Life is a journey filled with valuable lessons, and as I have now gone through 17 years of it, I have realized how to navigate its twists and turns, and uncover some hard truths along the way. Of course, I still have a long way to go and many more lessons to learn, but these 8 truths have shaped my perspective and guide towards a path of genuine happiness and fulfillment in my life in the present. In my seventeen years of living, I have come to understand the paramount importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and prioritizing balance. Join me as we explore these profound lessons that can truly transform our lives for the better!

1. Understand the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people

One of the most significant factors in our happiness and personal growth is the company we keep. Surrounding ourselves with the right people, those who inspire, support, and challenge us to become better versions of ourselves, can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. Conversely, toxic relationships can drain our energy, hinder our progress, and impede our pursuit of happiness. Choose your friends wisely, seeking out those who uplift you and share similar values, aspirations, and passions.

2. The Power of Authenticity

In a world often driven by appearances and societal expectations, it's crucial to remain true to ourselves. Embrace your individuality and celebrate your unique qualities. Authenticity allows us to form genuine connections with others who appreciate us for who we truly are. By cultivating self-acceptance, we invite positive energy and build relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.

3. The Impact of Perspective

Life is a kaleidoscope of experiences, and our perspective shapes how we interpret and react to them. Choosing a positive and growth-oriented mindset can transform even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth and resilience. Surround yourself with individuals who radiate positivity, and learn to reframe setbacks as stepping stones towards personal development. Embracing a growth mindset enables us to find joy in the journey, appreciating the process of becoming rather than solely focusing on the destination. Do things that make you happy no matter what anyone else thinks.

4. STOP THE COMPARISONS!

I think one of the most crucial lessons in life that I have learned is to cut off comparing my life or my looks to others. Everyone has their ups and downs and with the age of social media it is really easy to forget that not everyone lives a perfect life. We all have struggles and challenges and usually don't notice others' and we are not supposed to! You need to live your life and build your own path by finding what you like and what makes you stand out. Once you realize that comparison is never the answer, you will truly be happy with yourself and content with life.

5. The Value of Gratitude

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the simple joys and blessings that surround us. Gratitude is a powerful tool that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have. Cultivating a practice of gratitude allows us to find contentment in the present moment, nurturing a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Surrounding ourselves with people who share this perspective can encourage us to appreciate life's precious moments and cherish the connections we forge along the way.

6. Try to work out in the morning

Personally, I am an early bird at heart and find myself waking up early craving a self care routine that involves a work out, coffee, skincare, and a delish breakfast. I know that not everyone is wired this way and it can be a challenge to wake up early and move immediately towards a work out. However, I strongly advise fitting in exercise as soon as possible in the morning rather than in the afternoon or evening. This way, you get it out of the way, start off your day in a positive manner, and avoid procrastination.

7. Setting goals

After I discovered the power of setting goals and working towards them with determination and focus, my happiness has significantly increased. Goals make you continuously work towards positivity and reduce a static life or boredom/slump in your life. In addition, as you make goals new ones will come to mind and soon enough you will have an endless amount of positivity to work towards as you grow. Goals shape us to be more responsible and independent human beings.

8. Failure as a learning opportunity

At 17, I have come to understand that failure is not a permanent setback, but rather a valuable learning opportunity. I realized that setbacks and challenges are inevitable parts of life. Instead of letting failure discourage you, you need to learn to embrace it as a chance for growth and improvement. By viewing failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, you can adopt a resilient mindset that allows you to learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach, and ultimately achieve success.

Life's hard truths offer valuable lessons that shape our journey towards genuine happiness and fulfillment. By surrounding ourselves with the right people and prioritizing balance, we can create a fertile environment for personal growth, positive relationships, and overall well-being. Remember, the journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and each day presents an opportunity to embrace these truths and manifest them in our lives (these are just my 8 tips!) . May you embark on this transformative path, finding solace, happiness, and harmony along the way!