This past year I’ve had a big “aha!” moment.. Not even sure that’s what I want to call it, but something hit me. Almost like I had an epiphany (not in the religious sense).
I also want to add in: I’ve had many struggles in life which have certainly helped shape me. Both through doing stupid things and being subject to too many negative situations, some out of my control (more along the lines of my childhood). These were still beneficial, but they took a long time to realize.
I also agree with the others in feeling a sense of purpose and pride goes a long way. This doesn’t have to be anything earth shattering.
To build off that – I’ve finally been fortunate enough to take a little bit of a back seat in life and think deeper into everything. This has lead to many nights thinking about things such as: my past and how it helped me be who I am today, where I currently am in life, the people around me, what I want out of life and how to get there, the world around me… The list goes on.
I’ve really learned to appreciate my free time. I do what I want to do, but I also try to keep a level head and really think about my actions. I’m actively trying to be a better person, both to myself and others, without forcing it. This could be anything from identifying areas I can improve as well as identifying my strengths, to taking as little as a second out of my day to help others.
Knowing my strengths and weaknesses has helped me excel in my career and personal relationships. I know my limitations in many facets of life and I’m working on improving areas that make sense to me. I know I will never be perfect (nor do I want to be), but my goal is to make progress even a tiny fraction every day/week/month/year/whatever. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme.
I recommend talking to other people and actually hearing them out – it could be a random stranger or a loved one, doesn’t matter. Everyone lives through experience and every single person you come across has experienced different things than you – embrace that and learn everything you can. Again, actually hear people out when they talk.
Find your interests/hobbies that make you happy without being detrimental to yourself or others and do them. Live your life. Love yourself. Understand how precious and special life truly is – not just yours but every single individual living thing.
Live your life for you and work on your morals. Think about how you think people should live their life and put yourself in others shoes. Be happy with the choices you make, and if you have ones you are unhappy with, identify why and learn from them.
Know it’s ok to struggle. Know that life isn’t fair at times. Know that as long as you are looking out for yourself, both in the sense of security and for your happiness, you are doing everything you possibly can do. Know that every single thing you do can be educational and learn from it.
– Oh-hey21