Life Lessons: Part II

If it’s one thing about me, I’m going to find the lesson in whatever situation I experience. I also try my best to learn from others so if I ever end up in the same or a similar position, I can think of how to navigate it.

I shared some solid life lessons here before but as I go through life, meet new people and have new experiences, the lessons bring themselves to the fore. It’s been a wild life on this Earth so far and yet, I remain open and hopeful that everything is (and has been) working out for my highest good, even when it hurts.

In addition to the fact that you should read everything that requires your signature and you should always know where your money ends up, here are some things I’ve learned over time.

1. It’s perfectly fine to want to look your best and put yourself together well. When you look good, you feel good. Exercise if you so desire. Wear a cute outfit. Try whatever you want with your hair.
2. You don’t always have to stay put. If you don’t like where you are then move. You are not a tree.
3. Boundaries are important even if they hurt you to enforce them because they teach people how to treat you and teach you how to stand up for yourself.
4. The people who love you will always show you in one way or another. Just tell them what you need and be open to helping them get there if they need guidance.
5. Many of us need help to heal from the things we don’t talk about. Ask for help and give it as often as you can.
6. Remember to go outside, you are not furniture. You’d be amazed at how much fresh air and sunshine can help with your mental health.
7. Dance in the rain when the mood strikes you. You’ll feel better. It slaps even harder when you do it to music you truly enjoy.
8. Heartbreak is a real thing. Don’t minimize it. If your heart gets broken (and it will), take your time. It might feel like the pain will never go away — and in some cases, it probably won’t, it will just hurt differently.
9. People will take everything you have then turn around and say you gave them nothing. It will hurt, but it will show you how to be more discerning. Pay attention.
10. Be honest about the role you play in your own suffering. That’s the first step to getting better.
11. Learning and education will always be fundamental. Learn as much as you can from as many people as you can.
12. Friend circles will change and that’s okay.
13. Believe your mother when she says “you will understand when you get older”.
14. Forgive your parents if you can. At the end of the day, they’re human and they did the best they could at the time.
15. There are worse things than infidelity and we don’t focus on those things nearly enough.
16. Technology is great, but still, write things down when you can. It’s easier to remember your own handwriting and it helps to maintain your penmanship.
17. Get in touch with your body early and stay in touch. It will help you pick up on when something isn’t right and could save your life.
18. Sometimes “minding your business” is more dangerous than speaking up.
19. Laugh often. Drink water. Use sunscreen. All these actions maintain physical beauty.
20. People sometimes won’t remember what you did for them yesterday, but they will remember what you didn’t do today.
21. Make peace with your past. You can’t go back and change it anyway.
22. It’s okay to put the weight of daily life down every now and then and enjoy yourself. After all, you’re here for a good time (and hopefully a long time) but we know it won’t be the whole time.
23. It’s your party, you can cry if you want to.
24. The length of a relationship doesn’t always signify its strength. Someone can be in your life for 10 weeks and have a bigger and more positive impact than someone you’ve known for 10 years.
25. Spend some time getting to know yourself. That’s the only person you’ll be with forever.
26. It’s okay to be afraid. Do it anyway. You’ll thank yourself later for the experience.
27. Spend quality time with friends (and family), they won’t always be around and you will miss them when they’re not.
28. Death is hard and it’s okay not to know what to say or do when someone passes.
29. Exploring religion and spirituality for yourself can bring you closer to the divine.
30. Acknowledge your missteps and apologise to the people you’ve hurt if the space is there to do so. If not, forgive yourself for however you hurt them.
31. Learn how to do everything you can for yourself. It’s great to not need to do it all alone and chances are you won’t have to, but just in case.
32. Not every opportunity is aligned with your purpose. Know what to keep and what to pass to someone else.