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.
Photo by f_shields
Miscellaneous ramblings for thought
Don’t pursue perfection… pursue betterment
Perfection is boring. When we’re perfect what do we have to work for? Instead of trying to be absolutely perfect, each day pursue being a little better than you were the day before.
Your biggest obstacle/battle is with yourself
The biggest walls that stand in the middle of your roads are created by you. The walls are built from your fears, self-doubt, and other factors.
This may seem like a negativity, but this is encouraging because once you realize this, it will help you jump over, go through, or tear down your walls.
Who would you be if you lost your profession, hobbies, or talents?
For instance, say you were a painter, and one day you tragically became paralyzed. You could no longer hold a brush in your hand or move your arm. How would you define yourself? Would you still be you?
It’s necessary to experience sadness & negativity
The only way to truly enjoy happiness and positivity is to sometimes experience sadness and negative. And really, there’s no way around it, life is going to toss you tough time.
Happiness is beauty
When you are happy, you are beautiful. It doesn’t matter what you look like, the true measure of your beauty is your happiness.
You can look back but don’t try to turn back
The best way to drive down the road of life is too often look in the rearview mirror but not turn the car around. It’s important to reflect on the past but you need to keep moving forward.
To achieve your dreams, you need someone who doesn’t believe in you
Every person who has achieved amazing success has had someone who doesn’t believe in them. Even more likely is that they had numerous people who didn’t believe in them.
So don’t worry that you have naysayers – be concerned when you don’t – use them in a good way to motivate you.
Photo by cjc4454
How to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake
Haiti has been devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the largest to hit the country in over 200 years. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the West and has had to face many disasters and trying times before. Haitians are in need of a great deal of help and you may be able to assist them. Here are a few links that list organizations which are helping the victims of this massive earthquake:
How to help victims of the Haiti earthquake – USA Today
Haiti earthquake: How to help – The Washington Post
Haiti earthquake: How to help: A list of charitable organizations active in the nation – MSNBC
In addition to donating to the organizations, please also consider sharing the above links of twitter, faceboook, etc. so that those who want to help can know where to go.
What’s on your mind?
Hi Lyved readers!
I’d just like to ask you a quick question; are there any topics you would like Lyved to tackle in upcoming articles? I’d love the hear what’s on your mind.
Please post a comment below if you’d like to share.
Thank you very much!
Lyved’s 2nd birthday!
On January 1, 2008 I launched Lyved to the world. I really had no idea where this site would lead. Now, 2 years later, I’m amazed at what Lyved has accomplished. Besides reaching hundreds of thousands of people and being mentioned by many popular websites, what is unbelievable is what Lyved’s articles have done for readers.
Through article comments and by email many readers have expressed what Lyved has helped and motivated them to do. Many have found their purpose in life, one woman said that the tips she read helped her find a job, and others have had more positivity enter their lives.
I’m so glad that the thoughts, ideas, and words published on Lyved can do this for you.
I want to thank you very much for those who have been reading from the beginning and those who just started reading today. I appreciate all of you!
Sincerely,
-Andrew
Photo by Jessica Driver
