More than half of the year is over, and I’m not sure if you feel the same, but it’s becoming more evident to me that life is short and seems to move quicker than we can live it most days. It’s a blip in the magnitude of time. And knowing this, I wonder if we are doing anything to make the most of our short time. I wonder if we are taking the time to glean from the experiences we have had along the way.
“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” – Soren Kierkegaard
Something else I have noticed is that people wait until the end of something to reflect on lessons learned. We wait until the end of a relationship to be fully transparent. We wait until we put in our notice at a job before we tell our boss we deserve to get paid more. We wait until the end of life to ask forgiveness, apologize or say how we feel. But today, I want you to consider reflecting while I do the same. I am literally in the middle. The middle of the year, perhaps the middle of my life and ironically, it’s the middle of the night. So here are a few lessons I have learned.
I’ve learned that when someone shows you who they are, believe them, whether good or bad.
I’ve learned that silence is a response.
I’ve learned that unrealistic expectations are a recipe for disaster and disappointment.
I’ve learned that I need to value myself more than I expect value from others.
I’ve learned that not everyone is permanent in our lives.
I’ve learned that just because we love doesn’t mean it will be reciprocated.
I’ve learned that I need to prioritize my wants, needs and desires.
I’ve learned that love hurts, but you eventually heal.
I’ve learned that just because I want it doesn’t mean it will want me back, and the latter doesn’t decrease my worth.
I’ve learned that I can’t leave pieces of myself behind, and reclaiming every bit is necessary.
I’ve learned that love is sacred.
I’ve learned that not everyone has the capacity to receive what I have to give.
I’ve learned that I have limitations, and I need to be willing to rely on others.
I’ve learned that being forever strong is exhausting and that it’s okay to be soft and pliable in the right company.
I’ve learned that I am not for everyone and everyone is not for me.
I’ve learned that being intentional in all things is paramount.
I’ve learned that no one can undo what God has purposed for me in life, love and career.
So as the days seem to shorten with each sunrise and each sunset, it makes me think of the importance of all the lessons we learn along this winding road of life. And how important the middle, right now, truly is. So there you have it, a glimpse into my lessons learned.
As always, I have a small request before we part ways. What are some life lessons you have learned to date? DM me on IG @theinspiredintrovert_ or leave me a message here. My vision is to compile the responses and post them (anonymous, of course) because our lessons can and will help another soul in the middle of their journey. Oh, and one last thing.
Be Inspired!
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