LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCES

LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCES.

 Honour the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Hold on to your principles. Doing the right thing is often difficult, even for those of strong moral character, but it is always necessary.

As corny as it sounds, life is a learning journey. I have understood this even more in adulthood, or at least become willing to admit it. Our experiences, both successes and failures, relationships, triumphs and challenges, offer us all invaluable lessons no matter the age.

One of the life lessons I have learned is to see with my own eyes, and hear with my own ears. For example, it is easy to be swayed and influenced by the views of others, particularly those we hold in high esteem or have a strong admiration for. It was not until I took a step back and assessed my own beliefs that I truly understood the extent of this influence. This does not mean disregarding the opinions of others, but it does mean critically assessing an opinion before applying it to my own.

I have also come to realize the importance of having the confidence to trust your own judgement. When it comes to making decisions, it is all too easy to be intimidated by the argument of an ‘authoritative’ figure, or even worse, being seduced by the appeal of a powerful force – whether it be a social influence or a political one. I have since found that understanding your deepest values and principles gives you the strength and courage to stand up for them, even when it means challenging the status quo.

This has also taught me to not be led away by a desire to fit in and be accepted by the crowd. While this desire is completely understandable, it should not be at the cost of your character or integrity.  Unfortunately, those desperate to fit in have often found a way to subscribe to the ‘in’ thing or a certain ideology as a means of being accepted, either subconsciously or consciously. This affirmation may offer temporary relief, but in the long run it should not be an individual’s first port of call when looking to validate their beliefs or opinions. 

Another life lesson I have learned is to be wary of the influence of those who are out to make a profit, even if that puts your own wellbeing in danger. This is something I have encountered personally, through the guise of so-called ‘wicked merchants’. This term refers to people whose only agenda is money, one who will only offer something if there is a benefit for them- even if the thing being sold has nothing to it.

Finally, I have also come to realize the importance of holding on to truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. As Confucius once said, “To know what is right and not to do it, is the worst cowardice”. This simple saying carries such great weight when it comes to understanding the consequences of our decisions. Doing the right thing is often difficult, even for those of strong moral character, but it is always necessary. 

In conclusion, life is a learning journey, and I am proud to have encountered and learned from experiences both big and small. While I am still learning and growing, I am grateful for the knowledge I have acquired along the way, which I will draw from when making decisions to help ensure that I am always doing the right thing.