Dear Life,
In all my years, I’ve been fortunate enough to see multiple shades of you; experience you in so many different colours and forms. I’ve had the chance to understand that you are an enigma, one that is worth unravelling, exploring and living. I initially feared the ambiguity and uncertainty you came with, I’ve now learned to enjoy it. I’ve come to see that the twists and turns that one is never truly prepared for only make the right turns worthwhile.

How does one live a life well? I don’t think there’s a definite answer. Despite being repeatedly getting life lessons in multiple forms, it’s hard for a person to really learn unless they go through the experience themselves. Often, it is these situations that force you to learn and apply what you might have never learned otherwise.

So, wouldn’t it then be right to say that you, dear Life, are the biggest teacher of all?

I look back, trying to put together what it is that you have taught me. And I realize that everything I’ve learned through personal experience with you has been greater than every bit of advice that has been given to me. If I were asked what the biggest lessons I’ve learned from you are, I think these five would be amongst the most important.

Live Life — Queen Size: I’ve learned that while you might seem long, you go by in a flash — in the wink of an eye. And to truly relish you, one must live you with passion, confidence and integrity. I’ve learned that one can plan all one likes, yet you can come and punch us right in the face. Finding the right balance between planning ahead and going impulsively with the flow is something I teach myself every single day!

Live on Your Own Terms: You, dear Life, truly belong to the one who lives you. I’ve learned that while one may have plenty of advisors and well-wishers, one must set their own goals. Living according to another’s wishes will only put you on the road to unhappiness. I’ve tried, several times, to follow the path set by others, only to realize that my heart isn’t in it. I’ve learned the importance of taking charge of your own life, and following the voice of your soul, going where it takes me. So far, it’s taken me to multiple countries, through a few professions, and an entire plethora of adventures — none of which I’d trade for anything else in this world.

Make Yourself a Priority: You taught me to value myself above everything else. Because in the end, I am all I have. I used to think that I was being selfish by putting myself at the centre of all my decisions, but what I’ve come to realize is that one can never make others happy if they’re stay unhappy themselves. It is this learning that has made me such a fierce propagator of self-love and finding happiness within.
Value Relationships: We are defined and made by our relationships. In my younger years, I would sometimes be careless about my relationships.

However, as time has passed, I’ve come to accept that relationships are essential to our existence. My family has remained a constant throughout, supporting me unflinchingly. I’ve been fortunate to have found friends who’ve brought soul and strength into my life. Having nurtured a strong, value-driven personal and professional network is what keeps me motivated to keep growing.

Optimism is Key: I learned that optimism isn’t just an overrated term. It is truly a core principle. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned the importance of empowering myself, of always staying positive throughout the journey and believing that the best is yet to come. Like truly does attract like. What we believe, we become.
Thank you being the most important teacher I’ve ever had. May I always remain a sincere student of every single lesson that you have to teach. May you always continue to surprise me, every single day, and teach me invaluable lessons.
With love,
An indebted student