LIFE LESSONS


Being a teenager, I've been here a short time. But from the day my lifebegan, knowingly and unknowingly, I've learned things. Some of theselessons have brought me wisdom, luck and fortune, while others broughtmisery and pain. And yet all that I learned, which at first seemeddestructive and disheartening, later turned out to have deepermeanings- blessings in disguise. They taught me that I had more tolearn. They gave me wisdom and helped me judge situations with a widerperspective and a more experienced mind.

My enemies, I know are my best friends, because through them I've learnedthat I am no saint. You need two people for a conversation so you sureas heck need two people to start a fight. Feuds and disputes- it's a twosided affair! Love, hate, its all the same story, so never blame theother, because every time you point a finger, there are always threefingers pointing right back at you!!! There is no denying it, nobody isperfect. Perfection, in its fullest meaning, can never be attained.

Whenever I have a misunderstanding with another, whoever it may be andhowever much pride I have inside, there is always a feeling of hurt andguilt. I know, had I been a better person, I could have prevented anunnecessary dispute. I eventually learn to value people more, andrealize that human nature is too complicated for even the most advancedhuman mind, so there is no reason for me to be proud. If someone picks afight with you, turn around and walk away. There is dignity in walkingaway peacefully rather than proving yourself right- it could never becowardly.

Friends and family will always mean the world to you, those two,whatever the costs, the utmost effort will be made on our part toprotect them, even if it means sacrificing that which is most preciousto us.

Failures are the pillars of success. Never ever be disheartened whenthings go wrong, because it's never the end. The show must always go on.Learn from your mistakes, those lessons you can never forget. Neverquestion your abilities. Everyone is special in their own ways.

I've never given up on my dreams, they mean too much to me, that's whyno one can ever put me down, however hard they try. I am strong and mywill power, I know will get met past every obstacle! Fight for what youbelieve is right, because your heart can never lead you astray, it knowsyou too well.

Never forget who you are, because if you do, the past will come backto haunt you. Never change yourself for others, you were meant to be whoyou are. You are unique in every way- no one can ever replace you.

At the end of the day I know my place is with God, and so I have learnedto ignore people's comments, but good advice should never be missed outon. If people try to put you down, just walk on by, don't turn around,you only have to answer to yourself. As long as your conscience isclear, everything will be fine. Learn to listen, it's a gift most of usnever use. There is a lot to learn in the words of others.

I've learned not to depend on people too much because God gifted me withthe elements to help me stand on my own. And yet it is perfectly alrightto ask for or lend a helping hand, because we are all human. Never beafraid to cry, its not a sign of weakness, instead it tells me that youare brave enough to show your face to the world in good times andbad.

Have confidence in yourself, but never think too much of yourselfeither, because in God's eyes your no better than a pauper. Alwaysremember there are people better than you. At the same time never beungrateful, value everything you have, there are people who are worseoff than you.

In every situation be practical and logical. Comprehend the situationand be down to earth. Think not only of yourself, take intoconsideration the view and plight of others - everyone has something atstake. Selfish, self-centered people, always end up in situations whereeventually frustration gets the better of them and they end up at aloss. Evil can never prevail, because we are always fighting to rightthe wrongs.

I try not to jump to a conclusion or judge a book by its cover, butbeing human I tend to err, I fall prey to my temptations- the need to belike others and fit in. My weaknesses get the better of me, and I aminfluenced by the devil. There are times, when all that I've learned isjust flushed down the drain. And by thought, words and deeds, I deprivepeople of their rights, I hurt their feelings, I make a mess of aperfectly good situation, but above all I hurt myself. Guilt takes overand it seems that everything falls apart! Its just that in my head,emotions and thoughts run wild, and the whole world starts spinning.

But there is one thing that I have never done and that is tell thepeople close to me that I love them. I've been almost ashamed to expressmy feeling to those who mean the most to me. Its crazy, I know, but thatis just how things are. I am still confused and I wish I could bemyself. I wish I could express what is in my heart and yet, the part ofme that wishes to be a tough guy, always seems to get the better of me.Never make that mistake, life is too short, so make the best of it andmake sure that you appreciate everyone who's made your stay here amemorable one.

Have faith in God, He is your savior. Your life is in his hands,whatever happens, its always for your good. I guess, we've all learnedthese lessons, yet we tend to forget them. We have become so absorbed inthis materialistic world that we've forgotten our priorities. It ishuman to err, but it is possible to be alert and remember that we haveno right to deprive others of their right. We live in one world, so wehave to learn to share. If we took away the "selfishness" and "greed"that exists, the equation of life would be complete.

Copyright 2000 Maryam Nizam

Stories / Articles 2000



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