32 realizations

The following conversation took place between yours truly and a friend:

F: Hey! Happy birthday!

Y: Thanks, bro!

F: How’s your writing going on?

Y: Not that great. Have been thinking of writing something inspirational. But don’t know what to write about.

F: Why don’t you pen down a compilation of the lessons you have learnt till date?

His comments got me thinking. Sure, I may not have lived a long life yet. It may not even be eventful as compared to the lives of so many around us. Perhaps, that is the reason why writing a post about some important lessons makes sense. We tend to draw our inspiration from really extreme stories, the rags-to-riches types. However, these are the outliers, not the norm. If we look closely around us, we will find that there are more than enough stories around us to provide us with the daily dose of inspiration and motivation.

Once I sat down to writing, I delved deep into my years on Earth to find out what would be the most important lessons that I have learnt. Some of what I could come up with are listed below. They are written in no particular order and thus, can be read in any manner.

1. Good intentions are not enough. Action is required.

2. Love for the country is paramount. Our lives should be testimony of what we did/ can do for the place we live in.

3. Work speaks. It is quite possible that you may have a bad boss who doesn’t respect your work. Or a colleague who likes to take credit for your work. However, these acts are temporary. No one can take credit of your work. Your success is a direct measure of the work you put in.

4. Discipline is painful, but worth it.

5. It pays to have a schedule.

6. Gratitude is the key to happiness.

7. Our time on Earth is limited. Make sure you do not waste it doing stuff that makes you unhappy.

8. Spend time with your family. Listen to them. Talk to them. Laugh with them.

9. Good, true and loyal friends are rare. If you find them, keep them close.

10. Competition is important. Challenges give us a chance to push ourselves.

11. A life partner can make or break your years. Make sure to choose one wisely.

12. Money is not the root of evil. It is important to lead a fruitful life. Love money, but not at the cost of your health or mental peace.

13. Laziness and inaction are the root of evil in our lives.

14. Positivity and optimism are like muscles. They need to be worked upon daily in order to see their effects.

15. Consistency is an underrated tool that can push one to achieve whatever they want.

16. Everything compounds. Think of something regularly and it becomes a part of your existence. Be very conscious of what you are feeding your mind.

17. Help strangers, even if they are wary of your efforts. Do it to bring a smile to your face, not on others.

18. Loyalty is a virtue. Be loyal to family, to your partner, to your country, to your ideals. It is okay to shift loyalties, as long as you know that it is for the greater good.

19. Watch what you eat. Surviving on a diet of instant noodles and vodka shots is easy in your 20s. The real value of health is visible once you enter your 30s.

20. Identify and get rid of your addictions before they take start controlling you and your life.

21. Stay hydrated. Water is one of the most underrated health drinks.

22. Develop a hobby. You need some time for yourself to detach from the world. Hobbies will help you recharge your creative juices.

23. Talk to others in such a way that their life feels enriched to them after talking to you.

24. Be the best version of yourself – in mind, body and spirit.

25. Limit your screen time. It is perfectly okay to not watch all the latest shows, unless you plan to develop a career in a related field.

26. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc. are distractions. The same time can be used for better pursuits.

27. Develop a support system, people with whom you can talk without the fear of judgement. At the same time, become a support system for someone.

28. De-clutter. You need less than you have. We all have just enough for comfort. It is the pursuit of luxury and ‘what ifs’ that make us hoarders.

29. Pray and fast. Get in touch with your spiritual side. What exercise is to body and books are to mind, meditation is to your soul.

30. Take care of your looks. People do go for first impressions and thus, it is important to be presentable.

31. Smile more often. Laugh whole-heartedly. A genuine laughter is infectious. It can spread sunshine even when the surroundings are gloomy.

32. Forgive. Let go. Learn to move on easily. We all are undertaking our own journey and thus, let go of that which doesn’t serve your higher purpose.

These are some of the lessons that I try to imbibe in my daily existence. I hope you had as good a time reading them as I had writing them.

What are some of the learnings that you have realized over time? Do drop a message and let me know.