Truths About Life We Can All Learn From
Everyone is going to experience life differently, and no person's path is the exact same as another's, but that doesn't mean there aren't lessons to be learned that are valuable to everyone.
There's always a takeaway from anything that happens in life, even if you can't see what it is at the time, and sometimes you need a little bit of help to figure out what the lesson is. Learning from other people's experiences and listening to advice is a great way to better yourself.
Learn To Listen First
When you're having a conversation with someone, be mindful of if you're actually listening, or if you're just waiting until you have your chance to respond. Be a person that others can feel confident talking to or confiding in.
Success Won't Make You Happy
You can't rely on any sort of possession or accomplishment to make you happy. We all fall into the trap of "if I can achieve this then I'll be happy," but you could be happy now regardless of whatever you're working towards. Aim to be happy and successful, not unhappy until you succeed.
Life Isn't Fair
It sucks, but it's the truth. Not everyone is given equal opportunities in life, and you can't change that. Don't dwell on the inequality. Focus on what you can control and what you're able to influence to make your situation the best it can be.
Believe People When They Show You Who They Are
People are eventually going to show you who they really are, but if you are not ready to believe them, you're the only one that's going to end up suffering.
The Weekend Can't Be Your Only Time For Joy
Establishing a work-life balance is really important for anyone who works or goes to school full-time, but the problems arise when your "balance" is working 12-hour days Monday to Friday and only taking a break on weekends.
Do Your Best Not To Judge Others
Even if they're judging you, you don't have to judge them. Everyone brings their own struggles and baggage to the table, and you might not always see it. Think of all the things you deal with on a daily basis that you don't publicize to the world.
Cynicism Is Too Easy
Being a cynic or seeing the negative in any situation is too easy, so challenge yourself to see the positives too. You don't have to be positive every second of the day, but you don't want to turn into the Grinch, either.
The Easy Way Is Overrated
It's cliche, but it really is true: anything worth having is worth working for. Taking the easy way out of a situation doesn't do you any favors. You'll just appreciate something more if you have to work for it.
Holding Onto Something Only Hurts Yourself
It sounds harsh, but whatever it is that's holding you back, you need to get over it. Holding a grudge against someone only hurts you, and letting a fear hold you back only damages your own experience.
You Have To Be Your Own Knight In Shining Armor
If you're relying on someone else to "save" you from your life at any point, you're going to be out of luck. The only person who has the power to save you or change your life is you.
Stop Canceling Plans All The Time
It's okay to cancel plans every once in a while, after a long day or a particularly rough time, but if you continue to constantly be the friend who flakes on plans, you're eventually not going to have any friends to cancel on.
People Will Remember How You've Made Them Feel
We've all seen the Maya Angelou quote on Pinterest about how people will forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. While you might be sick of seeing it on someone's Instagram story, it's the truth.
What You Want Is The Only Thing That Matters
Within reason. We're talking about when it comes to your life and the major decisions you'll have to make, like your career path. In the end, the only thing that matters is what you want because you're the only person that knows what's going to make you happy.
You've Grown More Than You Realize
The possibilities of how to change your life are infinite, even if you feel stuck where you are right now. If you look back on yourself a year ago or two years ago, you'll realize you've already come further than you would've thought possible.
You're The Reason You're Wasting Your Life
You're never going to be fully ready to do something until you actually do it. If you're waiting for a time to be 100% ready before you make a career change or decide to move cities, you're going to waiting a long time.
You Don't Deserve The Love Of Anyone Else
The only person whose love you deserve is your own, but when it comes to everyone else, you're going to have to earn their love. You're not automatically entitled to it.
Mistakes Aren't the Same Thing As Failures
If you're feeling like you've failed something or like you're a "failure," consider the situation. Is your failure actually just one or two mistakes that you can learn from for the next time around?
How You Look Doesn't Actually Matter
It matters to you, yes, but what matters most in life isn't what you look like, but rather your character. Your physical attributes do not make you a good person or a moral person, but your qualities do.
Not Everything Is A Personal Attack
The sooner you learn to not take things personally, the better you're going to feel. Before feeling defensive, think about a comment someone made to you or criticism you received, and consider if it was actually an attack or if it could be helpful to you.
You Can't Change Anyone Else
Just like someone else doesn't have the power to change you, you don't have the ability to change anyone else. Relationships, whether they're with friends or partners or family, can't be based around you trying to change someone.
