I don’t have life all figured out and neither should you
Over the past 2 years I’ve shared my story and I’ve discussed the lessons I’ve learned from overcoming my failures, mistakes, and setbacks in life. I’ve received many emails and comments from people expressing how amazed they are at how I seem to have everything all figured out.
I do believe I have a unique perspective on life but I feel compelled to tell you that I don’t have life all figured out.
I’m young (currently 21), I’m human, I made mistakes that make me question what I was thinking, I’ll make more mistakes, and I’ve even lost sight of my own advice from time to time.
So please don’t think I’m better than you or holier than you. I didn’t create this site and I don’t write to preach how perfect my life is or how wonderful I am. I’m not an “expert” in life and if anybody tells you they are; they’re lying.
I don’t want you to feel that you need to have life all figured out and be completely free of blemishes either.
If you’re young, you’re going to make big mistakes that will make you question where your morals were.
If you’re older, you’re going to make big mistakes too.
What is important is that we’re not in denial and that we’re honest with ourselves. That we commit to being better. And that we work hard to fulfill that commitment.
Another thing we all need to work on is to not be so quick to judge others for their mistakes and show much more compassion. Our society too easily writes people off. We believe that no addict can stop and no criminal can learn and become a better person. This mentality actually shows weakness in ourselves. Having compassion and hoping for someone’s betterment shows true strength.
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4 Responses to “I don’t have life all figured out and neither should you”
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The last line is very nice and meaningful, though sometimes it becomes very difficult to think that way. I feel that you don’t come across as all figured out, rather, like someone who’s traveled a certain path, experienced something and wants to share that with his readers, and keeps sharing as he realizes newer things. Keep writing and keep sharing so we can all learn, together.
Hi Priyanka,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts on me. I’m so happy this is how you perceive me! Because that’s exactly who I am and how I hope I’m coming off like.
And yes, it’d very difficult to think that way. It takes so much effort and hard work by ourselves.
Talk to you later,
-Andrew
I’m 59, and look back at my early years like being in school. My mother, like teachers, tried to warn me about the path I was following. I looked at her as old, not with it, saying “how can you understand what I’m going through, you’re old.” She would smile at me, sometimes she would cry, telling me she was once young too. My lessons were hard learned, life can be a ruthless instructor, but I know perfection is unattainable. There is nothing perfect on this planet, there are blemishes in and on everything. The best we can hope to attain is to let others be themselves. As a Christian I have learned to love the person, not their brokenness,.failures, misunderstandings. If we could follow our Lord’s example, love people from the worst to the best, we would all be much better people. Hang in there dear one, you know who you are, and that is more than some folks will ever understand. Be blessed…………..Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You sound like a VERY strong person.
I’m not seeking perfection and I don’t want readers to believe I am or that they need to be perfect. Being perfect and being human doesn’t go together. Machines are perfect.
Thank you again for writing in Carolyn! It’s great to hear other people’s stories.
-Andrew