Personal Development & Self-Compassion

You wasted $150,000 on an education you could have got for a buck fifty in late charges at the public library.
~ Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting

You are never too old to learn something stupid.
Explore and let life touch you. You never know what is going to turn you on. And when you do find something that turns you on, pursue it with relentless rigor.
Accept responsibility for your life and circumstances and make conscious choices to improve them.
Find a mentor and learn to ask for help if you need it. Offer help to others when they need it. Do not pretend that you have everything in control when you do not.
If you can change your thinking, you can change your life.
Seek balance in life. Life is full of contrasts, and it’s important to strike a balance between your passion and your structured, rational side. Both have their place, and neither should completely dominate the other. Find a sweet spot that feels right for you and embrace the richness of life’s many dimensions, finding harmony between work and play, planning and flexibility, or stability and adventure.
Seek your own path and don’t blindly follow what others tell you is right or true. Explore, question, and find your own way in life.
Whenever you’re faced with choices, pick the one that sparks the most excitement in you, even if it’s just a tiny bit more thrilling. Give it your all and see it through as far as you can, staying true to yourself along the way. Let go of any expectations about how things should turn out, what they should look like, or the path you should take to get there.
When you say to yourself something like, “I’m not good at that,” always remember to add “yet” or “for now” to help keep yourself in a positive mindset.
Like a toddler learning to walk, live your life with determination and resolve. Keep at it and promise yourself that you will never give up on the things that are most important to you.
Just because you put a lot of hard work and effort into something does not mean that the result will be worthwhile and great.
There are countless varieties of beautiful lives that you could have.
Seek out what magnifies your spirit and work to outgrow yourself. Focus on the type of person you want to become, not what you want to achieve.
Always remember to think about why you’re doing something, not just what you’re doing or how you’re doing it. Align your actions and decisions with your “why” to stay true to your purpose. Be a positive enabler and help those around you discover their own “why” and support them in pursuing it.
Life didn’t happen to you, but for you.
Keep learning and growing, because the more you know, the more valuable you become. Don’t be afraid to spend time and money on education and self-improvement.
Strive to become the best version of yourself by breaking free from societal norms and expectations. Unleash your potential, discover your passions, and stay true to your unique path in life.
Spend time with people who inspire you, uplift you, and believe in your dreams.
When you’re in the beginning stages of learning and figuring stuff out, be willing to look and feel stupid. Be willing to be bad, embarrassed, and to be mediocre. Being new and ignorant about something is part of the journey from where you are now to where you want to go.
One way or another, you will learn that there will be consequences for having a lack of discipline. Discipline, rather than motivation, is key to long-term success. While motivation is fleeting, discipline ensures consistent commitment to goals, even when inspiration is lacking. By focusing on discipline, you can maintain progress and overcome obstacles, leading to continued growth.
Life does not wish to waste success on either the unprepared or on one that would not use their success wisely. Be sure to develop yourself so that you are ready and responsible.
It is natural and alright to outgrow people and places.
Embrace your emotions with curiosity and compassion as they guide you toward awareness and growth. Doubt may be natural, but it can be challenged through empathy and a growth mindset.
Caring for yourself is necessary for maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Celebrate progress and growth instead of striving for perfection. By forgiving yourself, you can work to release anger and resentment, finding freedom and peace.
When you believe in something with certainty, it has the potential to manifest as a self-realizing prediction. You are your own fortune teller. Always expect the best of yourself and others.
Figure out what truly matters to you, what makes you excited, and what inspires you. Have a passion for life and a mission in the world. And when you’re passionate about something, let others know your reasons — it’ll help them connect with you and your cause.
Achieving anything worthwhile requires time and effort.
If you are getting enough sleep and the alarm clock cannot wake you up in the morning, then this is a solid clue that you are not living your life with purpose.
Practice makes better. Strive to be better each time you practice.
