Change and the process of becoming who we are meant to be are inextricably linked. The more you reflect upon this thought, the higher your amazement will ascend as you realize the lengths to which human beings develop over the years, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Our thoughts, feelings and preferences can sometimes become as fickle as the weather. Personally, I live for a good debate. I love delving deeply into others' opinions and ideas. In fact, one of the most valuable lessons that I have learned over the years is how important it is to simply listen to what another person has to say. As the great Socrates once said, "I am wise, for I know that I know nothing." The truth of the matter is that even through our differences, we are all constantly learning from one another. At certain points of our lives, we may falsely assume to have it all figured out only to watch the notion manifest into perpetual chaos. Unfortunately, we often aspire to have all of life's answers in our grasp at once, but that is all an illusion. If anything, a certain type of thrill lies beneath embracing the uncertainty that so often surrounds us.
Like me, you may also be well-acquainted with a term called "life lessons." While the experiences that precede many of these lessons may vary from person to person, we can all relate on one thing: they're painful. Life lessons build you. They break you. Essentially, gaining knowledge and experience in life is an ongoing cycle. Perhaps you discovered that reaching new levels in life only attracted an entirely new set of devils that you hadn't seen coming. Whether you were distracted at the time of this so-called unawareness or simply thought you had it all under control, you weren't ready. You soon discovered that relying on your own strengths to such an extent only reminded you of your weaknesses, and that's absolutely acceptable. Vulnerability isn't always a bad thing; it's called being human. Frankly, the bittersweet truth about life is that it surprises you, and not always in ways that we normally expect. Life's turn of events can often take a 360 spin on your world, but that doesn't mean that your journey ends there.
Because the basis of human development relies on change, rest in the thought that everything is meant to happen exactly as it should, when it should. By putting matters into perspective, you may come to realize that the things that you have grown to appreciate and love over the years may not be your cup of tea come morning or the passing of a year or two. Like you, I am still in the progress of sorting my life out. Gradually, I have learned that not everything has to be perfectly planned down to the smallest detail in order for my world to feel just right. Sometimes, taking that first step towards our future and letting the worries of tomorrow be dealt with when the time draws nigh can be the best option. Be here now. Ultimately, living in the moment can be quite rewarding because what we learn along the way, both from ourselves and from the world, is magnificent.
Take a look back at the person that you were a year ago. What changed? How were you molded into becoming who you are in this particular point in time? Though life lessons and experiences may vary from person to person, humankind can relate in knowing that development never truly ceases throughout the course of an individual's lifetime. Thinking back on all of life's setbacks, disappointments and struggles only places emphasis on the importance of embracing the spiritual, emotional and mental growth that emerge with each experience we face.
You are not your mistakes, shortcomings or past. Refuse to let yourself be defined by societal stereotypes. You are perfectly imperfect; unique and irreplaceable. What better thing to be than that? Be unapologetically yourself. If someone does not like or respect that, then that is a problem that they will have to deal with on their own. Never allow yourself to be brought down by the world around you. Give back wholeheartedly despite what has been thrown your way, for it will all come back to you in tenfold. Act selflessly and never forget where you came from. Grow. Change if you must. Experience life for all that it has to offer and cherish the lessons that come along the way while knowing that each one was built as a catalyst towards your growth. Despite the differences in social aspects such as culture and moralistic views, the idealist in me likes to believe that somehow, humanity is inextricably linked within this planet that we call home. It breaks my heart to see the hatred, lack of acceptance and understanding that remain prevalent in society. Where have words like love, kindness, respect and peace gone? Don't forget to be the change. Reach out. Make a difference; it all begins with you.
