We’re all thrown into this world with a vague idea of what we’re supposed to do and how we’re supposed to act.
Source: Unsplash
However, then life happens, and we stumble through a series of experiences, some great, some not so great, that shape us into the people we are today. Here are a few that almost everyone goes through.
1. Realising that your parents aren’t perfect
Growing up, we see our parents as almost superhuman. They seem to know everything, and their word is law. But then we hit our teenage years, and suddenly, we start to notice their flaws. They make mistakes, they lose their tempers, and sometimes, they just don’t understand us. This realisation can be jarring, but it’s a necessary step in becoming our own person.
2. Making a mistake you deeply regret.
Source: Unsplash We all mess up sometimes. Whether it’s a white lie that snowballs out of control, a thoughtless comment that hurts someone’s feelings, or a major decision that has unintended consequences, regret is a universal emotion. The key is to learn from these mistakes and not let them define us.
3. Falling in love… and getting your heart broken.
Source: Unsplash Love is a rollercoaster of emotions. The highs are incredible, but the lows can be devastating. Experiencing heartbreak is painful, but it can also teach us valuable lessons about ourselves, our needs, and what we’re looking for in a partner.
4. Facing a fear.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s a fear of public speaking, heights, spiders, or something else entirely, we all have something that scares us. Facing our fears can be incredibly liberating. It shows us that we’re stronger and more capable than we thought.
5. Losing someone you love.
Death is an inevitable part of life, and it’s always difficult to lose someone we care about. But grief can also bring us closer to people and make us appreciate the time we have with our loved ones.
6. Discovering something you’re truly passionate about.
Finding our passion can give our lives meaning and purpose. It could be a hobby, a career, a cause – anything that ignites a fire within us and makes us want to learn, grow, and contribute.
7. Feeling completely lost and unsure of your path.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, life throws us a curveball, and we find ourselves completely lost. We might question our choices, our values, our very identity. These periods of uncertainty can be scary, but they can also lead us to unexpected opportunities and new directions.
8. Overcoming a major obstacle.
Source: Unsplash Life is full of challenges, big and small. It could be a health issue, a financial setback, a difficult relationship, or something else entirely. Overcoming these obstacles can make us more resilient, resourceful, and determined to succeed.
9. Making a difficult decision with no easy answer.
Source: Unsplash Life doesn’t always present us with clear-cut choices. Sometimes, we have to make tough decisions where every option has potential downsides. These situations force us to weigh our priorities, consider the potential consequences, and trust our gut instincts.
10. Having to say goodbye to something you love.
Source: Unsplash This could be a beloved childhood home, a cherished possession, a long-held dream, or even a version of yourself that you’ve outgrown. Letting go can be bittersweet, but it’s also necessary for growth and change.
11. Experiencing a major life change.
Source: Unsplash Life is full of transitions – starting a new job, moving to a new city, getting married, having children, retiring. These changes can be exciting and scary all at the same time. They challenge us to adapt, learn new skills, and redefine our roles and routines.
12. Witnessing injustice and feeling powerless to stop it.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s on a personal or global scale, seeing injustice can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening. It can make us question our faith in humanity and wonder if anything we do can truly make a difference. But these experiences can also fuel our passion for change and inspire us to take action in our own way.
13. Finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in.
Source: Unsplash It can be easy to stay silent when we disagree with something, especially if we fear conflict or rejection. But finding our voice and speaking our truth, even when it’s difficult, can be incredibly empowering. It allows us to live authentically and make a positive impact on the world around us.
14. Accepting yourself, flaws and all.
We all have imperfections. We make mistakes, we have insecurities, we have areas where we can improve. Learning to accept ourselves, with all our strengths and weaknesses, is a lifelong journey. It’s about recognising our worth, embracing our unique qualities, and treating ourselves with kindness and compassion.
