As much as I’d like to tell you that life is a gorgeous garden full of fluttering butterflies, I can’t. Simply because I am a good friend and good friends don’t lie. In fact, their most admirable trait is the fact that they are always brutally honest. So, keeping up with habit and tradition, here are a couple of brutal truths about life that nobody shares with you…but I will!
1. You can’t control the turns your life takes
Go back to any situation you’ve hated in life – have you ever thought about how you got there? You probably don’t remember. No matter how many five-year plans you make, you’ll find yourself in various unwanted pits. So don’t try to keep your life calm and controlled because the more you try, the more brutally you’ll feel the effects of the flipside.
2. Thinking is not the same as doing
You might think you love a person but never tell them or show them, in which case it means absolutely nothing. The thought counts, of course, but only when the other person knows you’ve been thinking it.
3. You’ll have to prioritise in life…
…which means, inevitably, hurting the people you are not prioritising in that moment, and getting blamed for it. That’s just how it works.
4. Everybody has it tough
Are you cranky because you’ve had a shitty day? Well, guess what? We’re all in the same boat. You’ve got it tough. And so has everybody else. So, everytime you feel like screaming your head off, remember to take a deep breath and be kind.
5. Taking out time, money and energy for yourself is not selfish
Whether you’re a teenager, a working woman or a parent – you always have the right to take some time out to relax. It’s not selfish and you deserve it.
6. You’ll lose friends
People will come and go in life. You might never talk to your best-friend from third grade. It’s okay. Growing apart is not the worst thing to happen to you. In fact, it’s best if it’s mutual – sometimes you just grow up to be different.
7. Invest your money
If you’re earning, make it a point to have long-term investment plans. Unfortunately, money runs the world and saving up for a rainy day is a favour you’ll be doing for yourself.
8. And your time!
All great relationships in life are a result of constant effort. Whether it’s with your family, friends or that someone special. Relationships are never one-sided so make sure you are always around for the important things. Birthdays, anniversaries, lazy Sundays – give your loved ones the present of your presence. (cliche, but true!)
9. Pleasure is temporary
You can climb up the hill for that exhilirating sense of freedom; but, you’ll also have to walk the rest of the way down. Happiness is a fleeting emotion, but, don’t let that get you down because…
10. …so is pain!
Once you’re down at the bottom of the hill, it’s time to go up another one! And then another and another! It’s a vicious cycle but it’s the only one we’ve got!
GIFs: Giphy
