Insights and Reflections: 22 Life Lessons I've Learnt So Far

I want to share with you all 22 life lessons that have shaped my perspective on my journey of life so far.

Each lesson has been a steppingstone towards personal growth, understanding, and ultimately, a more fulfilling existence.

1. Thoughts are just thoughts. They don’t have to mean anything, unless you decide that.

Our thoughts are like passing clouds in the sky—just thoughts. They only carry the weight we give them. Remember, not every thought is a fact. You hold the power to decide their significance. It's essential to recognize that the meaning we attach to our thoughts is something we actively choose. Often, automatic thoughts are rooted in our beliefs, but it's crucial to understand that beliefs are not fixed; they can evolve. So, embrace the freedom to reshape your beliefs and, in turn, transform the meaning of your thoughts.

2. You are responsible for your life. Instead of blaming the mirror, take accountability instead.

In life, it's important to remember that you have the power to shape your own path. Instead of pointing fingers at external factors, like a mirror reflecting an image, it's crucial to take responsibility for your actions. If you want things to improve, focus on changing yourself rather than blaming circumstances, other people, or things. The mirror principle suggests that your life mirrors what you believe about yourself, including your thoughts and feelings. By making positive changes within yourself, you can also impact those around you. Shifting your own mindset can lead to positive transformations in relationships and situations.

3. Your romantic relationship reveals who you are. 

In a romantic relationship, you can learn a lot about yourself. It shows your insecurities and reflects how you see and think about yourself. Think of your partner as a mirror – they can show you things about yourself that you might not have noticed. A good relationship helps both of you become better by supporting and encouraging each other to grow and improve as individuals. It's like working together to be the best versions of yourselves.

4. You become who you hang out with. Choose wisely.

The people you spend time with can have a big impact on who you become, so it's important to choose your friends wisely. It's okay to trim down your circle of friends if needed. By being around certain people, you might start thinking like them, picking up their habits, and copying their behaviors. It's a good idea to make friends who support your highest goals and dreams. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on when you succeed and understand you when things get tough. This way, you'll be on a path towards your best self with the right kind of encouragement and support.

5.Sobriety gave me the true peace and happiness that drugs and alcohol couldn’t. 

Instead of relying on substances for temporary relief, sobriety offers lasting contentment and a clearer perspective on what truly matters. It allows you to build meaningful connections, pursue your goals, and experience genuine joy without the negative consequences that come with substance use. Embracing sobriety is a valuable decision that brings not only personal growth but also a deeper, more authentic sense of well-being.

6. Learn to regulate your nervous system. 

It's important to learn how to control your nervous system. When something upsets you, your body might react by wanting to fight, run away, or freeze. If you don't manage this well, you might end up doing things you later wish you hadn't, like spending money without thinking, eating too much, feeling overwhelmed, or using substances to cope. By learning to control your nervous system, you're opening the door to mastering your mind and making better choices.

7. Face your finances. 

Confront your finances head-on. If you're scared of money, it's holding you back from taking control and making it grow. Keep a close eye on your money, invest wisely, and save for the future. Set clear goals to guide your financial decisions. Facing your finances and being specific about your objectives will help you manage your money better and make it work for you.

8. Build financial discipline.

It's important to build financial discipline by being mindful of your spending and saving. Learning to say no is a key skill – not every expense is necessary. Additionally, gaining control over impulsive financial decisions is essential. Remember, the cost of an event doesn't always reflect its true value or the experience it brings. So, making wise financial choices can lead to a more secure and fulfilling financial life.

9. Ideas are good. Execution is better. 

Coming up with great ideas is a good start, but putting them into action is what truly matters. Ideas alone don't get us anywhere; it's the doing that counts. It's like having a recipe but never actually cooking the dish. To make things happen, you need discipline and consistency, like following a recipe step by step. That's how you turn promising thoughts into real accomplishments.

10. Your parents love you. Underneath everything, behind their walls, is just love. They just weren’t taught and exposed to what healthy love is.

In life, I've come to understand some important things. First and foremost, my parents love me and my older brother a lot. Their decision to separate doesn't mean they don't love us. Deep down, there is still a strong foundation of love, but they didn't learn what a healthy relationship looks like.

Their marriage was arranged, and they didn't really get to choose. They sacrificed their own happiness for the sake of the family. When they separated, I felt like they didn't care about my brother and me, but I now realize they were doing their best in the ways they knew.

