Listed below are six important experiences I feel every person should learn about themselves.These are experiences that could change a person’s life. How do I know this, you ask? Because these are experiences I learned while trying to change my own life. Do I expect these to change your life if you do exactly what I say? No, not at all. I’m just sharing experiences that have benefited me which I think could help benefit others. Plus who knows? Some of you may be looking for a “sign,” and this might just be it!
1. Learn to love yourself before loving someone else.
I think one of the most vital lessons I’ve learned in the world of dating is to love yourself before loving someone else. I’m not talking about self-absorbed love and being obsessed with yourself; I’m talking about in the sense of self-confidence and self-respect. How do you expect someone to love the little things about you if you can’t love them yourself? Take pride in those little things you think people will overlook. What you think about yourself is more important than what anyone else thinks. So, what do you think about yourself? Are you happy with who you are?
2. Step out of your comfort zone.
Pop your comfort bubble and get out into the world! How do you ever expect to grow and experience life if you’re afraid to step out of your comfort zone? You never know what lies ahead if you stand in the same spot. I promise you, trying new things is the most liberating and exciting feeling you’ll ever learn in your 20’s. It not only leads to new and exciting experiences, but it can also introduce you to some great people along the way. So push yourself to apply for that position you want, push yourself to travel to that destination you’ve always wanted to go, push yourself to do whatever it may be. In the end it’s better to say, “oh well” than question “what if?” right? So if you’re looking for a sign, this is it. Take a deep breath and go for it. Don’t look back, only ahead.
3. Learn to be independent.
I’ve come to find that my generation is afraid to do things alone. Have we become so dependent on people being by our side that we can’t do anything alone? Want to go on a hike? Go alone. Invited to a party where you don’t know anyone? Go alone. Want to travel? GO ALONE! I’m not encouraging you to put yourself in a dangerous situation, but sometimes it’s good to be able to just go somewhere alone. You don’t need someone by your side ALL the time. You never know, you might make a new friend or meet someone new at that party you go to alone. It’s important to take a step away from people every now and then and just do you. It allows you to think for yourself and by yourself without someone else’s opinion in your ears. Plus, it's quite relaxing to just go to a park and just sit by yourself when you feel stressed!
4. Say yes.
Say yes to things that scare you. Say yes to opportunities that come your way. The word "no" in some cases will just hold you back from opportunities and doors of possibilities. Say yes... because that yes could just change your life. Simple as that!
5. Say no.
Wait, before judging me, hear me out. I know it sounds contradictory to my previous statement, but just wait…Say no to the things holding you back. If you're someone who works a lot and wants to relax, just say no to working more hours. Stand up to people who make you feel less of a person and say no when they ask something of you. While saying no can hold you back, saying no can also sometimes push you forward.
6. Learn to enjoy life.
Seems like a simple lesson, yet no one actually does it! Life is too short to be angry at irrelevant things. So whatever grudge you're holding, let it go. Instead, use that energy to live life a little more and enjoy what the world has to offer. Go take a hike, go to the beach, go on an adventure, skip work, don't think twice about it. You'll regret it if you do. Life is precious, time is too short, and life is flying by. Don't watch it fly by, live in it!
Honestly, this entire article sounds cliche, but it’s all so true. I didn’t understand any of it until I started doing these things myself. It doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process you have to be patient with. But as you continue to do these things you’ll find that it’s some of the best changes you’ll ever make to your life, that I can promise.
Now GO! Live life, you only have one!