Have you ever stayed up late at night thinking about moments where you could have acted differently? I know I have. Let me tell you something: Just taking note (and changing my behavior) made a lot more sense than castigating myself.
Moral of the story: Stop beating yourself up. You'll become your own worst enemy. It's a piece of advice I impart when it's asked.
People had all kinds of advice to share after Redditor PeekaBoo_IFKU asked the online community,
"What is the best advice you can give someone?"
"You cannot..."
"You are only responsible for yourself. You cannot and should not try to control others even if you think you're being charitable. Similarly, don't let other people control your emotions."
This is absolutely true, and something that I keep reminding myself of. It changes your life.
"Don't be..."
"Don't be so hard on yourself. Sometimes life gets complicated, is not your fault, just do your very best in every situation, and let things go as they should."
It's true! There are so many things that happen that you will have no control over, and you're not helping anyone––least of all yourself––if you beat yourself up.
"Imagine all the time..."
"Imagine all the time that you spend worrying about your embarrassing moments. Now understand that almost everyone else does the same. Nobody is thinking about your embarrassing things. Just their own. I find this idea freeing."
"Never put..."
"Never put anyone on a pedestal, they will have no choice but to look down on you."
Similarly: Stop reading comments sections. Your peace of mind will thank you.
"Just because you don't like..."
"Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it's inherently bad. Don't s*** on someone because they find joy in something you don't."
Obscure Opinions People Are Fully Committing To | George Takei’s Oh Myyy
We all have a set of beliefs about even the smallest of topics. Like sandwiches should have structural integrity. That's something we can all agree on, right..."Sex is not..."
"Sex is not worth the torment of sharing your children with someone you end up despising."
I'm pretty sure some of my relatives could have benefited from this advice.
*mic drop*
"Not trying..."
"Try it.
Whatever it is you are debating, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, and isn't illegal, try it.
Not trying it is going to weigh on you far more than any minor embarrassment you may get from trying it."
"The sooner you..."
"The sooner you come to peace with the fact that no one gets out of life alive, the better. I use to spend a lot of mental energy comparing myself, and my accomplishments (or lack thereof), to those around me. It was debilitating and really dragged me down. Once I just made peace with the fact that life is a game where the rules are made up and the points don't matter. I was, honestly, happier."
"Never lose sight..."
"Never lose sight of the parts of life you're absolutely clear about. The truest part of ourselves is found inside that clarity.
Also, never ever ever be afraid to start over. You will NOT be starting from scratch, you will be starting from experience."
Life is hard, friends. It can also be one of the most beautiful, rewarding experiences. A lot of it starts with you.
Have some advice of your own? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!
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