We live in a time where words like “boundaries,” “triggers,” and “emotional labour” have become part of everyday conversations—a testament to breaking the stigma around mental health. But has this progress come with a cost? Too often, therapy language is wielded not to heal but to deflect, shifting blame or shutting down others. And in the rush to embrace vulnerability, we’ve developed a troubling habit of dismissing pain we don’t deem “real enough.”

The truth is, pain isn’t up for debate. Nor is there a one-size-fits-all formula for a meaningful life. With over 7 billion people on this planet, how could there be? What’s meaningful for one—working tirelessly to build a better future, chasing personal dreams, or embracing a quiet life—might not resonate with another. And that’s okay.

As Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Our paths are as unique as our struggles, and the journey isn’t about judging others or competing over whose pain matters more. It’s about finding connection, giving grace, and, as Jim Carr wisely put it, learning to enjoy the passage of time.