You can learn the same thing in different ways. Some people learn best in a classroom, and others learn best by reading or watching videos on their own. Figure out what works best for you, and be open to learning in new and different ways. Also, if you can interconnect different ways of learning for one subject (like reading books plus taking online courses plus taking notes), the quicker you will learn and the more you will retain.
If you have something like an instrument, book, journal, or art supplies that you feel you never have time for, then do not put it away. Keep it out so that you can quickly get to it and use it at a moment’s notice. You will not use it as much if it is hidden away.
If you are hungry for knowledge and do not know where to start, think about what you are curious about and head in that direction. Even if you pursue just a minor curiosity, you may find that it opens up even more exciting and new things, as well as new worlds to explore. Keep asking questions and looking for your own answers.
When we let go of our fears and judgments, we find that the love and understanding we extend to others, regardless of their journey, will only serve to strengthen the fabric of our shared human experience.
It is never too late to have a happy childhood.
Embarking on the path to mastery in any skill means dedicating ourselves to countless hours of practice, following the 10,000-hour rule as our guiding principle. This idea reminds us that true expertise demands unwavering commitment, where shortcuts and natural talent are not enough. Yet, when we’re genuinely passionate about our chosen craft, those hours become an exciting journey instead of a monotonous task. With this passion, we find the strength to overcome the inevitable challenges that lie ahead. As we immerse ourselves in each moment, the patience required to complete those 10,000 hours flows effortlessly, shaping our lives and leading us toward mastery.
Do not read mindlessly just to complete another book. Consider what information you are reading and how it relates to you, and how you can apply it to your own life. It is okay to read slowly and to re-read things. If it is boring, set it aside for a while.
When you go to bed every night, ask yourself questions about your day (and be kind to yourself when asking these questions): What could I have done better today? What did I do well today? How can I improve myself tomorrow?
If you do not live up to your potential in life, then you will never be fulfilled. This takes a great deal of work, but this is the kind of work that you were explicitly built for.
Wake up early. Have a set morning routine established before you go to bed and have everything ready for this routine when you wake up. This will help you get out of bed earlier. Do this consistently for at least three weeks, and you will find this easier and yourself transformed.
Spend your time wisely and be careful when engaging in mindless activities. Ideally, we should spend our time doing things that improve our future, the lives of others, and things that we just simply enjoy. If an activity is not satisfying or useful, consider not doing it.
As you grow and develop, you will find that you are less tolerant towards behavior, attitudes, or beliefs that you consider insincere, deceptive, or generally unproductive. This can be viewed as a positive sign of growth, as it indicates that you are more discerning and capable of distinguishing between what is valuable and what is not. In other words, you now have less patience for “bullshit.”
You have spent all your life creating the person you are right now. Never regret the losses and hardships during your journey so far that have brought you to the person you are today.
Your past does not define you; instead, you can create a new story for yourself in the present based on your potential for compassion and growth. Taking responsibility for your actions and choices empowers you, fostering accountability rather than blame or shame. Change may be challenging, but it is necessary for growth and transformation.
Find ways to put into practice what you learn, even if it is only with your imagination. You can also teach what you have learned to someone else.
Mistakes and failures are the best teachers. You know deep down that you have learned more through your mistakes in life than from any person, book, or school. Remind yourself of this any time you feel defeated. Never quit.
Ask questions. Especially if you think you will sound dumb when you ask them. Everyone feels that way, but their questions never seem that way, and most people have the same problems but lack the courage to ask about them.
Make time to learn a little something new every day. Set the goal of just an increase of 1% a day of self-improvement and work to make this a habitual daily goal. If you think you are not good at learning, keep at it — you will get better, and your mind will begin craving it. Sometimes you have to learn…to learn.
Your inner power is a wellspring of strength and determination that can help you shape your life and reach your goals. Learn to tap into this power by trusting in your abilities, cultivating self-confidence, and taking charge of your actions and choices. As you embrace and nurture your inner power, you’ll find yourself better equipped to overcome obstacles, make meaningful decisions, and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Never play the victim. Yes, circumstances may have brought you to where you are today, but it is 100% up to you how you react and adapt to them. You are the captain of your own ship.
