Lessons from My Past: Growth, Values, and Moving Forward

From Court to Exploration

For a long time, my life existed within the boundaries of a sports court, but it wasn't until I realized I wanted to quit and explore the outside world that things began to change. My life transformed into a serene and peaceful realm, much like natural water in the sea, free from thunderstorms, rain, or strong waves. This newfound clarity and peace allowed me to focus on my own journey rather than being constrained by the expectations and limitations of a court.

Here are the top 5 lessons I learned from my experiences:

Happiness Comes from Within

Learning that happiness should come from within is one of the most significant realizations in my life. External factors can provide temporary happiness, but relying on them for long-term fulfillment is unrealistic. True happiness is an internal state, a result of self-acceptance and contentment with one's life.

Mind Your Own Business

Finding success and personal growth requires focusing on your own goals and dreams, rather than getting entangled in the affairs of others. This lesson teaches us to stay true to ourselves and our visions for the future, rather than being sidetracked by the lives of others.

Create Your Own Values

Staying true to one's values involves creating one's own principles and perceptions, rather than blindly following societal norms. This means being the architect of your own life, not allowing external influences to dictate your path and understanding.

Focus on the Brightest Light

When faced with multiple paths, choosing the best one involves focusing on the light that resonates most with your goals. This means prioritizing actions that align with your long-term vision and ignoring distractions or weaker lights that may seem more appealing in the short term.

Always Find Ways to Move Forward

Challenges and obstacles are opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on problems or complaining, the focus should be on finding solutions and moving forward.

The Auction

Farm life brings its own set of challenges and transformations. One day, my father was injured while working on a piece of farm equipment, which necessitated further changes in our life. The decision to give up farming eventually led us to an auction, a surreal event that was both moving and enlightening. Standing amidst the cavernous barn with rows of empty space, we realized that while farm equipment and hay bales were inanimate objects, the cows we cared for had names and faces. The cows were individually auctioned off, a poignant reminder of the transition we were undergoing.

During the auction, my maternal grandmother placed her hands on my shoulders, providing a sense of comfort and stability amidst the chaos. We eventually moved to a new property with 26 acres. This new space, with its hum of farm equipment and the sound of cattle, became a reminder of the past while offering the promise of a fresh start.