Oops I… want to be the main character

Today, people love to say ‘be the main character’, but what does that actually mean? Should we always want to be the main character? What if I relate more to the loving sidekick or the sarcastic comedic-relief? 

For most of my life, I’ve been content to be the observer. The photographer behind the camera, the organizer behind the party, the writer behind the story. I want to capture other people’s stories in a beautiful way and have been dedicating a large portion of my time in an effort to ensure that I am capable of doing it justly. At some point I have to stop and think though, when do I get to be at the center of the narrative? When do I get to be the protagonist of my daydreams?

There are so many people around me with incredible stories; stories of triumph, adventure, love and loss, but they think of themselves as side characters in their own lives.

Why is it that we don’t see ourselves as interesting? 

So often people look at me and tell me that I’m living their dream life. So often I look at others and think the same thing. I think it’s about time we stop looking at others stories, written in different times, with different characters, and wish that they were our own. We are the authors of our book and we need to put ourselves at the center of it.

Down in history

It’s easy to read history books and think WOW, those people actually did something. What is a history textbook if not a novel? What we forget are all of the side characters that made those grandiose stories possible in the first place. To those crucial characters, to us as the mass, the ‘hero’s’ come into our lives as a flurry of movement and leave in the same manner. We also forget that some of the best stories are set in simplicity. Instead of waiting for someone’s else’s cameo in your life, focus on your character’s development and what chapter will be next for them.

I know my name won’t be etched in children’s memories when they recite facts and people from class, but ensuring that my story is documented, is interesting, is inspiring, is important to me. I’m learning though, that perhaps being the main character is not about throwing yourself into every adventure or opportunity that comes your way. Maybe it’s not about having an Indiana Jones-esque life or being in the World Guinness book. Maybe the thrill and benefit of thinking of yourself as the main character in your story is not for future generations, but for you to actually start living in the moment and romanticizing your own life.

Reflect a bit, notice the beautiful intricacies of the little things, smell the roses. All lives are fascinating because every individual is unique. Be proud of your own story and your life and if you want to add a crazy new chapter, do it! But don’t think that not having narrowly escaped the jaws of a crocodile makes your life any less interesting. The still quietness of normalcy and routine is something that many seek, so enjoy it and find delight in it.

Me?

As for me? I’m a bit nutty so chances are I will fully continue to throw myself into different situations, but it is an important reminder for me to love the Sunday mornings just as much as the Saturday nights and to focus on myself and my story.

So take a second to ask yourself, “Do you want to buy the book or do you want to be the story?”. Me? I want to be the story.