Have you ever seen a duck gliding smoothly on a pond? Looks effortless, doesn’t it? Now imagine what is happening underneath – its little webbed feet paddle like crazy to stay afloat. That’s us. All of us.
No one has figured it out…not even the people who pretend they do.
As a child, I believed that adults had all the answers. They knew how taxes worked, what “mutual funds are subject to market risks” actually meant, and why washing whites and colors separately was such a big deal. Basically, I thought turning 18 – oh hell, let’s be generous here, turning 21 came with a secret manual on ‘How to be an Adult.’ Even if it did, half of us wouldn’t read it (we’d just agree to the terms and conditions)
Then I grew up. And well…no manual arrived. Instead, I found myself Googling ‘how to boil an egg’ and calling customer care to ask what my PIN number was (yes, really).
The real epiphany came when I started observing other so-called grown-ups — the ones who looked like they had life under control. That perfectly curated Social Media Influencer? Cropped out the chaos just beyond the frame. The boss who gave inspiring speeches but forgot his wedding anniversary. The friend who swore by fitness but had an emergency stash of chips. The neighbor who confidently advised on investments but couldn’t figure out her WiFi password.
The truth is, nobody really knows what they are doing. So, we fumble, we improvise,we pretend to be professionals at this thing called life while secretly hoping no one notices that we’re just as lost as they are. It turns out we are just all winging it. Some people are just better at faking it.
Now, when I meet someone who seems to have their life perfectly together, I just smile. Because I know that, somewhere in their life, there is probably an expired credit card, an unanswered email from 2019, or a sock that disappeared in the wash.
So the next time you feel clueless, relax. You are in good company. None of us knows what we are doing—we are just improvising and hoping for the best.
I am participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z, and this is my post for the theme, ‘Of Epiphanies & Eyerolls‘.
Relatable and brilliantly witty! Life is just one big improv show, and we’re all making it up as we go!
Very reassuring. I was a dreadful fumbler too most of my life. Scared of people. Now I know better. You’re right.
You have playfully put forth some really hard facts.
Some of my personal takeaways were:-
1. Nobody can truly master life. Some people simply have the advantage of drawing from their own or others’ past experiences.
2. Nobody really cares to ‘read the manual’ until they’re standing at the edge of the cliff.
3. We’re all surviving on a daily basis.
Loved reading this!
There are no manuals that work, do they? Life is one rollercoaster that keeps rolling and coming to a halt. Social media has made the world seem so rosy for the chosen few. But, in reality, its all a mask people are wearing. It’s a huge masquerade we all are gliding into. If you are mindful you see the face behind the mask or else you carry on the charade.
So true! Beneath the skin, we’re all the same. Whenever I have to meet or speak with a stranger professionally and feel intimidated, I remind myself of this simple truth—it instantly boosts my confidence.
I love your writing style. We’re all just winging it, after all. I feel comforted after reading your words, Mayuri. Thanks for sharing.
Reading this made me feel so light, to be honest! Yes, many are just good at faking it. Brilliant writing as always, Mayuri!
True we all are sailing in the same boat, trying to figure out life one day at a time and sometimes nothing for days.
This is such a relatable and refreshing read! The humor and lighthearted tone make it instantly engaging, and the duck analogy is a perfect way to illustrate the chaos beneath the surface. The personal anecdotes add authenticity, making readers feel seen and understood. It’s reassuring to be reminded that no one really has it all figured out—we’re all just doing our best. A delightful, feel-good piece that leaves you smiling!
“We are just all winging it. Some people are just better at faking it.”
This needs to be a T-shirt. lol , loved reading this Mayuri.
I also believed adults had all the answers. Later, as an adult, I shifted that belief to God. At least you found enlightenment before I did! Your sarcastic philosophy is excellent. Best of luck for your A2Z challenge.
Life keeps surprising us and this series is going to be a proof of that. Loved to know how you called customer care to ask your pin. Many of us have done the same, I guess.
I was told by someone a few years back that not knowing something is the best place to be. It was so liberating to realize that I didn’t need to have all the answers. This was such a fun read 🙂