Some things I discovered as an adult I wish I had known when I was younger. They would have made my life a lot easier.
- Being an adult doesn’t mean you are always right
So many adults we have around us are a work-in-progress, which isn’t a bad thing. But when they try to fake it and let you believe that they hold the ultimate truth, they mess with your ability to make sense of the world. It is much more helpful if they admit they might be wrong because they allow you to form your own opinions.
On the other hand, you should understand that your inner wisdom is considerably more valuable than any advice you may receive. There is an inner voice that we sometimes refer to as intuition, and it’s constantly there. Try to cultivate it and make listening to it a habit.
- Being a parent doesn’t mean you are a good one
Having children does not automatically make you a good parent. Because children do not come with an instruction manual, parenting is frequently learned through trial and error. It can be difficult and even overwhelming at times. Some people excel at it while others struggle. It’s not fair, but it’s the truth.
Try to be compassionate and understanding of their limitations. And more important, when you feel that something needs to be addressed, do not fear to talk and ask to be part of the conversation. Especially when the ramifications of that situation affect you and your life.
- Question everything you hear
Rules are created by people like you. They are sometimes smarter, sometimes not. Also, keep in mind that the world is constantly changing, which means that what was true a year ago may now be outdated. So, please, do your own research, read a lot, seek out different perspectives, and follow only the things that resonate with you.
- The expert in you is You
You are the expert in You. We’re all so different and unique. Our experiences and how we interpret them shape our lives. Even though we have had similar struggles, we have different perspectives on them. What makes sense to you may appear to be a mistake to me. Seek counsel to help you see things from a different angle, but remember that you are the only person who truly understands what motivates you and what makes you happy. Try to get to know yourself, figure out what works and what doesn’t, and do only what makes sense to you.
- Making mistakes is part of the process
The rational part of a human’s brain doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25. That means teens are not able to make a clear, rational decisions without involving the emotional part of the brain. So, remain patient and avoid making snap conclusions. Try to remember that making a decision takes time and should be approached as a process in order to fully comprehend all of the repercussions. You are the only one who must bear the consequences of your actions and you owe it to yourself to make the best decision possible.
- Nothing is permanent
Change is the only constant in life. Learn to accept it and be adaptable. Know that there are always at least two options. Have compassion for yourself and your surroundings. It will not always be challenging. Flexibility, defined as the ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment, is one of the most valuable qualities a person may possess in today’s world.
- Find something to believe in
There will be times when nobody will be by your side or when life will seem hard. Search for something bigger to believe in. There is a higher power that is making the grass grow, no matter how you call it. Make IT your friend.
- If you don’t like someone, you are usually right
Remember that inner voice? Learn to use it properly. Intuition is like a muscle. The more you use it, the better it becomes. We are all equipped with everything we need to succeed in life. Listening to our bodies and inner voices will help us gain precious time.
We have nudges about certain people or situations that we choose not to listen to. In time, the situations unfold exactly how we felt at the beginning. By choosing to pay attention, we avoid wasting time and being hurt.
- Get to know your abilities
Learn to pay attention to what makes you happy, and what are the things you enjoy doing. What are your abilities? Your skills? It will later help you find your ideal job.
Don’t think about what subjects you’d like to study. According to research, we can learn anything. Changing our essence and who we truly are is much more difficult, sometimes impossible. Furthermore, there are techniques that we can use to help us learn everything from physical activities to intellectual information. Try to be informed and always search for better ways of doing things. Allow yourself to benefit from the advancement of science and technology.
- There has to be an equilibrium between love life, academic life, and personal life
I believe that equilibrium between all aspects of life is much more valuable than anything else. You cannot be truly accomplished when you deny parts of yourself just because society says you can’t have it all.
You don’t have to live your life to please others. Try to follow your own path and if you can’t find it, create one that is as unique as you are. Don’t be afraid to be a pioneer. They are the ones who are shaping the future and are most likely to be successful in the end.
- Don’t forget to have fun
Life is what is happening right now, at this moment. Don’t forget to have fun with it. Be grateful for the blessings in your life, and try to understand that the journey is what matters most. It’s great to have goals and things you want to achieve, but don’t condition your happiness by accomplishing them.