Recognize that you are an integral part of the universe, not separate from it. Understanding this interconnectedness can help you feel more at peace and connected to everything around you.
Belief is a personal creation — a tapestry woven from the threads of our experiences, upbringing, and the world surrounding us. It’s a narrative we cling to, a lens through which we paint our own unique version of reality. But, on the flip side, truth is a different beast altogether. It’s a steadfast constant, unyielding and unchanging, undeterred by our beliefs and individual stories. Truth exists outside the realm of our beliefs. Despite the pain that can come along with it, we should strive to shed the layers of our beliefs, release our preconceived notions, and uncover the truths hidden beneath the surface of our perceptions.
Life is full of ups and downs, so go with the flow and accept the natural rhythm of things. Trying to control everything will only lead to stress and disappointment. Embrace the flow of life.
Don’t take life too seriously. Remember that life is a playful journey, not a solemn obligation. Learn to laugh at yourself and enjoy the ride.
Detach from your ego and recognize that your ego is just a small part of who you are. Don’t let it control your actions or define your self-worth.
Work on facing your fears. I know it can be scary but remind yourself that growth happens when you stretch outside of your comfort zone. When faced with something you are afraid of doing or saying, try to detail worst-case scenarios. Then measure the likelihood of those worst-case scenarios against the benefits of the outcome.
Who you are is not your fault, but who you are is your responsibility.
Learn the many different ways to meditate. Meditation allows you to become more aware of the thoughts and emotions that arise within you and helps you let go of attachments and distractions. Setting aside time daily to meditate can create a solid foundation for personal growth and self-discovery.
Live in the present. Enjoy the here and now, rather than constantly worrying about the past or the future. Life’s happening right in front of you, so make the most of it.
Be grateful for even the smallest things. Consider starting a “gratitude journal” where you write at least one thing each day that you are thankful for. There is nothing too little for you to be grateful for.
Grow old gracefully. The most beautiful people in the world seem to be the ones that do not fight but embrace the aging process. Let yourself become who you were meant to be.
Stop doing and saying things that make you feel weak.
Never give up on anything important to you.
You will be able to correct many of the mistakes you make in your life.
Only run in the rain to have fun — not to avoid getting wet. And remember, it can’t rain all the time.
Everything that is happening to you is happening for a reason. Thoughts are causes. Conditions are effects.
Give yourself the liberating gift of changing your mind.
Take a road trip all by yourself every once in a while. Even if it is a quick 20 or 30-minute drive. If you have a moon roof/sunroof, this is typically the best time to use it.
In moments of suffering, allow yourself time to heal before making weighty decisions that may alter the course of your life.
Live your life with purpose. We all have a purpose in life…something we were “created” for. This purpose is what gets you excited and out of bed in the morning. Figure out what truly drives you in life — your passion, your “WHY” — and let that guide your decisions. Let your purpose guide you in making decisions, from choosing a career to building relationships. Remember that your purpose is unique to you, so don’t compare yourself to others or let their opinions sway you. Your understanding of your purpose may evolve over time, so be open to change and self-discovery.
Listen to your intuition. You will feel it in your gut when you are not on the right path.
Distractions of the past and future keep us from the present’s joy and growth. In mindfulness lies the key to savoring each moment’s richness. Being present unlocks intuition and creativity, bringing fresh perspectives and new solutions. In presence, we find meaning and fulfillment, a life worth living.
Take the time to value the simple things. Finding joy in everyday moments can bring you happiness and fulfillment.
Try your best to think positively and view circumstances with a positive point of view. Focusing on your positive emotions by thinking of people or things that bring you feelings of happiness and love can help.
Love your body. No matter how goofy you think you look, you are still freaking beautiful. Accept and appreciate yourself.
