20 Hard Lessons I Had to Learn....
It’s my 38th year on earth. I’m blessed. Birthdays are becoming more of an intimate celebration for me. I don’t need the parties or all the hoopla. I just need a moment to first be grateful, then to reflect on how far I’ve come. It’s amazing how time does what it does regardless of what is happening around us. At one point in my life I thought my confusing teenage years would never end, now look at me - 38 years old and still trying to figure shit out.
There have been some waves to ride on this journey to 38. I’ve had some beautiful times that have left me in pure awe and bliss, and I’ve encountered some rough patches that had me side eyeing God like, “Really??” But through it all I’ve gained some valuable lessons that I hold close to me, and I’m on a quest for more wisdom.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the knowledge I’ve been gifted with over the years with you guys. So I looked through some of my journals, and pulled 20 hard lessons I learned throughout my journey. I refer to them as hard lessons because I’m still learning most of them. Now keep in mind that these lessons are tailored to my experiences. However, feel free to take away whatever you may need. Let’s jump into them below.
20 Hard Lessons I Had to Learn
Blaming other people for your mishaps and poor decisions is futile. Learn from past mistakes, forgive yourself, move the hell on, and be prepared to make some new mistakes. That’s how you gain wisdom, Sam.
Your intuition is the most valuable asset you possess. Use it, use it some more, and use it again. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. The more you ignore it, the more faint it becomes.
Believe what he shows you, not what he says.
You’re always going to be learning. Gaining knowledge and wisdom never ceases. In fact, the more you know - the more confused you may be.
You only have a few friends…just a few. The older you get, the less you will have - and that’s okay.
Talk to your loved ones (especially your parents) as often as you can. They don’t stay around forever. You won’t either.
Always ask yourself if you are living for you or for someone else. Peer pressure is real and can distort even the most confident person’s view.
Save more money girl. Life is full a surprises and some of them cost a fortune.
Vulnerability is actually a sign of strength. Open your heart. It’s a courageous act.
This too shall pass.
Gather your thoughts before you speak in a heated discussion. It’s easier to do damage than to undo it.
Breathe…..just breathe. Take deep breaths. They really help.
Try to always operate in a state of gratefulness. It helps make life a little easier.
Deep connections energize you. Keep seeking them.
Your alone time is non-negotiable. It revitalizes you. It nurtures your spirit. Don’t ever let anyone infringe upon that…..no matter how cute they are lol.
Understand that other people are fighting battles too. Sometimes their decisions have nothing to do with you but everything to do with their experiences, situations, fears etc. Get over yourself.
Don’t be afraid to take chances. At the least you’ll have an interesting story to tell.
Stop looking, and you’ll find it.
You are going to be pissed off at yourself in the future if you look back and see that you dimmed your light. To avoid a mid-life crisis, be who you are fully meant to be right now.
Listen more than you talk. Sometimes if you let the other person do the talking, you’ll learn everything you need to know without having to seek.
Thank you guys for sharing this journey with me. I appreciate you all and this platform to express my thoughts and feelings more than you know! My heart is full.
Peace and Blessings,
- Samjah Iman
Outfit Details: Joggers // Sweatshirt (Similar color)// Pumps
Photo Credit: Corey Anthony
