10 Timeless Wisdoms To Comfort You At Any Age

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The beauty about being human is that each phase of life presents new opportunities for growth and achievement. It also leaves you pondering your next steps on the path you’re creating. Although there may be a lot of uncertainty, there is a great deal of possibility. If I knew at 21 years old what I know now, a decade later, I would have told myself: it’s going to be alright. I would also tell my “future” self the same. The trick is to simply remember this in the present moment.

 

1. Fear of the unknown is normal and to be expected, but it’s not – and shouldn’t be – a constant driving force in your life. 

Graduation, higher education, job search, employment, marriage, childbirth, and retirement present the big question you may ask yourself, “what now?” Friends, family, and strangers are always one step ahead and eager to ask, “what next?” It’s ok to respond, “I don’t know, but once I do, I’ll tell you.” If in fact you do have a plan in place, share it joyfully. Realize that there is an element of choice. You choose which experience you see your life from: loving potential or fearful probability.

2. Dreaming of having a relationship or making peace after a break-up are actually the same thing, just wrapped in different packaging.

Whether you’re anxiously waiting to be in a relationship or are picking up the pieces after a break-up that could have lasted anywhere from a month to twenty-five years of marriage, the feeling of wanting love and affection is the same. You may feel that you are missing out or alone if a significant other is not by your side. But what really matters is, that you’re ok by yourself too. If/when the right person happens to come along, you can both grow and build together but with individuality.

3. Keeping tabs on other people’s relationships and life’s dramas can be exhausting —especially when you’re put in the middle of it.

The time spent analyzing, discussing, and re-hashing the same stories over and over again ad nauseam is not helpful for all parties involved. Sure a beautiful part of family and friendship is giving someone a shoulder to cry on or sharing many laughs. But listen and give advice within limits and reason. It’s not your job to fix what is broken or to heal it. You have all to do to help yourself.

4. Measuring your own success against the success of others is harmful to your well-being.

Just because your friend, classmate, or significant other decides to be a lawyer and you decide to be a teacher doesn’t de-value what it is you do and doesn’t make their chosen path any more important. There is room for everyone to succeed in their own way, time, and on their respective path—also based upon personal definitions of what “success” actually means.

5. Taking time to nourish, nurture, and care for yourself creates good long-term habits.

Starting at a young age, take necessary steps to treat your mind, body, and spirit with the respect it deserves. It will only allow for greater possibilities of longevity and healthy living. Of course it’s important to overindulge on your favorite dessert or comfort food from time to time, but everything in moderation.

6. Sleep, sleep, and more sleep to awaken the mind and strengthen the body will afford you the fuel you need to realize your dreams.

Too many overnighters, restless nights, and functioning on four hours of interrupted sleep as the norm is in fact not normal. By creating steady patterns of how much sleep your body needs will turn exhaustion into energy.

7. Spending time with people who really love and care about you rather than with those who don’t want well for you makes an impact on your self esteem.

When people want well for you, you know it and feel it. You see it in how they look at you, how they take interest in what you have to say, and they are happy to spend time with you. When you are in the presence of others who seek to make fun or put you down, you don’t have to tolerate it—just walk away from it.

8. Slow and steady financial planning in the present will ensure more stability and security in the future.

Whether you’ve landed your first job or you’re preparing for retirement, make flexible plans and goals for careful saving and spending of money. This will allow you to take responsibility for your actions and choices; creating a foundation of independence. It will help you obtain freedom that is well earned and you will value it more that you’ve done it on your own merit or having gratitude to those who may have helped you along the way. Even if you save $10.00 a week, you’re $520.00 ahead for the year.

9. Finding time to spend with the elders teaches you life lessons that you will experience and later on share with those who are younger than you.

Grandparents, parents, relatives, family friends, teachers, mentors, and colleagues have already lived a great deal of their lives through trial and error. They can now reflect on their past mistakes and successes to guide you to live to your fullest potential. These pieces of advice and stories are those that will stay with you forever.

10. Learn to love yourself and to be your own best friend because you are “stuck” with you for as long as you live.

Take the opportunity to develop hobbies and interests, discover and strengthen a skill set, enrich and expand your knowledge, and be honest with yourself. Put your needs first so in turn you can honor the needs of your loved ones. The more love and self-worth you have, the more love and respect you will give to and receive from others.