"هیچکس نمی‌داند که برخی افراد انرژی زیادی صرف می‌کنند تا فقط معمولی باشند"

Sometimes, just being "normal" can take a lot of effort for some people. Think about it—what's normal for you might be a huge mountain for someone else to climb. The core idea here is that the daily grind, which many take for granted, can require a huge amount of energy for others. It's like running a marathon just to keep up with everyone else's stroll in the park.

Historically, this quote might speak to a time when mental health wasn't as openly discussed as it is today. People with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues often had to put on a brave face and act like everything was fine, even when it wasn't. This isn't just about mental health, though. It could be about anyone who feels different for whatever reason—maybe someone struggling financially, dealing with a chronic illness, or living in a new country and trying to blend in.

Let’s bring this idea to life with a concrete example. Picture Sarah, a high school student with social anxiety. For her, just getting through a school day is like climbing Everest. She wakes up and immediately feels a knot in her stomach, but she gets out of bed and puts on her "normal" mask. She goes to class, tries to participate, and eats lunch in the cafeteria, all while managing the constant hum of anxiety in the back of her mind. By the time she gets home, she's exhausted—not just from schoolwork, but from the sheer effort of appearing normal.

So how do we apply this wisdom? First, let's practice empathy. When someone seems off, rather than judging, let's consider that they might be expending all their energy just to appear okay. You don’t need to solve their problems—sometimes just understanding and offering a kind word can make a huge difference.

Now, imagine a scenario that illustrates this. Picture a busy office. There's John, who always seems to be the first one in and the last one out. Most people think he's just really dedicated, but what they don't know is that John has a learning disability. Just keeping up with the workload takes him twice as long as everyone else. He has strategies and tools to help him cope, but it’s exhausting. Still, he keeps at it because he doesn’t want to be seen as different or less capable.

In this setting, a co-worker who understands this might occasionally check in with John, offer to review a tricky document with him, or just say, "Hey, you’re doing a great job." Small gestures can mean the world to someone expending tremendous energy just to stay afloat.

So next time you encounter someone who seems to be struggling, take a moment to consider what might be going on beneath the surface. Remember, what looks like "normal" to you might be a Herculean effort for someone else. And if you’re the one expending that energy just to keep up, give yourself some grace. It's okay to admit that sometimes, just being okay takes a lot of work.