People sometimes learn life lessons way too soon, and some learn them way too late. No matter when that canon life event happens, it’s bound to happen regardless. I’m only in my early 20s, but I’ve learned a thing or two in my short time here. Here are some of those lessons I’ve learned one way or another.
- You grow apart from friends sometimes, and that’s okay.
I believe there is such a stigma around losing friends or growing apart from them. However, people change, life changes and it never stops. Sometimes, people just grow apart and there’s not anything you can do to help it. Whether it be a career change, or a change in what you each want, friends will grow apart and go their separate ways…and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean that anyone did anything inherently wrong. It just means we live in a world of constant change and we have to adapt.
- You don’t always need to be on the go
I feel my best when I’m productive and busy. When I have a full schedule, I feel as though I’m doing my absolute best in life. However, I’ve had to learn that a small break doesn’t make me any less worthy or productive. It means I’m human, and I deserve to rest when I need it. And you do too. Everyone deserves a day where their schedule doesn’t demand their undivided attention.
- Not every person you meet is here for a lifetime
I’ve met hundreds of people throughout my lifetime. Whether it was a cashier in the store, or my bestest friend. Regardless, a lot of people are in my life, and equally as many have left it. Sometimes, people come into our lives for just a chapter. I may not always know why they were brought to me, but rest assured, they taught me something. Each person has an important role in my life to play in some way, shape or form. I will love them how I want to be loved, whether they’re here to stay or not.
- People can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves.
As I’ve mentioned, I have a lot of people in my life. I understand that not everyone is comfortable sharing their deepest feelings and emotions. It’s not my job to pry it out of them. However, if they haven’t met themselves this deeply yet, they won’t go this deep with you. I’ve learned this particular lesson the hard way. Trying to make people open up to you when they haven’t even opened up to themselves about something never works. It’s nothing wrong with you. These things take time, and maybe this person hasn’t gotten there yet.
- Don’t stay because it’s comfortable or familiar
I’ve had to do a lot of self-reflection and internal checks. With these comes outgrowing situations and routines. Growth can hurt. Don’t go back to a place you’ve outgrown because it’s the only thing you know or are familiar with. You owe it to yourself to stay within healthy boundaries.
