Life is like a journey where we’re always learning and trying new things. Each experience adds to who we are, whether it’s knowledge, emotional strength, or shaping our character.
When things get tough, remember this:
As humans, we’re blessed with the ability to feel a wide range of emotions. Imagine if you were a spiritual being and had the chance to come to Earth to experience all kinds of feelings, good and bad, even for a short time. Wouldn’t you take that opportunity?
This perspective helps me navigate difficult times or when I question why I’m going through something that affects me deeply.
We all learn certain lessons in life, some unique to our own journeys, while others are universal truths. These truths are important for everyone to grasp at some point to make life better.
While I’ll explore more truths in the future, let’s focus on five that can help you gain control over your life and see things differently.
The world isn’t out to get you
Even though it might feel like everything’s working against you at times, that’s not how energy flows. Think of life as an exploration journey, not a straight highway.
There will be twists and turns, steep climbs and downhill slopes, smooth highways and rugged paths through forests. You’ll encounter sunny days, rainy weather, and even storms. Sometimes you’ll walk alone, and other times you’ll have company. You’ll find yourself driving, walking, running, swimming, and even crawling along the way. You’ll hit dead ends, crossroads, and closed roads, but you’ll also find clear directions.
There’s a saying in my language that goes: “Misfortunes never come alone.” To me, this means something. Let me explain.
We’re all made of energy, including the world around us. The universe, or whatever higher power you believe in, tests us to see if our desires are genuine, if we know our worth, and if we believe in ourselves. Sometimes, it throws obstacles our way.
The key is how we respond. If we react negatively to challenges, our energy sends out negativity, and the universe responds in kind. That’s why more negative things might happen—it’s the energy we’re putting out.
Remember, the world isn’t against you. It’s a reflection of your perception, with occasional tests to help you grow. See it this way, and you won’t be feeding into negativity.
No loss, no gain
You’ve probably heard variations of this saying:
“No pain, no gain,” says the gym enthusiast.
“No risk, no return,” says the finance expert.
“Not letting go, no progress,” says the spiritual advisor.
And as much as you might not want to hear it, they’re all right!
It’s not necessarily about physical or spiritual loss, but it’s a metaphor for stepping out of your comfort zone, out of your usual routine. Progress requires change, and change often involves letting go of something old to make room for something new.
Starting your own business means losing the security of a regular paycheck.
Moving out on your own means losing the everyday support of your parents.
Building muscle at the gym might mean getting rid of clothes that no longer fit.
Quitting smoking means losing a coping mechanism.
Loss often accompanies change, and change is essential for progress. So, losing isn’t necessarily a bad thing in this context, is it?
You need to step out of your current story
As we discussed earlier, progress often requires letting go and changing. But how do you actually make those changes? How do you evolve?
Here are some steps you can take to improve and transform:
- Let go of old habits.
- Adopt new habits.
- Challenge limiting beliefs.
- Embrace affirmations.
- Practice meditation.
- Take action.
- Reflect on yourself.
- Keep track of your progress.
But sometimes, despite taking all these steps, you might not see immediate changes or improvements. Why is that?
Because you need to change your identity! And to do that, you have to change your story. You have to change your surroundings!
For instance, if your New Year’s resolution is to hit the gym more often, it won’t work if you’re used to a sedentary lifestyle, don’t pay attention to nutrition, dislike athletic people, or don’t see yourself as someone who enjoys exercise.
Here’s how you can change your environment to become more active:
Walk instead of driving or taking public transport whenever possible. Resist the urge to indulge in unhealthy food, even when dining out with friends. Prioritize sleep, even if it means leaving social gatherings early. Make yourself go to the gym or for a run, even on days when you lack motivation. Spend time with people who are active and enjoy sports. Avoid buying junk food when grocery shopping. Make it easier for yourself to leave the house for exercise.
Changing your environment can significantly ease the process of implementing desired changes. Work smarter, not harder.
Create your own reality
Some might argue that reality is fixed and unchangeable, but I beg to differ.
Your reality is uniquely yours. Reality itself is subjective, influenced by our individual perspectives shaped by past experiences. There’s no one-size-fits-all objective reality.
When I say “choose your reality,” I mean focus on what brings you joy, purpose, and motivation, and disregard what drains your mental energy.
Let’s face it, not everything is within our control. If dwelling on things beyond your influence only brings misery, it’s time to shift your focus elsewhere. It’s about directing your attention towards what you can change and what uplifts you.
Your worth extends beyond your knowledge
This can be a tough reality to swallow. As humans, we’re complex beings defined by more than just what we know. Our worth is shaped by our emotions, beliefs, actions toward others, contributions to society, and how we interact with others.
It’s true! You’re not simply defined by your job, education, family background, or life choices.
Unfortunately, some people tend to pigeonhole others based on these factors. Ego often plays a role here—people prioritize their own needs and well-being, valuing others only if they provide some form of benefit.
This “value” can take various forms:
- How much money you can earn for them
- How much care or support you can offer
- How much security you provide
- The knowledge or insights you share
- The assistance you offer
Skilled communicators excel at understanding others’ needs and offering what aligns with those needs. This creates a positive interaction where both parties benefit.
To succeed in life, it’s crucial to continually expand your knowledge and skills. This allows you to contribute more to the world, making you valuable to a wider range of people.
But always remember, your worth goes beyond mere information. Don’t let others define you solely based on what they understand. Use your knowledge to propel yourself forward, but never forget your inherent value as a person.
Final thought
while it’s important to recognize the value of knowledge and skills, it’s equally vital to remember that our worth transcends these aspects. As individuals, we are defined by our multifaceted nature—our emotions, actions, contributions, and interactions with others all play a role in shaping who we are. By continually expanding our understanding and abilities, we not only enhance our capacity to contribute to the world but also reaffirm our inherent value as unique and complex beings.
So, let’s embrace our full selves, leveraging our knowledge to propel us forward while never losing sight of our intrinsic worth beyond mere information.