joys, struggles, life.

Go ahead.

You don’t need my permission, but I’m giving it to you anyway.

Find people who are looking for the same thing (I promise you, they are out there),

and make it happen.

Plan a road trip.

Set up a card night.

Find a new recipe to cook together.

Go to all the town events.

Have a bonfire.

Go stargazing.

Talk about something deeper.

Stop draining yourself by trying to keep up with everyone else.

Instead, let people in who will fill you up.