Life does not come with a user manual. There is no guide showing us the right way to live in every imaginable situation.
As soon as you think you have figured everything out, something appears that flips your reality 180° and takes you back to the start. Everything in life can suddenly become unpredictable, confusing, and infuriating when you don’t want it.
You, dear Sleepy reader, are on a roller coaster called life.
We present ten truths that will make life easier to navigate once you understand and accept them.
1. Learn to Take On Responsibilities
Start by taking on responsibilities for things that have happened, is happening, and will happen to you in your life.
Learn to take accountability and be responsible for your actions rather than complaining. Do your best to admit your mistakes, your successes, and everything in between.
Your life will start changing when you see that things are happening for you rather than to you.
Use the Serenity Prayer that says, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference,” as a starting point.
2. Understand That You Cannot Change The Past
You cannot change your past, no matter how wonderful or disheartening it was. All you can do is to accept what happened in the past and smile at it.
This universal truth applies to everyone, no matter the similarities or differences.
Instead, do your best to learn from your past mistakes and work on making yourself a better person from this moment on.
3. The Future Is Unpredictable
You probably do not need to be told that the future is as random as a roll of the dice.
“But Sheepherd,” you say. “I can predict that I will be taking another breath within the next seconds.”
That’s true, and you’re right. You can predict some things in the short term, but you cannot predict everything no matter the time frame.
Imagine what life would be like if you who could predict everything with 100% accuracy exists. Would you find any meaning in life? Would anything even matter? We’d think not.
Life’s unpredictability is a double edge sword. On one hand, you are always being subjected to randomness. On the other hand, it allows you the chance to shape what comes next even if it won’t turn out perfect.
You can (and should) dream about the future, but action is where it tends to matter most. Fear is fine as long as you don’t let it paralyze you from taking action.
Don’t believe us? Just ask those who have let fear dictated their life.
4. Learn to Accept Your Current Situation as It Is
Whatever happened, happened. There is no good or bad, right or wrong, even if you strongly believe that you have been wronged. There is only your perception, and changing your perception can instantly change how you feel.
You are nowhere else but here in the present moment. The past lives in your (distorted) memory and the future in your creative mind or perhaps inside a dream.
To live in the moment is a precious skill that you can learn to help bring your back to reality.
5. Friends Are a Gift
Friends come, friends go. This fundamental truth in life has never changed and likely never will.
Friends, in this case, don’t refer to the number of followers or the number of people you follow on social media.
True friends are people who you can share your personal moments with. These are people whom you laugh with wholeheartedly and those who you can be around and be yourself.
They are also few and far between.
6. Success Looks Different For Everyone
For some, success means to own expensive items, live lavishly, and the ability to afford anything.
For others, it is a lifetime of effort to attain what feels true to them.
Wealth and materials goods do not universally indicate success, for there are things that money can never buy.
7. Everything in Life Is Impermanent
Nothing in life remains forever, and these includes your struggles, heartaches, and setbacks. The good and bad will always fade into memory and will remain that way until your last breath.
This is why you should say thank you whenever the chance arises. This could include thanking your colleagues, the waiter serving your food, or even your pet dog. More importantly, say thank you to the people closest to you often and let them know that you appreciate them for who they are.
Learn to appreciate every moment that was given to you, and you will live a brighter life even if everything around you appears to be falling apart.
8. Everything You Have, Is All That You Need
Consider yourself lucky if you already have everything you need because many people are struggling to even have one meal a day.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pursue the things that you want, for where would mankind be today if everybody was content?
Rather, try to be thankful that you likely already have the means to pursue your dreams even if you are currently working for someone else.
You just need to bring out the superhero in you and take the plunge when you’re ready.
9. Time Is Precious
Time passes at the same pace for everyone. It cannot be bought nor sold, created nor destroyed.
One way to perceive time is to think of it as Mother Nature’s way of life flowing by, similar to the water in a stream. It only goes in one direction and waits for no man.
Your time on Earth is finite, and this is something that you should regularly acknowledge so that you are constantly reminded of this reality.
10. Accept That You Are Alone in Life
Perhaps one of the most unpleasant facts of life is that you were brought into the world alone, and you will leave alone.
This is why it is so important to have family and close friends that you can share your joys and tears with. Do your best to create moments that you will look back on and smile at.
We promise that you won’t regret it.
11. (Bonus) Failures Are Inevitable
Do you know someone who has never failed in something? There probably isn’t one.
Failure is just a word like any other. It is your perception of its meaning that matters, and this, to a large degree, can dictate your successes (or lack of) in life.
