Life’s Hard Truths and Harsh Realities
The age-old adage “Life is not fair” is veritable truth. As we course on in the journey known as life, we cannot deny that there are those who are in better positions than us – just as there are those who have it worse.
This is one of the many hard truths and harsh realities in life, and I’ve come to learn that accepting these realities can help us go though life’s ups and downs without the need to look back or keep track of who is ahead or behind us.
Here’s another hard truth: It’s been said that experience is the best teacher, and over the years, I’ve learned that no matter how good your intentions are, there are those who will still have bad things to say about you and what you do. I guess, for people like these, there is no such thing as “good enough”.
It’s also been said that “Familiarity breeds contempt” – a saying that summarizes another hard truth.
Over the years, I’ve learned that drawing a line between being a good friend from being taken for granted matters, and that there are times when a “friend” can turn into a “fiend” over time.
But of the many hard truths in life, the fact that nothing lasts forever really stands out.
Everything, after all, is temporary. Relationships, fame, money, positions, power and all of life’s other joys, the list is endless.
I’ve come to learn that whatever your circumstance is, it’s important to be happy whenever and however you can. If the sailing is smooth, savor the moment and be thankful. If the journey is rough and challenging, don’t give up. Like good things, bad things shall pass too and this kind of mindset will help you become a winner and not a victim.
Life affords us with all sorts of opportunities – doors, so to speak – that allows us to experience its beauty and its ugly side. Going through these doors is part of life, and accepting them as they unfold is the key to living a fulfilled life.
Julianna Summers of newtradweu.com and Matt Lilywhite of medium.com has this to say on the matter: * Embracing chance as an inevitable part of life
In life, stagnation spells doom. Accept the fact that change is inevitable., a natural part of life. Changes can feel frightening but also breed innovation, inspiration, and growth. People grow. Situations evolve. Relationships shift. It’s the nature of life. Accepting change empowers you to ride the tide rather than to resist it.
* Someday, you are going to die
When you realize that you have limited time on earth, you’ll stop caring about a lot of things that don’t really matter. Accepting that you’re going to die puts everything into perspective It makes you question if it’s worth complaining about someone cutting you off in traffic, or receiving the wrong type of milk at a coffee shop. Nobody knows what the future holds. So instead of spending your time worrying about things that don’t matter, try to focus your energy on things that do.
* Pain is part of life
Everyone experiences pain at some point – physical, emotional or mental. Pain can feel unbearable but it makes us stronger, wiser, and more emphatic. * No one is perfect
Everyone has flaws. Understanding this can lead to self-acceptance and more realistic expectations of others. Be patient and kind to yourself and others.
* You can’t please everyone
It’s impossible to make everyone happy. Focus on what makes you happy and what aligns with your values.
* The only person you can control is yourself Often, we waste time and energy trying to change others. It’s more productive to work on improving ourselves and our reactions.
* Relationships require effort
Strong fulfilling relationships don’t just happen – they need constant nurturing and work. Communication, understanding, and compromise are essential.
* The present is all you have
The past is gone and the future is not guaranteed. Embrace the present – it’s the only one you can directly experience and influence.
“I’ve come to learn that whatever your circumstance is, it’s important to be happy whenever and however you can. If the sailing is smooth, savor the moment and be thankful. If the journey is rough and challenging, don’t give up. Like good things, bad things shall pass too and this kind of mindset will help you become a winner and not a victim.”