I stepped into 2023 with a long list of New Year's resolutions. Although I was unable to achieve all of them, I succeeded in accomplishing a few of them.
This year has taught me a great deal, but I do not regret any decision I made because all the lessons learnt have ultimately shaped me into a better person. From understanding that our desires may not always align with what is meant for us to finding happiness when I wasn't even searching, these are some lessons 2023 has taught me:
I learnt this year that expecting a lot from people only leaves you disappointed in the end. I learnt that availing yourself to always be there for them does not oblige them to do the same for you. Treating people in a way you would want to be treated does not guarantee that you would receive the same treatment from them. Each one of us is different and every one of us has our own ideologies, principles and opinions. You cannot expect everyone to think like you because they do not. Even though I am still learning to lower my expectations in order to avoid disappointments and straining my relationships with people, I find that this mindset has taught me to do things freely without expecting anything in return.
2023 also taught me to find my home. Home is not a place. It is not a magnificent edifice where one spends their nights. Home is where you feel safe. Home is where you feel at peace. You may find it in a place, that's okay. You may find it in an activity. You may find it in a person. As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is”, I found my home this year in someone who fills my heart with serenity and makes me earnestly happy. In his eyes, I see admiration. In his arms, I find solace. In his presence, I need no validation whatsoever and I find tranquility. And that is what home should be, a haven of tranquility.
Another lesson 2023 taught me is that to love is not as easy as it seems. Although love comes with fulfilment, love also comes with pain and patience. I learnt this year that to truly love someone, you should be willing to let go of many things. You should be ready to do away with pride and jealousy. You should be willing to sacrifice a lot to see the love thrive and to see that person happy. You should be ready to endure pain and not let it drive you to make rash decisions. Love is not perfect. To see the beauty of love, you must look beyond the imperfections, embrace your flaws and grow together.
I hope that these lessons will be my compass in the incoming new year, and my guiding light, even as I continue to learn.
Thank you for reading❤️