While TikTok trends always seem to come and go, one that has stuck around is the “main character” trend. This movement most notably began with TikTok user @ashlaward short video clip, in which she poetically expressed the importance of being the main character over an uplifting harp melody played by TikTok user @hanna_harpist. In this 30 second clip, she says, “you have to start romanticizing your life. You have to start thinking of yourself as the main character. Because if you don’t, life will continue to pass you by and all the little things that make it so beautiful will continue to go unnoticed. So take a second, and look around and realize that it’s a blessing for you to be here right now.”
This sound repopularized Main Character Syndrome as users started to embrace the idea of being the main character. Surfacing its way as a compliment through the comment section of others’ posts, being the main character meant that you were doing something special. Sooner than later, aesthetic TikTok’s of tropical oases, road trips with friends, stylish outfits and so much more were filled with comments like “main character energy” and “you are the main character.”
You are the Main Character
What’s key about @ashlaward TikTok is the line, “you have to start thinking of yourself as the main character.” The best part is that you already are the main character and all that’s needed to fully embrace that is a mindset change. Just because your life isn’t a Hollywood movie or a bestselling book doesn’t mean that it isn’t special or magical. Find what’s most important to you and pursue your passions in any way that you can. Find the beauty in the small things, slow down and be present in the moment so that you can recognize the beauty that you missed before. While the term “YOLO” is used sarcastically today, it holds true that you do only live once. So, spend that one life prioritizing yourself and what matters most to you. Make the most out of it, the good and even the bad. We all have insecurities that make us beat ourselves down, but recognize that in the bigger picture, you need to be valuable to yourself.
There’s nothing wrong with being a little selfish and taking on a role that gives you the chance to make sure that life is going according to how you want it to. But, don’t get carried away. Always remember that just because you’re the main character of your life, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a supporting character in someone else’s.
The World Doesn’t Revolve Around You
If there’re so many positives around Main Character Syndrome, then why does it sound so scary? The word “syndrome” is usually followed by a list of medical symptoms. While a syndrome isn’t the same as a disease or an illness, the word still causes fear for most people. Urban Dictionary defines Main Character Syndrome as: “a type of condition characterized by one feeling as though they are destined to become the Main Character, through possessing attributes and/or having events happen in their life that cause them to become like the protagonist of any fictional story.”
One of the potential dangers that Main Character Syndrome can have on you is leading you to become narcissistic and inconsiderate to others since you’re too busy obsessing over yourself. In becoming the main character and protagonist of your narrative, everyone else in your life becomes a supporting character or even an antagonist. While there’s no clear line between romanticizing your life and Main Character Syndrome, a line can probably be drawn if being the main character starts to cause more harm than good. This is why it’s important to stay connected to reality and not become obsessed with the storyline of your life, since you’re only the main character of your life, not the whole world.
Romanticize Your Life
Romanticizing your life means romanticizing the small things, not just the big ones. Although you might think that your daily activities such as walking home from work, studying for hours, taking phone calls, and grocery shopping are uninteresting, I’m here to tell you that those things can be so much more interesting than you think. Your daily life doesn’t have to be aesthetic like we see on TikTok, but it doesn’t have to be so mundane either. Here’s an easy way you can romanticize your walk home from work. Listen to music while you take a longer route to change things up, smile at the people you pass by, breathe in the fresh air and maybe even try a new coffee shop. Even though you might not live somewhere with breathtaking sunsets or have the perfect group of friends, the point of romanticizing your life is to romanticize it as it is, and if as the main character you want or need a change, then make one!
As you can see, the main character trend is a TikTok movement worth following so don’t pass it over like the rest. Prioritize yourself and romanticize your life so that you can see the beauty and goodness around you. But, stay true to yourself and don’t get lost in your pursuit. You are already the main character, so start treating yourself like one!