This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission. Please read my full disclosure policy for details.
During my first 10 years in school, I prided myself on being a consistent honor student. I used to be grade-conscious and everything was a competition for me. I had to get a perfect score on a quiz, I had to become a leader in every club I was in, I had to win declamation contests and I had to be at least one of the top 5 smartest students in my class.
My awards and recognitions gave me a sense of purpose and self-worth. They have also led me to believe that a very promising future was waiting for me.
When I graduated high school, I got into the best university in my country. I was so excited because it was another achievement for me.
What I didn’t know was that being on a campus with high educational standards full of scholars had some drawbacks too. It made me feel so small. It made me realize that I was a fool for believing that I was a great big fish, when in reality, I was just some microscopic piece of seaweed in the ocean.
One of the best ways to appreciate life is to let go of who you imagine yourself to be.
But, I studied hard anyways and still pushed myself as best as I could.
When I finally finished school and started real life, I thought coming from a prestigious university would have some guaranteed perks with it. But I failed my job interviews and was unable to get a position that would fit my education. I ended up working for a small furnishing company for minimum wage.
I was so disappointed and ashamed of myself. What would other people think of me? What would my old classmates say when they found out that I have “BIG LOSER” written on my head?
Totally dissatisfied with my life, I loathed myself. I got depressed and was clueless on how to get out of my mess.
Working on yourself is the only course of action to get your life in order.
Every day, I analyzed my situation and tried to figure my way out. Until one day, I just decided to resign and apply to a bigger company.
I prepared myself for the whole application process. I researched about common interview questions, came up with my best answers and studied company facts relentlessly.
After the interview, the person from HR told me that they would just give me a call. Feeling so down, I dragged myself out of the office. Fifteen minutes later, my phone rang and the person on the other line told me I got the job!
My challenges didn’t end there though. As I go through life, I realize that every day provides an opportunity for learning and my failures gives me a chance to become better.
Every difficult experience offers an opportunity to grow and discover your strengths.
Talking about second chances, Brianna Shaw talks about 7 pivotal moments that indicate you’re over with your ex.
After a breakup, most of us become too hard on ourselves. Worse, you might end up throwing yourself into the arms of a next man in the hope that he will fix you.
Acceptance is the key to happiness.
One you start to embrace who you are and stop wishing to be someone else, you will enjoy and appreciate life more.
Learning to let go of expectations can open new possibilities and opportunities for self-growth.
When you learn to turn your expectations into acceptance, good things will start to happen.
Lyndsay Rush shared her story when she decided to work from home.
She was expecting it to be all fun and games, but eventually she realized that there were also disadvantages that she was never prepared for.
Don’t let your situation defeat you.
Facing unexpected problems can be really scary, but as long as you have a clear vision of what you really want, then you’ll do whatever it takes to make things work.
Be more mindful and stay plugged in.
Read about personal developments. These things can help you monitor your thoughts, optimize your mindset and make positive changes.
Equip yourself with simple yet helpful information to improve the quality of your life, like with this deep pressure touch stimulation.
It’s a type of therapy for people dealing with anxiety that doesn’t involve massaging, touching or stroking. It only uses the comfort of a weighted blanket.
Live a life that is driven by love.
Love yourself, but be considerate of others as well.
There’s nothing wrong with being hot stuff this season, as long as you don’t cause any traffic accidents with your bright colored outfits.
So, for you not to become an eyesore, here’s “13 Subtle Ways to Incorporate Neon Into Your Wardrobe.”
Ladies, learn to accept that life isn’t perfect and we can’t have everything we want. Let go of your great expectations that are holding you back from enjoying life and instead, pursue a higher level of happiness that is not based on something temporary but on something more meaningful and long-lasting like love.
I try to use every day to keep learning something new. I was in for a big shock too when I graduated with my degree and realized that the perfect job I had always thought I’d have, wasn’t going to happen. Instead, I ended up taking a different route and now I’m my own boss.