Now that another year comes to a close, we can reflect on the friends you’ve made, the decisions made, the mistakes, the good, the bad, the ugly… it’s all there. Lay it out. You get to reflect, replay and judge on that. Through this, you may feel blessed, disappointed with yourself and wonder, “what was I thinking...”
Own these mistakes. Make them your compass on how to live your life better. Be better- next year, the year after- learn. Don’t beat yourself up over them. We are human- we are people- mistakes are in our nature. Don’t forget your mistakes… they become useless. USE THEM. Make them applicable- be open with your life, be willing to learn, have the will to be better.
Take a moment, write down every friend you’ve made this year. Stop on the last letter of that name, and reflect on memories with that person- replay them, relive them. Reflect on the person they’ve made you- more compassionate? More hardworking? Happier? How have they taught you to really live? Once you’re done, sit and stare at the list. Reflect on how you contributed to their lives and how you have changed for the better, and helped them change for the better.
We were put on this earth for companionship of all kinds. It’s a real, beautiful thing finding rare people that make life worth living to the fullest. Keep these people close; don’t be lazy. Write a letter now and then, call instead of text, make spontaneous trips- do life with people, is the key to a rich life.
If there’s a friend you lost, ask for forgiveness and rebuild. If it’s you who gives forgiveness, give it- find it, your life is hindered most by the grudges you keep. No mistake is unforgivable. We are humans... we will make mistakes. We are all learning. We are all searching, trying, and failing as we go- be that person- the one who forgives, who loves, you chase joy to the fullest- you will find real happiness, and despite your mistakes, you will live with few regrets and cares in this world.
Stop comparing yourself. You are beautiful. You are worthy of being loved. You have dreams, a purpose, that will be fulfilled- hold onto this fact. It’s overplayed and we all hear it; the broken record igniting that light in you that you are worthy, you are perfect, you are loved, beautiful...etc. This broken record is real. It is real words, that apply to every single person who has ever and will ever walk this planet. Believe in yourself, fiercely, that you are these things. Be filled with this truth, and don’t double yourself because you see someone skinnier than you, nicer hair than you, smarter than you. so what. They are struggling with their appearance, with internal factors too- realize this. Don’t say, I wish I was “____,” because they are rich or have a perfect body. That girl is struggling. We are all struggling. The moment you stop comparing yourself and living for yourself, in love with yourself, you will live a rich life.
I hope you fall in love with your life, with who you are. I hope you love your friends, and chase them- never let them go. I hope you forgive easily, love fully, and know what is good. I hope you find your purpose, your happiness, through your mistakes instead of wallowing in them. You have such a life left- live it so fully.
