9 Life Lessons You May Learn The Hard Way

Hold yourself to higher standards and live accordingly

1. On Friendship: I used to be very introverted and had a closed group of friends. They were very popular and I felt privileged to hang out with them. But I was also picked on the most. When meeting strangers, my "friends" would make lame comments about me so that it would seem that they are very cool and that they are doing me a favor for hanging out with me. Every time I started working on myself, on my goals, on expressing my dreams and the hard work I put in everyday they would feel threatened and made sure to do something about it to put me down again. My life changed immensely once I ditched them and basically started again from zero. Be around people that care about you and where you can provide two way growth
2. On Love: Ignoring the little things that bother you will add up in the end. When the bubble bursts you realize you hate each other so much and you don't even realize why anymore. But you are also so invested that it breaks you in half not having that person in your life ever again. Sex is great. Communication and vulnerability are better. Trust is key. If that is not present then you are just making each other miserable. Move on. Learn to love yourself again. And start over wiser.
3. On Confidence: I used to be very shy. I can't tell you how many opportunities I have missed because I was afraid of "asking" or "upsetting". I always thought if I just show up it will be enough. Opportunity will find me. That is not true. Stop waiting for stuff to happen and make it happen. Ask that girl out, ask for that raise, apply for that job, create that project you always wanted, go on that trip you always wanted, speak when you believe you have something to say, make that phone call. You will get slammed back down more than you could handle sometimes, but it will also help you reach places you never thought possible.
4. On Being Alone: I have so many regrets about people that are not present anymore in my life that I can't call. I suck at following up with people. I lived in 5 countries but always ended up alone because I was too busy to see what the people I left behind are doing once in a while. Grab your phone, look up that person you haven't talked in a while, send a Whats App message "Hey, I've been thinking about you lately. How is your life?". Your life will enhance immensely.
5. On Life (or Death): My parents were at out of town one day. I was alone at home. My aunt and uncle were visiting and in the evening she calls me that my uncle is puking blood. He had liver cancer. I wanted to call the ambulance but it was kinda in the air that this was it. Earlier that week the doctor told him he had 3 months left. My uncle was still conscious so he asks me this incredible task: "Drive me to my hometown back to the house were I grew up, I want to die there". I was 19. I complied. I can't tell you how many thoughts were rushing through my mind while driving on the highway with my uncle on the back seat with a bucket puking and growling. 40 miles later we get at his house and I help my aunt lay him down in bed. While she rushes to get some clean clothes my uncles calls me and whispers in my ear something. He told me his regrets and asked me to not do the same. I had to go back home to get the car to my parents who rushed back in town with the train. On the way back I stopped on the side of the road and cried for a good 15 minutes. Later that night he passed away. Take what you want from this story. I learned that time catches up with us to fast to have regrets and doubts and be stuck inside our heads. It changed me.
6. On Health: On working out. Walk, run, lift, do something. Not for the rock hard abs and the beach body but for your piece of mind. It teaches you discipline, it releases endorfins, it enhances your brain activity. I'm trying to catch up now after skipping physical education classes most of my life, drinking and smoking heavily. You can also change. On eating. Make sure you put in the right fuel in your body. I'm not saying to go full paleo, but start small, one coke can less per day and more greens on your plate. My proportions are 35% protein, 40% healthy carbs, 25% healthy fats. "Mens sana in corpore sano"
7. On Being Liked: I used to be everyone's pet. Trying to be liked by as many people as possible. Girls, teachers, bosses, readers, colleagues, employees. I was a prisoner of everyone's opinion about me. The fact is some people will hate your work either way, some people will judge you either way, some people will expect for you to solve all their problems and hate if you can't. The moment you start giving in to everyone's opinion is the moment you stop being authentic. And people sense when you are fake. And then they like you even less. Don't be afraid to shake the apple tree a bit to see what fruits remain after.
8. On Parents: Your parents will give you advice that is outdated. Advice that is bad for you. They do it because they love you and want you to be safe. Don't fight them. Don't judge them. Nod your head and then do what your heart says. Call them and tell them how much you love them. One day you will be in their shoes doing the same thing. But they might not be around anymore.
9. On Being Vulnerable: I wish I did it more. Nobody likes that perfect, no problems, amazing Facebook-life, I'm-better-than-you person. It's fake. Everyone has their ups and downs. Everyone is trying to get by. Everyone has something to offer to the world. For me, today it's this post. Consider sharing this answer with someone you care about.