54 Lessons I've Learned So Far This Year
Growth is proof of life. Learning is proof of growth. So in that respect, 2024 has been no different than any other year. I remain a student of life. Yet 2024 has felt different. The lessons have been different. Some are enlightening. Some are frightening. Some are a warm blanket. Some are cold acceptance.
So in this 54th year of my life, here are, to the best of my abilities, a list of 54 things I’ve learned so far this year …
80% of what I thought was my personality was trauma buffering and/or dopamine chasing.
I ask way more “What” and “How” questions now.
I feel more like me than ever, yet often feel like a stranger in my 53+ year old body.
In any condition or situation that I find unpleasant or unwanted, I will three choices: change our perspective, change our behavior, or acceptance. And if we choose acceptance, we may find that our perspectives and our behaviors change too.
Arguing is escalating. Be sure it’s worth it before you engage in a fight. (Hint: it is usually not worth it.)
Expectations are a form of manipulation.
I used to think my ability to power through things was a skill. Now I see that it was mostly poor planning.
I can no longer power through the poor decisions I make related to my wellness. If I want to be a youthful old man, I need to accept this.
Learning to meet your own needs begins with listening to your soul and body.
Taking ownership of your needs brings confidence, gratitude, and enhanced intimacy, freeing you from dependency and desperation.
We all have biases, but power amplifies them.
Consciousness always includes a social justice component.
A scarcity mindset and an open heart cannot coexist.
Spiritual practices were not meant to be coping mechanisms.
Understanding impermanence brings both gratitude and urgency, affecting our deepest experiences.
Unconditionally loving yourself is a beginning, leading to courage, creativity, and deeper connection.
Success in something that doesn't feed your soul is a curse.
Being triggered on the path to happiness is better than being numbed on the path to complacency.
Consciousness involves shedding old survival mechanisms and embracing Love.
The Divine Feminine always triumphs over the male ego.
Unexplainable experiences like unconditional love and intuition feel real and true.
Love annihilates the ego and all its manifestations of fear and control.
An open heart is the best guide.
Your true Self is eternal and unchangeable.
Virtues like love and courage are relearned daily through life's experiences.
Talking about race addresses systemic racism, which silence perpetuates.
Creating something beautiful requires faith.
Unconditional self-love, even in tough times, can carry you through anything.
Kindness is fierce, protective, and has sharp teeth.
Regularly sitting with your soul keeps you connected to your true self.
In scarcity, invest in generosity; in abundance, invest in humility.
Accepting life's unanswered questions brings aliveness and curiosity.
Power and privilege often blind us to systemic injustices.
Believing in Love and Reality is akin to believing in God.
Understanding fear is crucial to prevent it from controlling you.
Periods of depletion reveal personal growth and resilience.
Letting go is essential to getting what you want.
Force nothing; release desires to control the path forward.
Be the anomaly, disrupting the norm and bringing light.
Presence frees you from ego-driven concerns.
Mastering presence and compassion leads to true freedom and service.
Love is the highest order.
Commit to making compassion your first impulse.
Acceptance without compassion blocks its flow.
Our DNA holds both struggle and higher purpose; we must master the lower and liberate the Higher.
Systems are designed to make us forget who we are.
Modern life misuses our adaptivity, while true spirituality returns us to our core.
Awareness and curiosity loosen negativity, nurturing hope.
Your Higher Self rejects unjust systems.
Dysfunctional systems do not self-repair.
People often stay well-opinionated rather than well-informed.
Humility is always relevant and inseparable from presence.
Acceptance without hope is resignation; hope without faith is delusion; faith without effort is idolatry.
Spiritual elements evolve. To assume you’ve “made it” kills them.
This so wise! Thank for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻 I am also a witness of your personal growth and I can testify that all that you said you meant it because I’ve seen you changed. That is the true path to wisdom.