“Your life is mostly a byproduct of where you are born, your environment, the content you consume, the people you befriend, your genetics,etc..”
When you are born in developing country, this is the version you get tirelessly fed: “You will get hit by a ton of bricks trying to fight the system. If you are lucky enough to leave, get yourself a better social standing in a bigger matrix. Do not try too hard, you can have ambition, but not too much (especially if you are a woman). Do not step on people’s precious egos, feelings, stop asking so many questions, just do the things you are supposed to do, do not make enemies, smile!”
This preface reeks of cynicism, but a healthy dose of cynicism is necessary for surivival on a realistic terms.
- Labels are unevitable, but do not attach to them too much. Do not define yourself too much based on them
- Not everyone is capable of discernment and critical thinking, even the most open-minded people feel challenged by what is different. You will meet plenty of mirrors.
- In a competition where resources are scarce, or are seen as such, do not expect people to fight fair, your internal campus of values does not apply to others.
- Femininity is fascinating, you will see it in both men and women. Men try their hardest to hide it. Women live in a constant battle of trying to embody it, and being forced to embody masculinity for survival.
- Everyone is born with inherent self-worth. Our upbringing unconsciously pushes us to maladaptively attach our self-worth to accomplishments, possessions, goals, and status.
- Virtue, integrity and character are not for the faint of heart, mostly because there is no direct reward for them. The most devout falter and the majority prefer putting up an appearance of virtue. Most people are too busy protecting their image and reputation.
- Seeing people for who they are and managing your expectations from them no matter the type of relation will change your life.
- Saying No will save you a lot of time, energy, and headaches. People do not react well to it but it’s worth it.
- Living an authentic life will filter out a lot of people.
- Not everyone cares about self-actualization and fullfillment.
- Be disgustingly educated and knowledgeable, especially if you are a woman. It will serve you a lot.
- Looks are very deceiving, and most people are not very observant.
- Not taking things personally is harder than it seems, but it’s still great advice.
- Books are amazing, in all shapes and forms.
- Simple things can be incredibly challenging for some people. Not all weaknesses are meant to be improved and the sooner you accept them, the better you can focus on your strengths.
- Injustices are prevalent. Most can not be resolved but advocacy is about persistence even when there are no immediate results.
- Slavery is not dead. The modern forms of social slavery are far more insidious.
- Being generous will not save you from secretly resentful people no matter how much time, energy and resources you invest in them.
- Value-exchange rules the world. Be careful of value-takers who disguise themselves as givers.
- There is a thin line between romanticizing life and living in denial.
- People find it easier to drag others down than to work on themselves. Stop trying to save people from themselves.
- Laughing about tragedies and making peace with the darker realities about life is not accessible to everyone.
- A taste of money and power stretches you beyond your wildest dreams.
- Morality is very subjective, and most of the time gets thrown out the window when it comes down to survival.
- Wisdom comes at a steep price: The Bliss of ignorance gone forever, and a wave of sadness washing you over.
- There is pain in healing, but it is worth it.
- Our brains are capable of extraordinary feats. It is worth exploring the extent.
- Stories are everywhere, humans need them to survive.
- Peace of mind can be very pricey.
- Balancing logic and feelings is one of the hardest things to achieve. We are often forced to choose.
- Endurance and being strong are not the same, do not overdo it or mix them up.
Categories:
Sarra Chtioui
