"L'univers n'est pas à l'extérieur de toi. Regarde en toi-même ; tout ce que tu désires, tu l'es déjà."

This quote talks about how everything you need in life—your strengths, your purpose, your happiness—is already within you. You don’t have to search the universe for something that completes or validates you because it’s right there inside.

To give you some context, this idea is rooted in various philosophical and spiritual traditions. It’s often associated with the teachings of Rumi, the famous 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic. Rumi’s work is all about understanding the inner self and finding the divine within. In those days, people were on a quest for spiritual enlightenment, and this wisdom was a reminder to seek answers inside rather than in the external world.

Think about this in modern times. Imagine you’re someone who’s constantly chasing after external achievements—whether it’s job promotions, academic accolades, or social media likes. You might think that landing that dream job or getting 10,000 followers will finally make you feel successful or happy. But once you get there, the satisfaction is fleeting. It’s like trying to fill a bottomless cup.

Take the example of a young artist named Sarah. She spent years thinking that success meant selling her art for high prices and getting featured in prestigious galleries. She was always anxious and stressed out, fearing she wasn’t good enough. But then, something changed. She decided to focus more on what creating art meant to her personally rather than how others perceived it. She started painting what she loved, not what she thought would sell. Suddenly, she felt more fulfilled and confident. People began to notice her authenticity and passion, and ironically, her work started to gain the recognition she had always dreamed of.

So, how do you apply this in your life? First, stop constantly comparing yourself to others. Social media doesn’t help because it’s a highlight reel of everyone’s best moments. Instead, spend some time understanding what really makes you happy or fulfilled. Is it helping others? Is it creating something? Is it learning new things? Focus on that. Meditation and journaling can be great tools for this kind of self-exploration.

Try this: Every morning, take five minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. Then, write one positive thing about yourself. Over time, you’ll start to see that your sense of self-worth isn’t tied to external achievements but to who you are as a person.

Imagine you’re sitting in a coffee shop, chatting with a friend. Your friend tells you they're feeling lost and unsure about their future. You might remind them of this quote. You’d tell them about Sarah’s story, about how she found her fulfillment not in the external symbols of success but in her passion and authenticity. You’d encourage your friend to look within, figure out what really makes them tick, and pursue that with all their heart.

In the end, the wisdom here is simple but profound: You already have everything you need to be happy and fulfilled. It’s all inside you. You just need to take the time to discover it. So, take a deep breath, look inward, and trust what you find.