I can’t cry about having a lot on my plate when my goal was to eat
Couple days ago, I read a simple quote that said, “I Can’t Cry About Having a Lot on My Plate When My Goal Was to Eat” That quote was short, but it really struck me. I remember that moment clearly because it led me to one realization — the life I am living now, with all its challenges, demands, and pressures, is the life I once dreamed of.
At that time, I was sitting alone, feeling so exhausted after a long day full of assignment. It felt as if all my energy had been drained. I almost wanted to give up and let myself sink into the complaints piling up in my mind. But behind it all, a realization emerged: I had once prayed to reach this point. I once hoped that my life would be more meaningful, with more opportunities and more challenges. Now that all of it is right in front of me, do I have the right to complain?
I remember clearly how I challenged myself at every step. I made plans, set goals, and worked hard to achieve them. I wanted to be someone with a story worth telling, and that meant I had to go down a winding road. Every time I chose a difficult path, I understood the risks that came with it. And even though it’s exhausting, I know that this is the price of the big dreams I’m pursuing.
I can’t deny that there are days when this burden feels unbearable. There are times when I feel completely alone, where no one seems to understand how hard it is to balance work, personal dreams, relationships, and the expectations others place on me. Sometimes, I question whether all of this is worth it. But with every question, there’s always an answer: I chose this path because I wanted it.
This full plate is the result of my own passion. I wanted to achieve more, to be better, and to live with courage. I wanted to feel the meaning behind every struggle, every hard-fought step forward. I want to look back on the path I’ve traveled and say, “I did it, and it was worth it.”
Complaining might feel easier, and letting go of the burden might free me from momentary pressure, but I can’t do that without betraying my own dreams and efforts. I can’t forget that every step, every tough decision I’ve made, is part of what gives my life greater meaning.
Behind every small success lies a story of struggle that others may not always see. They might only see the result: a career that’s slowly advancing, achievements that look impressive, or success that appears on the surface. But what they don’t know are the sleepless nights, the long days filled with anxiety, and the battles against self-doubt. I know I’m not alone in this. Everyone who wants more than just an ordinary life has likely felt the same. Everyone fighting to realize their big dreams understands that a full plate is part of the game.
Sometimes, I have to remind myself that life isn’t about reaching some finish line, but about how I navigate each challenge that arises. The toughest moments are proof that I’m growing, that I’m living the life I once dreamed of. And even though this path sometimes leaves me tired and doubtful, I’d rather keep moving forward. I’d rather face each challenge, even with a full plate, than live in an emptiness without purpose.
I believe that as long as I keep moving forward, this plate will always be full. There will be new obstacles, new responsibilities, and new opportunities. And maybe I’ll never feel completely “satisfied.” But isn’t this what makes life more meaningful? That every day, there’s something new I can achieve, a new step I can take, and a new story I can create?
So, even though it sometimes feels heavy, I won’t cry or complain because my plate is full. This is the life I chose. This is the dream I am chasing. And I’m grateful for every challenge that comes my way, because it’s proof that I’m still living in the dream I once built for myself.
