2014 was a life changing year of growth and discovery for me. I graduated high school, turned 18 years old, and finished my first semester of college. Along the way, I discovered so much about myself, life, and the world around me. Here are some of the lessons I learned.
You Control Your Thoughts
Now I know this seems like an obvious lesson but just think about it. How often do we let negative thoughts completely invade our minds and control us? I realized that we have the power to change the outcome of a situation almost completely by how we react to it. You can either wallow in despair over something or allow it to motivate you and help you to grow as a person. In every situation there is always a silver lining, you just have to find it. By thinking positively, you can change your reaction thus changing the outcome. Be conscious of all of your thoughts and make sure they are uplifting and positive rather than negative. I’ve allowed negative thoughts to completely debilitate me at times, and that is no way to live. Changing all of your thoughts to positive ones can be difficult, and it will definently take some practice. But it will allow you to handle life’s curve balls and hardships with a much better attitude and clear mind.
You Are What You Eat
I learned that not only does the food we consume affect our bodies but also our minds and souls. I always ate thinking about how the food would affect my weight or appearance, but I never realized how much food affects our mental health and overall well being. By switching to a healthier lifestyle, I saw almost immediate improvements in my ability to deal with my depression and anxiety, and I felt much happier and energized. It is a proven fact that eating healthier can prevent and cure so many diseases and illnesses. It’s amazing because eating a healthier diet can eliminate so much of the suffering that human beings go through but so many people do not realize this. I also discovered that food is not the enemy. Its purpose is to nourish and sustain our bodies so we can be happy and active human beings. That, however, depends on what kind of food you pick. Food can either be your medicine or your poison. You choose.
Ask Questions
I used to mindlessly consume the world around me without really questioning it. Just because “this is the way things are” in society doesn’t always make them right. It is very beneficial and healthy to analyze and think critically about the world and its practices. By doing so, I changed some of my own core beliefs. One of them being going vegan. Knowledge is power. Understand and become aware of why you believe what you do. Don’t believe something just because it is what your parents, teachers, or friends have led you to think is true. Form your own opinions, thoughts, and perspectives.
Be Open Minded
I’m not suggesting that you completely alter your beliefs and values, but it is healthy to understand other perspectives. Even if you do not agree with someone’s morals or values, it is interesting to know the reasons behind their beliefs and see where they are coming from. It opens your mind to so many different perspectives and views. I feel like by being more open minded, I have become a more aware and compassionate individual.
Always Be Kind
We hear it all the time. Be kind to others. Treat others how you would like to be treated. But it is apparent in our world today that not many people practice this golden rule. I’ve made the conscious decision to try to be kind to the people I meet even when they do not return the same kindness. Everyone is fighting their own war, and you never know what someone is going through. Maybe that person was rude or judgemental toward you because they just found out there mother has cancer or they have severe depression. Your act of kindness could be the only shed of light they see in along time. I know it is not always easy, but simple acts of kindness can go a long way.
Set Goals Instead of Dreams
I used to have all of these dreams (and still do). But that was all they were to me. Just dreams. I have this really bad habit of living in my head. I imagine all the things I want to do in life without ever doing anything to make them happen. I never came up with ways or ideas to make my dreams come true in the past. So from now on, whenever I have a dream I want to pursue, I will make it a goal and continually take steps in order to achieve that goal. You have control of your life, and you are the only one who can make things happen.
Live in the present
I have discovered how valuable time is. And I have become aware of how it seems to pass in the blink of an eye. My entire life, I’ve spent my time dwelling on the past or dreaming about the future. Never in the present. And I find that very unnerving. Time will pass whether we like it or not. It is passing as I sit here and write this, and it is passing as you read this. Time is valuable and can never be reused or reclaimed. So make every second count. Live in the moment. A present moment. Appreciate what and who is around you in the present. Don’t wait for the future to be happy or to accomplish your goals. Choose to chase your dreams and be happy now. Don’t waste away your days waiting for better ones. Because if you live in the past or in the future, are you really living at all?
I Have More To Learn
Lastly and most importantly, I know I have so much more to learn and an endless amount of knowledge to absorb. I am only 18 years old, and it would be silly to claim I have experienced all there is to experience or have learned all there is to know. No one has. And I don’t think we ever will here on earth.