Take a nice, long walk as often as you can.
Try to get the sun on your face as soon as you wake up in the morning.
Most things are not as bad as you think they are, and you will make it through to the other side. Take things one step at a time and remember that small problems are easier to tackle than big ones. Start with the easy ones (the big ones are often just a clump of smaller ones).
If you miss your exit, take a deep breath, and catch the next one.
Do not try to hide or bury your emotions. Just be mindful of them and consider which ones are helpful and which may be destructive. Being in charge and able to control your emotions is not the same as hiding or burying them.
De-clutter your life. If you have stuff around you that you do not value and love, think about getting rid of it. Let go of material things that do not really matter.
In all things, ask questions. You can judge someone more by the questions they ask, than by their answers. Start with questions like, “Where am I?” and “Why?” and “What is True?”
Try to resolve any troubling issues before you go to bed. This will help you sleep better and wake up the next day with a bit less stress and more confidence in your day.
Happiness is a choice, and you have the power to influence the happiness and well-being of others just by your own good mood and positive energy.
Find things that make you smile and laugh.
Take pride in who you are and show the world just how beautiful you can be when you stop worrying about how you look and what people think. The only exception is going to Walmart in your pajamas or in your underwear — please do not do this.
Hitting the snooze button over and over is the worst way to start your day. Set your alarm for the time when you usually would stop hitting snooze and get up right away. You will have actually gained more unbroken sleep this way and be more rested.
When you go to the store, park far away from the store entrance. Do not wait or drive around, looking for a spot close to the store. You will have a highly reduced chance of getting your car dinged by someone’s door, it will be easier to leave, and you will have given yourself a nice little walk.
Do not let superficial desires distract you and pull you in the wrong direction.
When you are hurting, do not ignore your pain. Try to embrace and meditate through the pain, and work to separate the pain from your other emotions. Pain is a message from your body, telling you that something is wrong. Listen to it and take steps to resolve what is wrong, but know that giving in to anger, depression, or frustration about it only makes it worse. Your attitude toward pain will allow you to better handle and control it. And take care not to make the people around you miserable with your pain.
Make the place where you live your home. Do not decorate and furnish it to impress others but surround yourself with the things that you value and love, and make it comfy for you and your family.
Stand up and be proud of who you are. If the world around you are hostile against you, it is okay to move away into a world that is more accepting of who you are. It may seem like the whole world is against you at times, but you may find that most people are more for you than against you. No matter who you are, you should never be scared or feel you have to hide your true self. Find your true family.
Be mindful of the stories you tell yourself and your beliefs as your thoughts continuously create your reality. Be willing to face discomfort and uncertainty while embracing new challenges, fostering growth and evolution. Love for oneself forms the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life, allowing you to better love and serve others.
Life is characterized by impermanence and constant change. To find peace and harmony within this ever-changing landscape, embracing the natural flow of life is essential, as understanding that both joy and suffering are temporary. Letting go of attachments to material possessions, status, and other external markers of success allows you to focus on cultivating inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment.
Go to bed thinking about something to look forward to the next day. Expect to be surprised.
Embrace the inherent paradoxes of life and cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity. Seek balance in your actions, thoughts, and emotions, pursuing a path of moderation to avoid extremes that often result in suffering. Study various spiritual and philosophical traditions to gain insights into the nature of reality and your place within it, using these teachings to deepen your understanding of life and interconnectedness.
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the experiences and lessons life offers, even during challenging times. Appreciating the beauty and wonder in the world around you can foster a more positive and joyful outlook.
To achieve mindfulness, awareness, and interconnectedness in life, learning to live fully in the present moment is crucial. This means embracing each experience without judgment and avoiding getting lost in thoughts about the past or future. By focusing on the present, you can develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonder of life as it unfolds.
One day, everything you have been worrying about will be history.

Love & Relationships

Coexisting