The last five years of my life have been some of the most challenging. Throughout these challenges, I've learned some important things about myself. I'm stronger, smarter and more independent than I ever saw myself being. I realize now that I'm capable of doing anything I put my mind to, and I'm proud of the person I'm becoming. Looking back on these last five years, sets of quotes or lessons that I've learned come to mind. We all have to face things that we many not want to on a daily basis, but how you deal with them and what you take from these difficulties makes you a better person.
Lesson #1: We are often our harshest critics.
I frequently find myself saying things like: I'm not “skinny enough” or “I'm not smart enough” or “I'm not good enough,” but, what does it really mean to be “good enough?” I'm constantly trying to keep up with the world around me. But, over time I've come to the conclusion that, trying to keep up with the world around me is only holding me back. I'm at this place in my life for a reason and everything is going to work out when it is supposed to; I need to stop being so hard on myself and live.
Lesson #2: Good things come to those who wait.
This has to be one of the HARDEST lessons of the five; I'm a person who wants things to happen right away, which I'm now realizing is so unrealistic. If everything happened when we wanted it to what kind of life would we live? There would be no surprises, and life would be very predictable. Patience is truly a virtue.
Lesson #3: Your past does not define you.
The things you have done in the past have no place in your future. You have to rise above them and move on, don't dwell on the situations and people that were once priorities in your life. They didn't make it into your future for a reason.
Lesson #4: “Nothing worth having comes easy."
When I think about this quote and the last 5 years of my life, my collegiate career always comes to mind. Earning a college degree is one of the most challenging things I've had to face to date. But, when things get hard and I feel like crying or pulling my hair out, I think about the ending and how sweet it is going to be, to be able to say I've earned this.
Lesson #5: Be better to other people than they are to you.
Knowing that you've always been kind to others, and not have that kindness returned can be disheartening. Treating people the way you want to be treated is often referred to as the “golden rule” and if they don't return the favor that's okay too, you've done all you can do.
Reflecting on these last five years, the one thing that I've realized is that your past is just that, the past. You have to move on and live in the present and work toward the future no matter what other obstacles you may find yourself facing. So, this is my advice to you, love a little a harder, laugh a little louder and take life day by day.