“If you think you know everything; you know nothing. If you think you know nothing; you know something.” ― Jayce O'Neal
Here is to an amazing and eye- opening 2015. Bring it on.
You Control Your Thoughts
Now I know this seems like an obvious lesson but just think about it. How often do we let negative thoughts completely invade our minds and control us? I realized that we have the power to change the outcome of a situation almost completely by how we react to it. You can either wallow in despair over something or allow it to motivate you and help you to grow as a person. In every situation there is always a silver lining, you just have to find it. By thinking positively, you can change your reaction thus changing the outcome. Be conscious of all of your thoughts and make sure they are uplifting and positive rather than negative. I’ve allowed negative thoughts to completely debilitate me at times, and that is no way to live. Changing all of your thoughts to positive ones can be difficult, and it will definently take some practice. But it will allow you to handle life’s curve balls and hardships with a much better attitude and clear mind.
You Are What You Eat
I learned that not only does the food we consume affect our bodies but also our minds and souls. I always ate thinking about how the food would affect my weight or appearance, but I never realized how much food affects our mental health and overall well being. By switching to a healthier lifestyle, I saw almost immediate improvements in my ability to deal with my depression and anxiety, and I felt much happier and energized. It is a proven fact that eating healthier can prevent and cure so many diseases and illnesses. It’s amazing because eating a healthier diet can eliminate so much of the suffering that human beings go through but so many people do not realize this. I also discovered that food is not the enemy. Its purpose is to nourish and sustain our bodies so we can be happy and active human beings. That, however, depends on what kind of food you pick. Food can either be your medicine or your poison. You choose.
Ask Questions
I used to mindlessly consume the world around me without really questioning it. Just because “this is the way things are” in society doesn’t always make them right. It is very beneficial and healthy to analyze and think critically about the world and its practices. By doing so, I changed some of my own core beliefs. One of them being going vegan. Knowledge is power. Understand and become aware of why you believe what you do. Don’t believe something just because it is what your parents, teachers, or friends have led you to think is true. Form your own opinions, thoughts, and perspectives.
Be Open Minded
I’m not suggesting that you completely alter your beliefs and values, but it is healthy to understand other perspectives. Even if you do not agree with someone’s morals or values, it is interesting to know the reasons behind their beliefs and see where they are coming from. It opens your mind to so many different perspectives and views. I feel like by being more open minded, I have become a more aware and compassionate individual.
Always Be Kind
We hear it all the time. Be kind to others. Treat others how you would like to be treated. But it is apparent in our world today that not many people practice this golden rule. I’ve made the conscious decision to try to be kind to the people I meet even when they do not return the same kindness. Everyone is fighting their own war, and you never know what someone is going through. Maybe that person was rude or judgemental toward you because they just found out there mother has cancer or they have severe depression. Your act of kindness could be the only shed of light they see in along time. I know it is not always easy, but simple acts of kindness can go a long way.
Set Goals Instead of Dreams
I used to have all of these dreams (and still do). But that was all they were to me. Just dreams. I have this really bad habit of living in my head. I imagine all the things I want to do in life without ever doing anything to make them happen. I never came up with ways or ideas to make my dreams come true in the past. So from now on, whenever I have a dream I want to pursue, I will make it a goal and continually take steps in order to achieve that goal. You have control of your life, and you are the only one who can make things happen.
Live in the present
I have discovered how valuable time is. And I have become aware of how it seems to pass in the blink of an eye. My entire life, I’ve spent my time dwelling on the past or dreaming about the future. Never in the present. And I find that very unnerving. Time will pass whether we like it or not. It is passing as I sit here and write this, and it is passing as you read this. Time is valuable and can never be reused or reclaimed. So make every second count. Live in the moment. A present moment. Appreciate what and who is around you in the present. Don’t wait for the future to be happy or to accomplish your goals. Choose to chase your dreams and be happy now. Don’t waste away your days waiting for better ones. Because if you live in the past or in the future, are you really living at all?
I Have More To Learn
Lastly and most importantly, I know I have so much more to learn and an endless amount of knowledge to absorb. I am only 18 years old, and it would be silly to claim I have experienced all there is to experience or have learned all there is to know. No one has. And I don’t think we ever will here on earth.
“If you think you know everything; you know nothing. If you think you know nothing; you know something.” ― Jayce O'Neal
Here is to an amazing and eye- opening 2015. Bring it on.