Growing Pains

As I’ve grown I have leant many valuable lessons from many people and countless experiences. Thought I’d share a few things that have taught and inspired me.

1.  All relationships of any kind go through some tough times; if you can overcome all the drama, regardless of what it is, than that relationship is truly worthwhile. I believe that sometimes you need to make a mess of things as this is what makes relationships stronger and this is what enables you to learn from your mistakes.

2. I believe that pieces of something or someone from your past are supposed to stay with you forever. This is how we grow as each little fragment of the past builds up and makes us the people we are today. I believe we grow and learn from the past. I believe that you never truly forget people and experiences from the past as they are meant to be carried with you forever. 

3. I now understand that every single person is different and reacts to any situation in a different way. I’ve learnt to respect this. I think that people these days are so quick to judge, and the fact of the matter is that you cannot truly judge someone unless you have walked in their shoes and been through what they have. From personal experience, as soon as you judge someone, a similar or worse situation will happen to you, and it is only then that you realise the difficulty of certain circumstances.

4. I’ve leant that it is so easy to be angry and hurt the people you love most. Perhaps this is because we know that no matter what we do and how much we hurt these people, they will love us unconditionally. These people are worth keeping close to you.

5. From constant disappointment, I have learnt that no matter how hard you try to be there for someone and do anything you can for them, you just can’t please some people. This is so frustrating but you just learn to accept it and continue to be the best person you can be.

6. It’s funny how we  always seem to believe the negative things that people say about us, even when there is evidence to the contrary. We must learn to see the positives in ourselves. Our real friends see our positives regardless of what others may say and that is what is important. 

7. Family. As I’ve grown, my bond with family has strengthened and I now understand the importance of them. I am fortunate to have a large family and I love how we all get along so well. My family bring so many wonderful things to my life. I love how when you need them they are always there and form a support group to get through the darkest of times. I also love how you friends become a part of this family.

8. It still baffles me how quickly life can change. I understand that sometimes everything can go pear shaped and right before your eyes, your world is upside-down. But somehow you get through it and become a stronger person.

I’ll admit that change sometimes scares me but eventually I see that the change is a good thing and learn to embrace it.

9. I’ve learnt that good people always seem to go through the hardest situations in life, even when they don’t deserve it. I truly admire how some people can go through so much and still remain positive and come out as better people than most of us. These people mature and teach us that we mustn’t concern ourselves with irrelevant things. These people teach us how to live.

10. I believe music and life go hand in hand. I love how each song has a different memory connected to it and when you hear this song you begin to reminisce on the memory attached to it and the feelings that you had back them begin to come back. Music makes you feel and can bring clarity to life.

11. I can tell you that each person I surround myself with is truly amazing; I guess we are all a reflection of each other. Each person brings something special to your life and you can learn from each of these people and be inspired by them. I love how you share something special with each individual. Some people you can tell anything to and know they will never judge you, some people bring you so much laughter and joy, some people are there for you no matter what, some people can wipe away your tears and others can accept you regardless of your faults. Then there are those connections where you are so close to someone it’s like you feelings are intertwined and you know exactly how that person feels and you actually feel what they are feeling. I love these friendships the most.

12.  Break-ups. It’s funny how after years it can still hurt. I have come to understand that there is often no such thing as closure. The hurt is always there and I don’t think you ever truly get over someone, or the hurt attached.  I think it just gets to a place doesn’t hurt so much. You just have to keep telling yourself you are ok, until one day, miraculously, you are. In the end it comes down to yourself- you need to be strong and have the strength to move on and create new beginnings. Be satisfied that you did everything you could, but realise that sometimes you simply cannot be only one trying.

13. I know, such a cliché, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Don’t ever take for granted those chance encounters or random moments.  Don’t ever take for granted each day in life, because every day and fleeting moment is leading you on a path you are supposed to go. It’s just that sometimes it can take a while to figure out what that path, or reason is.

14. Sometimes we get so caught up in planning and worrying about every single aspect of our life. We must realise that we cannot plan our lives. Life is not a building that we can construct perfectly. We just have to live it and let it design itself.

15.  Always a worrier, I’ve now learnt that there is no point worry about every minuscule thing that happens in life, because at one point everything you did was exactly what you wanted. You must follow your heart and intuition, because somehow they already know what you want to become. What’s of even greater importance is to never lose your childish innocence; it will keep you happy and allow for great things to come your way!

16. L’amore e Cieco. Yes we all have that saying, because it is true everywhere.

17. As you grow, there comes a time where you must learn to love yourself. It is the most important relationship of all. Someone wise once said, ‘The biggest devil is me. I’m either my own best friend or my worst enemy’. In order to achieve any happiness in life, you must stop the battle with yourself, and love and appreciate yourself for who you are.

18. Finally, always remember that this is YOUR life. Do what you love, if you don’t like something CHANGE IT! Start doing the things you love. Stop over analyzing. Life is simple! Travel often. Get lost. Open your mind. Share your inspirations and dreams. When an opportunity arises, seize it! Go out and start creating! Life is short, so live your dream and wear your passion.