Scottish author and theologian Ian Maclaren once wrote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Such simple words can make such a profound difference. But sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. After all, each and every person is fighting their own battle — including those reading this article.
Life isn’t always a walk in the park. Sometimes there are moments so difficult that it can be tough to see past them. But the right words of advice can make all the difference and realign our focus.
No matter what readers are going through, take solace in these words. Here are 14 important words of advice to keep in mind at all times.
1. No One Is Truly Alone
During our darkest moments, it’s all too easy to feel alone. There may be times where a person feels like they have no one to turn to.
But make no mistake, no one is truly alone.
While getting out of a mental funk isn’t as easy as saying ‘count your blessings’ and walking away, there’s merit in taking stock in one’s life.
So when those feelings of loneliness hit, take a moment and pause. Think of those that add value to life and make it worth living. Even if it’s seemingly invisible, everyone has a support system.
2. The Past Doesn’t Dictate The Future
Ever have one of those nights where past mistakes rear their ugly heads, making it difficult to sleep?
Next time these thoughts strike, keep these words of advice in mind: one’s past isn’t their future.
There’s no reason why a person can’t change. Just because a person stumbled in the past doesn’t mean they don’t have a bright future ahead.
3. It’s Okay To Let Go
At one point or another, most of us will feel wronged. Be it by an act of nature or another person, these events can leave us aching and hurt.
But it’s during these times that we need to remember that there’s tremendous power in letting go. Why let the chains of the past dictate the future?
We deserve full, happy lives. And that begins with learning to let go.
4. Silence Is Golden
As a child, most of us were taught that if a person can’t say anything nice, they shouldn’t say anything at all. Such a simple mantra, but one that yields power.
Before blowing up on that coworker or loved one, take a breath. Is what’s about to be said really necessary?
5. Forgiveness Doesn’t Mean Forgetting
It’s a big misconception that forgetting should be equated with forgetting. This is simply untrue.
Forgiveness isn’t about the other person. It’s about allowing one’s self to live their best, fullest life by letting go.
Furthermore, forgiving someone doesn’t even mean you have to like that person. It does, however, mean allowing one’s self to begin the healing process.
6. The Grass Is Always Greener
There’s an alarming level of dissatisfaction in today’s world. Yet we’re the most technologically advanced society in the history of the world. So what gives?
Envy and false comparisons, in short.
It may seem like we have it all, but sometimes that doesn’t feel like enough. Remember, the grass isn’t always greener.
That person may have received the big promotion or bought that high-ticket item, but that doesn’t mean they’re any happier than anyone else.
7. Today’s Pain Is Tomorrow’s Power
If only we could realize this in our weakest moments. But be it triumph or tribulation, our pain is our power.
Those past mistakes all serve a greater purpose: to give us strength.
Allow time for grieving, and let those mistakes serve as lessons. Tough situations make for tougher people.
8. There’s Never A ‘Right Time’
This is something we’re all guilty of. ‘Sure,’ you think, ‘I’ll get to that big project tomorrow. Today just isn’t the right time.’
Yet experts seem to agree that the right time is now. The longer we wait, the likelier we are to procrastinate.
So think about what can be achieved now and stop waiting for the perfect moment.
9. Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try
Who knew puppets could be so poignant? This great quote comes to us directly from the mouth of Jedi master Yoda.
It’s such a simple yet powerful statement. We often give ourselves an out when really we should commit to a situation.
10. No Excuses
Along those same lines, it’s time to stop making excuses. There are likely a hundred reasons why that task can’t be accomplished. But should that really stand in the way of a person’s happiness?
What harm is there in trying? So stop giving excuses and start living a better life. Quit looking for the easy way out and start living a tougher, richer life.
11. Life Is What You Make It
If there are a few words of advice that sum up the philosophy of this article, it’s that life is what you make it.
We have no control over the external situations in our lives. But we can choose how we react to life and whether or not it knocks us down.
Remember, we’re in control of our own lives.
12. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
We all have that person in our lives that promises to do better next time. And then, when the chips are down, we once again find that that person is hard to rely on.
It probably felt great to hear that person say that they wanted to do better. However, if they’re not taking actions to better themselves, they’re not really dedicated to improving.
No more excuses. Those looking for a change can find it, but it comes from within.
13. No One Is Watching
Here’s a life pro tip for you: everyone is too concerned about themselves to watch you. Made a mistake in the big group meeting?
Odds are, everyone is too nervous to even notice. So give yourself some freedom. Everyone is self-conscious, but few of us are intuitive enough to acknowledge it.
14. Pick Your Battles
Our last words of advice are so powerful that we need to say them again.
Ready? Pick. Your. Battles.
Seriously. Life is so much easier when we realize that not everything has to be a fight. Choose what really matters and learn to let the rest go.
Final Words Of Advice
There you have it, dear reader, 14 words of advice to get people through any situation. We’d like to leave you with one final tip.
Life is a journey. Sometimes it’s going to feel like it’s impossible to go on. But you’re stronger than you think. Learn from mistakes, let go of the past, and look inward for strength.
For more great content, including life hacks and general life tips, be sure to check out Paldrop!