As we get older, we often overlook our personal growth. Whilst it’s easy to see it in others, it is only upon close introspection that one can notice it in oneself. We often grow up to be very different from how we visualized our future selves when we were younger.
That’s not a good thing or a bad thing. Its just how life is. Maybe you thought you were going to be a doctor, and now, once you’ve been through the education system, you’ve realized that just isn’t for you. Maybe you just wanted to be a princess. (Hey, we can’t all be Meghan Markle, but a girl can dream).
Either way, another trip around the sun means another year of memories, dreams, goals, achievements, failures (in whatever light you choose to view that word), and ultimately, growth. Here are 17 things I’ve learned up until now.
- As cliche as it sounds, being comfortable in your own skin and accepting yourself, no matter what stage of life you’re going through, is one of the (if not the) biggest contributing factors to your happiness.
- Trust your gut. That thing knows what’s up.
- You don’t have to be best friends with every single person you’ll ever meet. And that’s okay.
- Things are not always going to go the way you planned. That is also okay. And a totally normal part of life.
- With time, you’ll learn who your true friends are. It’ll be hard, but also worth it.
- Don’t underestimate your own strength and the ability of time to heal.
- Sometimes, when you think you’re really going to miss someone, you realize that life goes on and if they’re meant to be in your life, they will be.
- If it’s meant for you, it’ll come for you. (Really been living by this this year. It can be hard. But its the truth!)
- Just because someone is older than you doesn’t mean they’re right.
- It’s okay to have close friends with different opinions. Every debate and discussion doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t really) end with the other person having completely changed their opinion.
- If you’re unhappy about something, speak up. Sometimes (but not all the time) that’s all that’s needed to make some change.
- Not everyone is going to like you. That’s okay. You weren’t made to be loved by everyone.
- Social media is not, I repeat NOT, real life.
- The more comfortable you become with yourself, the less power other people’s opinions will have over you.
- Happiness doesn’t just come naturally to everyone. And its virtually impossible to explain to someone who’s never experienced it. Be kind. Be patient. Be supportive.
- Sometimes, being kind is more important than being right, contrary to what your ego might tell you.
- It’s okay to say no to things that just aren’t your thing. It doesn’t make you less cool/teenager-ish/attractive/whatever other rubbish people like to tell us. Just do you. Be yourself. It’s the best thing you can be.
I want to leave you with these wise words that really resonate with me and the kind of life I’m working to build.
“i have what i have and i am happy. i’ve lost what i’ve lost and i am still happy.” – outlook / Rupi Kaur
Nabeela x