Back to the Carolinas: Some Lessons Learned in a Decade

The reality you live in is partially up to you. The fantasy you live in is entirely up to you.

-Najwa Zebian

A decade has ended. A lot has happened. I have gained and lost a lot. In a way, through all I have experienced, I would not have changed anything. Even the messed up parts that have caused me so much pain. I'm happy to be alive and to have lived the life I lived. Here are some lessons I have learned in a decade:

• people will surprise you. never trust or like someone base on their outer appearance.
• you don't pray or worship God because of what He does in your life but because of who He is.
• although life may have thrown you a few curve balls, don't stop living. It is still a blessing to be alive.
• you don't have to live where you were born or raised.
• as you grow up and experience life, you will lose some people a long the way.
• as cheesy as its sound, once you fail at something, keep moving forward. Life goes on with or without you. So do not swaddle up in your failure.
• let your family be your backbone.
• comparison is a THIEF of joy
• sometimes your friends will be your family
• watch what you say. Freedom of speech is a double edge sword
• it's not always about your intention but actions. You can have good intentions but if your actions don't match, it's useless.
• smile. Whatever your going through will pass.
• believe in yourself.
• sometimes those whom you love the most will hurt you. forgive them.
• say I LOVE YOU to your family member. Life can change in an instant and you will regret not saying anything
• love thyself. before you can become a part of someone else, you have to be your own person.
• know thyself
• don't spend what you did not earned
• be humble
• treat other with respect. We are all equal. A person's dignity does not diminish because he/she is different from you
• sometimes people are what they appear to be
• there's many path to the mountain
• acknowledge your mistakes especially when you wrong someone.
• No one owe you anything.
• People are capable of anything...evil and good.
• Acceptance. Accept others as they are without judgment and do not impose yourself on them.
• Let go of old wounds and baggage.
• Letting go of someone is a form of loving someone. I love you enough to walk a way. I love you enough to let you go, so we can be happy. You can love someone from a distance.
• Try again if you fail. Failure is a part of life. Every failure or uneventful circumstance you face, is suppose to teach you something if you let it. 
•  Faith requires work
• prayers are important. It's not about others nor your circumstance or feeling. It's about your time with God
• Although, you are not responsible for everyone's feelings, people are entitled to feel what they feel. 
• it's okay to not be liked or accepted. Everyone has the right to like or not like something or someone. To accept or not accept. Respect that right.
• It's ok to let go of a dream and make a new one
• "NO" need no explanation or reason
• not every battle you face is meant for you to fight 
• good things happens in slow motion
• when you feel overwhelmed and unable to pray, write down everything that 's bothering you. You will get a different perspective
• people CAN change
• it's okay to walk away from a situation when your mental state and peace of mind are threaten
• Expect nothing but appreciate everything 
• the past serves a purpose but it's not meant for you to live in it
• not everyone that appears nice to you, think like you or will agree with you
•  feelings are FAKE news
• When I catch a bad vibe or bad energy about a person, thing or situation that I find myself in, I'm OUT. If I can leave the location, I leave. If it's someone that I'm dealing with, I smile and find my way to the nearest exit. I no longer have time to waste on negativity.
• I owe no one an explanation
• Sometimes we need external things to keep us motivated in our journey to accomplishing our goals.
• Be proactive in your relationships. Reach out to your family and friends.
• Don't give up on your loved ones.
• Letting go of people you love that don't love you back is a hard thing to do in reality but it is a must. If someone truly love a person, they want that person to be happy. Love also includes respecting that person. Respecting that person means respecting their wishes. If they wish to be left alone and have no involvement with you. RESPECT that.
• Love involves sacrifice. It's hard but worth it. I've been blessed with amazing human beings in my life.
• Things are not always what it's seems. Sometimes a story or situations have more nuisances and factors in it that makes it impossible to fully comprehend the whole story or situations.
• Have hope. Even when it seems like things will never change. Have hope. Believing in something, helps.
• PRAY FOR EVERYTHING!
• Everyone is bad person in someone else story.
• Mind your own business. If it does not concern you in anyways, don't pay it attention.
• Don't tell people your goals and plans. Show them the results only.
• Everything is figure-able. There is a solution to everything.
• Not everything or every one can be fixed.
• Be the hero of your life
• Love and desire needs space.
• Just because you like something does not mean you should have it.
• If you are able to help someone, help them without telling the world.
• If you want a life that matters, make it matters
• Sometimes silence between people does not mean that the sparks is gone or that love is no longer there. You can enjoy each other company in silence and not be at odds with each other.
• Being a victim is not a choice but remaining a victim is a choice.
• Just because you are an open book does not mean other people have to be.
  
  

~xoxo