Even though our family isn't the same as before, It's important to accept and embrace change, understanding that love is still there, just expressed differently now.

11. Feeling Bad does not make you a Bad person. 

It's totally okay to feel bad sometimes, and it doesn't mean you're a bad person. If someone called you "sensitive" and that made you hide your emotions, it could lead to feeling ashamed and even having stronger outbursts later on. Remember, your feelings are important and valid. Just be mindful of how you act when you're emotional, but don't be too hard on yourself for feeling that way. It's perfectly normal.

12. Indecision is a decision in itself. 

Indecision is a kind of decision because when you don't choose, things can stay as they are or take you somewhere you don't like. It's important to set goals and think about the person you want to be or the things you want to experience. Make decisions, or else life might decide for you. So, take charge and choose your path.

13. Use discernment when following people’s advice.

It's important to be careful when taking advice from others. Just because someone is older doesn't mean they always know best. People give advice based on their own experiences, limiting beliefs, traumas and problems, which might not be right for you. Don't just do what others say without thinking. Listen to your inner feelings, trust yourself, and if something doesn't feel right, pay attention to that. Your own instincts are valuable. 

14. Time is an asset. Plan productively and use it wisely.

Time is our valuable treasure. It's important to plan smartly and use it wisely. One helpful approach is using systems like "Time blocking" to organize your tasks. Planning helps boost your productivity, ensuring that you make the most out of your time. If you don't plan, life can zoom by, and you might find yourself in the same place without much progress. It's easy to let things slide, but delaying tasks only makes things harder. So, take charge of your time, plan effectively, and make the most of each moment.

15. Stay true to yourself and your goals.

It's important not to forget who you are. Along the way, you might face criticisms and judgments from people you care about, like family and friends. These doubts can make you question both your journey and your character. Despite what others may think or say, it's crucial to trust yourself—believe in your voice and your mission, even if they don't see it or think you're not good enough. Stay true to yourself and your goals.

16. Build a routine for yourself.

Creating a routine is key for a better life. Start by setting a consistent sleep schedule to kickstart your day and wind down at night. Craft a routine that makes you feel good and helps you grow. Having structure in your life is like having a roadmap – it keeps you from wandering aimlessly. So, build a routine that suits you, and watch your days become more organized and fulfilling.

17. There is ALWAYS a solution to your problems for change is the only constant.

In life, there's always a solution to the problems you face because change is constant. Life naturally evolves, and things don't stay the same. The way you see a situation is important. You can either focus on being part of the solution or get stuck on the problem. Whatever you decide will keep going, so it's up to you to choose a positive perspective.

18. Learn to communicate and voice your opinions fearlessly with an approach that is mature.

To lead a better life, it's important to express your thoughts confidently and maturely. Learn to communicate openly without fear, valuing your self-worth. When you communicate in a respectful manner, considering different perspectives, finding solutions becomes easier. Your life quality will significantly improve as you become more assertive. Don't let others' opinions affect you personally; stand up for yourself without being afraid of what people might think.

19. You are a gift to the world, but you have to believe that about yourself first.

You are truly valuable and a special gift to the world. It's important to believe in your worth. We are all born with inherent value and uniqueness. Your life is extraordinary, and you only get to live it once. Isn't that rare and amazing? Start by recognizing and appreciating these things about yourself, first and foremost.

20. Don't dwell on your failures. Learn from them. 

It's important not to focus too much on your mistakes. Instead, try to understand what went wrong and use that as a lesson. Think about having a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Work on changing your mindset every day. Make an effort to adopt positive beliefs, and you'll see a positive change in your life.

21. Be cautious and aware of the media you consume daily. You become the product of what you consume.

It's important to be careful about what you watch or listen to every day. The things you take in can shape who you are. Choose media that helps you become a better person. Look for stuff that makes you think differently and lifts you up. Sometimes, without even realizing it, the media can change how you see the world. So, be aware.

22. Think long term.

It's crucial to think about the future when you make choices. The little things you do now can either help you reach your goals later or take you further away from them. Being focused and disciplined today is like giving a gift to your future self. Don't prevent your future self from having the experiences and achievements you desire. The decisions you make today should align with your long-term goals and what you want in life.

In conclusion, life is a journey of continuous learning and growth.

Each lesson is a piece of the puzzle that forms the bigger picture of our existence. I invite you to reflect on these lessons and consider how they resonate with your own life journey.

Thank you for being a part of this community, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the future.

Love,

Clarity.