Life

Oftentimes, we are so caught up with the mundane things in life that we do not stop and think about the well-being of ourselves and the people we love. Navigating life and all the challenges you may face can be overwhelming for sure. Giving up is not an option. Keep moving forward with gusto and perseverance. Life is filled with obstacles and challenges, and how you overcome and cope with them determines your journey and the path you take in life. It is important to have faith in yourself and your individual abilities. Please do not take life for granted. As someone who faced death and lived to talk about it, I can say that life is so precious, and we are all here for a flash in time. I realized this only after I had my near-death experience when my heart stopped, a few times. I am grateful to the doctors for saving my life and giving me a second chance at life. Although the overall experience of impending death, and the uncertainty that came with it scared me, it also allowed me to reevaluate all aspects of my life. There comes a time in life when you start to think about how much life has changed. You wonder if you would have done something different, and maybe your life would be better or a little different. We all wish that life could be better, it is up to us to decide how much better we would like it to be. It is important to be realistic with whatever plans and goals we set for ourselves. No matter how much you wish for a better life, it comes down to the choices you make that ultimately direct the path you take.

"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."

- Marie Curie

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

- George Bernard Shaw

"The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed."

- Eminem

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

- Lao Tzu

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life's uncertainty is something we can't predict,  like natural disasters, unforeseen health challenges, financial hardships, and breakdowns in relationships. There is always a behavioral component to how we respond to life changes. When we focus on the negative aspects of the changes that take place, we will eventually find ourselves overwhelmed with everything.  The uncertainties tend to multiply, especially when we are not able to come to terms with everything.  It is best to accept and find ways to lessen the impact on your life. Life changes can have a major impact on your individual lifestyle. Positive changes are always welcomed,  while negative changes, especially when unexpected, can impact your mental health. As you come to terms with everything that is happening in your life, your self-warmness must serve as a steward in the direction you take. Healthy coping mechanisms are vital in helping you get to where you need to be. Mental health resources will prove valuable, especially to help alleviate stress and anxiety. A strong support system of family and friends can make a huge difference in life. There will always be caring individuals who will always have your best interest at heart. You can always make course corrections in life, and it is up to you and you alone to make it happen. A life fulfilled is a life well lived.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

- Buddha

"One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure."

- William Feather

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

- Jackie Robinson

"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans."

- John Lennon

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life."

- Charles Darwin

I live by a simple philosophy for life, if life sucks, deal with it, and if shit happens, clean it up. Be grateful that you have this life, no matter the obstacles and challenges you may face, because it only makes you stronger. Just do your best, be your best, and always try your best. Life will continue to test you, even if you think you have had enough. The challenges will make you question every aspect of your life. Life may be filled with uncertainty at times, but nonetheless, create a positive mindset that will surely empower all aspects of your life. I had to learn this through many trials, trying to remain positive while the odds are stacked against you is no easy task. Life lessons tend to be the best lessons after all. It is best to take heed of these lessons, however big or small, and consider this your best teacher in life. We learn every day, and as we learn, it helps us gain insight into various aspects of our lives. Challenge yourself daily, and find the motivation to overcome the obstacles and challenges in life. You will be tested, and that is naturally expected, just don't give up. Giving up is an indication that you have not tried hard enough. As you face all your tests in life, remind yourself that you are stronger than you think you are. Keep in mind that your courage will dictate your future while your survival will enable you the strength to overcome. If, for some reason, you take the wrong road in life, always remember you can take the next exit towards a better path in life.

“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

- John F. Kennedy

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” 

- Maya Angelou

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”

- Abraham Maslow

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

- Carl Bard

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."

- Albert Camus