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Why do you suppose that people seem to be happiest from their teens though to about the age of 30? During those years, most people find it to be a wonderful time in life, being more confident, full of exuberance and really pumped for the future. Why is that?
To a large extent, the young are spared much of life’s challenges and tend to have an optimistic outlook, lots of energy and a genuine excitement of what lay ahead. Sadly, at some point, a lot of that unbridled exuberance begins to wane.
As we get older we start to worry more. Will I be happy in my career? Will I find a husband/wife? Where do I want to live? As we’re dragged into the outside world at large and we begin to experience the stresses that adulthood brings, we often lose sight of life’s most valuable lessons.
Of course, while we do have to experience ‘life” to actually learn some life lessons, the core lessons are ones we seem to be born with but lose sight of first.
Luckily, life lessons are easy to re-learn and all we need is the drive and desire for a better life — a more centered and grounded life.
Here are 15 valuable life lessons that have remained true since the dawn of time:
1. Life is happening now
We look forward and we look back, but life is happening now. The future is bright, the past is gone, so don’t let your today be diminished by your yesterday’s and tomorrow’s.
We keep anticipating that amazing thing that will happen in the future, certain it will be the one thing that makes us happy. But life is right in front of you now…make it count by focusing on what’s within your scope of influence in the present
2. Negativity is a life zapper
We can dwell on the negative and get mired down by ‘problems,’ or we can focus on the hope and the good; when we let our thoughts become tainted by negativity, we condemn ourselves to a life that is lackluster and we never realize our full potential. Life may not always be perfect, but it’s a lot better to center our lives around positivity than it is to descend into hopelessness.
3. Relationships are to be treasured
A life shared with people we love is a life of happiness. Ultimately, we should cherish our family and friends as one of the most valuable treasures in the world — because they are.
4. Anger will bring you down
We all get angry, because it’s human nature. While releasing anger feels good for a little while (like only a few minutes), holding onto anger can quite literally destroy your happiness. Stress, regret and sadness are all a result of anger, so let it go and learn more constructive ways to communicate your feelings.
5. Forgiveness will cleanse your soul
Forgiving someone releases you and the other person from the shackles of anger, bitterness, regret and sadness. Set yourself free by forgiving someone who may have done you wrong, just as you too wish others would do for you when the shoe is on the other foot. Life is too short to let it be polluted with anger and resentment.
6. Kindness matters — more than you may know
No cruel person will ever lead a happy life — that is just a fact. To be mean, vindictive or outright cruel is to be a dark soul. Kindness and love are two of the most important components of happiness. To be kind, no matter how small an act of kindness it is, is to live as a being of light and happiness. Fact.
7. Stop judging others
Newsflash: you’re not so perfect yourself. Once we realize that we’re all just trying to make it in this world, we start to let go of judging others. You’re not meant to be judge and jury on the way someone else leads their life. Let go of hate and judgment — you may not like that a person is a different religion, race, political affiliation or sexual orientation, but that’s your problem, not theirs. That hate? It’s going to eat you alive, so best to let it go without hesitation.
8. Your words matter
The words you speak have incredible power. Please choose your words carefully and use them for good and never harm — once you’ve said something in meanness, it can’t be taken back. Use words that help to heal the world and not ones that divide it.
9. Gratitude fortifies happiness
Gratitude fosters positivity and a feeling of being content. Being thankful and appreciative for your blessings means you’re acutely aware of your good fortunes and that you value them. Gratitude is always the right attitude.
10. Passion enhances life
When you have a passion if life — that thing you love to do, every day has more meaning, focus and purpose. Your passion(s) in life come from deep within you and if you haven’t found it yet, fear not – simply make it your mission to find it.
11. Fun is the spice of life
How much of your time is spent doing something fun? Life is hard enough as it is, so don’t let it control you — you should be controlling your life and that means making time to relax and enjoy. Create more fun in your life and watch the years melt away.
12. Age is just a number
Don’t let a number hold you back — age is what you make it. If you can feel and act like you’re 40 when you’re actually 70, chances are you’re leading a very fulfilled life. Don’t be so quick to get in the rocking chair!
13. Take care of your body and it will take care of you
Taking care of your health is to tend to your temple. Exercise and proper diet are essential to a living a happier life.
14. “Stuff” is irrelevant
Material things may be nice, but the more ‘stuff’ you have, the more it starts to own you. If you don’t really need it, don’t get it. If you believe you need it to be happy, you’re on the wrong path in life. Things create clutter and rarely make us truly happy. Rather than collecting ‘stuff,’ collect memories by living life to the fullest.
15. Love is the very foundation of life
Love is the greatest power we possess. Love truly could conquer ever ill in this world. But, love is not easily expressed by everyone. Love is the foundation of our existence — in every sense of the word, we were created out of love. Love is a powerful force for good in a world that it too often cruel and harsh, so please, let love flow out and into you. Love is perhaps the most important life lesson.