Living life is the equivalent of getting lost in the woods. You find your way by following a trail of breadcrumbs. You gather bits and pieces until you reach the finish line. Life doesn’t have a straightforward definition and therefore no straightforward way to live it. Six million years on earth (with only 6,000 years of civilization) and there still isn’t a single person who has got life all figured out. Here are 7 more facts about life I find to be true! 

[…] Truths About Life We Often Forget Part 1 […]

1- You have more time than you think

There are 168 hours every week. Not so fast, wait. Let that fact sink in. Do you know those awesome days where you feel like too much has happened and that YOU made too much happen? It’s mostly days where you’re traveling with friends or a day of an event you were excited to go to for too long! What makes those days different than other days? It all boils down to priority and enthusiasm. A lot can happen everyday if you choose to show the same amount of excitement and if you choose your priorities right. It’s true that we all want more time because there are many things we would like to do. But, instead of saying that you don’t have enough time, think of what you’re giving up. Is it a priority? Would you really rather be doing what you’re doing instead of this thing?

you have time

2- You have less time than you think

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.” – Steve Jobs 

Just because you have a lot more time than you think doesn’t mean you don’t have less time than you also think. People are born and then they die. You will die and the people you love will die. It’s the cycle of life. Show the people you love that you love them. Prove it to them even when life gets busy. You don’t have to go out of your way to care about someone. There are days when you will have so much on your plate and a “how was your day” text will be sufficient. Be one of those people who eat dessert at the beginning of the meal because they don’t wanna savour the best thing for last. This “last” is not guaranteed so, do what makes you happy and do a lot of it!

Life is short

3- Other people are not the answer 

You should not look at other people like they’re your saviour. No one can fix you but you and no one can bring you down like you either. The most common addiction we all turn to for support and comfort is other people. This is a bad habit because people come and go. No one stays who they are forever and that’s okay because everyone has the right to change into whoever they want to become. So don’t look at people like they are the answer because the only constant in your life is you.

I will marry myself

4- People are important 

But don’t drive people away because you’re scared to lose them. Open up and feel. People are not everything but there is also strength in numbers. Having friends and being on good terms with those around you adds up to your life’s value! People find comfort in other people and that’s okay too. You will be a healthier and stronger person if you allow yourself to feel for people and to let them feel for you. Build long lasting relationships and love those around you. After all, having a bestfriend is a cure against many diseases.

Meredith and Cristina

5- Accept advice but always try things out for yourself

Advice is important because it lets you perceive what you’re about to do or not do from a new perspective. It’s crucial to listen to the wisdom people want to impart upon you. However, trusting your gut is also important. Don’t refrain from doing something if your only reason for not doing it is because someone else told you it will end up badly. Just because it didn’t end well for someone else, doesn’t mean the same outcome will follow you. Every person’s experiences are their own. So, chin up, trust your gut and do what it tells you.

Eminem

6- There is always more to learn

You won’t be sure of your beliefs if you are never exposed to anything else that contradicts them. Sit with people with different mindsets than you and spend hours discussing diverse beliefs without attacking each other personally. Give yourself the opportunity to question what you know and what you believe in because it’ll either make you certain of your beliefs or it will make you doubt them more. If the latter happens, it’s a good thing. It means you’re growing and expanding your mind. Don’t be too proud to admit that you were wrong because there is always more to know and always more to learn. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t make you unsmart in admitting that fact.

Dead Poets Society

7- It’s okay to be scared in life

If you never feel scared and everything you do feels perfectly safe, then you’re doing something wrong. We are here to step out of our comfort zones, try new things, fail and re-fail. You’re not supposed to always feel secure and sheltered. Do not let the fear of ridicule or failure triumph over your power of originality. So go ahead and roar!

Lion King

Life is tough, yes! But you’re tougher.