At the moment, I am experiencing a period of growth. My focus is on developing myself and discovering ways to become a better person. It’s strange to realize that after 25 years, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to live life by applying all the knowledge I’ve gained to grow and improve myself. This lesson essentially emphasizes the importance of using shared experiences and insights. Although life is short, consistently engaging in meaningful, enjoyable, or essential activities allows you to truly appreciate the life you have.

Looking Back

A challenging period for me was during my early college years amidst the COVID era and my first year of working around the same time. I had to adapt to spending an entire year at home, juggling schoolwork, multiple jobs, and balancing my work and school life while being with my family, who didn’t quite grasp that being remote didn’t equate to being constantly available. During the COVID period, I had to adjust to a whole year at home, and on my first day of work, I faced financial difficulties and dealt with lifestyle creep.

Which past period do you reflect on with gratitude, even though it was tough at the time?

In my second year of working, I encountered many challenges and even considered it my worst year yet. I dealt with lifestyle creep or recognizing and trying to correct it. I’m thankful for the experiences and the resilience I gained from that year. What I take away from this is my endurance. The lessons I learned include taking moments to breathe and figuring out how to emerge from difficult situations.

Carrying Lessons Forward

What wisdom from your past are you still applying today?

I am utilizing all the knowledge I’ve gained to build a better future for myself. Some lessons came from challenging experiences, while others, such as understanding taxes and work-life balance, were things I actively sought to learn before they became essential. I possess a great deal of wisdom that I continue to apply, one of which is prioritizing myself above anyone else. When I place someone else’s values before my own, I begin to falter and value them more than I value myself.

Is there a mistake you once made that now shapes the way you live?

A mistake that has driven me to improve my life is learning to safeguard my peace. It’s still difficult to say no and put myself first, particularly while living at home as an adult, where others often request help and require my time. I’ve frequently had to change my plans because my family decided they needed something. I promised to prioritize myself, as people often prioritize others.

What season taught you resilience? Patience?

The toughest year of my life taught me patience and resilience. I had to learn how to navigate numerous obstacles and regain my strength after setbacks. In that year, my car was towed, I dealt with medical expenses, and both my phone and iPad broke, requiring replacements. I had to pause, push through the difficulties, and continue striving for improvement.

Embracing the Present

How do you remind yourself to be fully present in this season?

Always seek the positive, as there will inevitably be difficult times. Don’t let those periods halt your goals, and fixating on your suffering won’t aid in overcoming them. Sometimes, you need to forget the pain and dive into a phase of recovery. Remembering all the struggles I’ve faced is painful, but it’s rewarding to see how I’ve emerged stronger on the other side.

What small daily habit helps you honor where you are right now?

1. Journaling is a powerful practice that allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By setting aside just a few minutes each day to write, you create a dedicated space for self-expression and exploration. This habit not only helps in processing emotions but also encourages mindfulness, as you take the time to consider your current state of being. Journaling can take many forms, from free writing to structured prompts, and it can serve as a valuable tool for tracking personal growth over time. Through this practice, you can honor your present self by acknowledging your successes, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.
2. Taking walks is another small yet significant daily habit that can help you connect with your surroundings and honor your current state of mind. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a park, a brisk walk around your neighborhood, or a nature hike, walking provides an opportunity to clear your mind and reflect on your life. The rhythmic motion of walking can be meditative, allowing you to process thoughts and feelings while engaging with the world around you. Additionally, being outdoors and immersing yourself in nature can have profound effects on mental well-being, reducing stress and enhancing mood. By incorporating regular walks into your routine, you create a moment each day to appreciate where you are, both physically and emotionally.
3. Understanding oneself more deeply is an ongoing journey that can be nurtured through small, daily habits. This process involves self-reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth. By taking time each day to consider your motivations, desires, and reactions, you can gain valuable insights into your behavior and thought patterns. This can be achieved through various methods, such as meditation, reading self-help literature, or engaging in meaningful conversations with others. As you develop a clearer understanding of who you are, you can better honor your current state by accepting your strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing the unique journey that is yours alone. This deeper self-awareness fosters a sense of peace and acceptance, allowing you to embrace where you are in life with compassion and understanding.

Preparing for the Future

If life repeats lessons until we learn them, which lesson do you think you’re being asked to revisit? 

This concept suggests that our experiences are designed to teach us important truths, and if we fail to grasp these lessons, they may present themselves to us again in various forms. One significant lesson that many individuals find themselves encountering repeatedly is the importance of resisting lifestyle creep. Lifestyle creep refers to the gradual increase in one’s spending as their income rises, often leading to a situation where individuals find themselves living paycheck to paycheck despite earning more money. This lesson is crucial because it encourages us to maintain a balanced perspective on our financial situation. Prioritizing long-term financial health over short-term desires. By resisting lifestyle creep, we can build a more stable financial future. We focus on savings, investment and unexpected financial storms.

The importance of resisting lifestyle creep cannot be overstated. It invites us to reflect on our spending habits. To recognize the subtle ways in which we may allow our expenses to grow alongside our income. This lesson encourages mindfulness in our financial decisions, prompting us to ask whether each purchase aligns with our values and long-term goals. By being intentional about our spending, we can create a financial buffer. The buffer allows us to enjoy life while also preparing for the future.

What mindset shift would help you walk into your next season stronger? 

As we transition through different phases of our lives, whether it be in our careers, personal relationships, or financial journeys, adopting a growth mindset can be transformative. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. This perspective encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. By embracing this mindset, we can approach our next season with resilience and confidence, ready to tackle whatever comes our way.

Shifting our mindset also involves letting go of limiting beliefs that may hold us back. Instead of thinking, “I can’t afford this,” we might reframe it as, “How can I afford this?” This shift opens up possibilities and encourages creative problem-solving. It empowers us to seek out resources, knowledge, and support that can help us achieve our goals. By fostering a mindset that embraces change and challenges, we can walk into our next season not only stronger but also more adaptable and open to new opportunities.

Thinking about my financial goals is essential for ensuring that I stay on track and make informed decisions about my money. Setting clear, achievable financial goals provides direction and motivation. These goals can range from short-term objectives, such as saving for a vacation, to long-term aspirations, like buying a home or preparing for retirement. By regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals, I can ensure that they reflect my current circumstances and aspirations.

In addition to setting goals, it is vital to create actionable steps to reach them. This might involve budgeting, tracking expenses, and identifying areas where I can cut back on unnecessary spending. Moreover, considering the impact of inflation and changing economic conditions on my financial goals is also important. By staying informed and proactive, I can navigate my financial journey with greater confidence and clarity.

What seeds are you planting now that your future self will thank you for?

This metaphor speaks to the actions we take today that will yield benefits in the future. Planting seeds can refer to a variety of positive actions, such as investing in education, building healthy habits, or saving money. Each of these actions requires patience and foresight, as the results may not be immediately visible. However, over time, the cumulative effects of these efforts can lead to significant improvements in our lives.

Closing 

If I had to sum up a life lesson in one sentence, it would be this. Using lessons from every “season” of life to keep growing forward.

Yes, it might seem like an excuse, but it’s true that applying lessons to avoid future challenges is something everyone should do. It’s difficult to identify one lesson as more significant than the others.