Life lessons worth pondering

It has been said that experience is the best teacher. It is part and parcel of living as we travel the path of life. Through the different experiences that we encounter along the way, we will learn a lot of lessons that would help us see the lens of life in a wider perspective.

One of the lessons that I've learned is that when you give kindness and favors to others it's better not to expect anything in return. Otherwise, you'll  be frustrated and end up bitter towards the world. What is important is that you have planted the seeds of kindness and made a difference in this world. The saying, "What you sow is what you reap”  is true. Though the person whom you extended kindness may not be the one to return the favor back to you,  God in His own way will shower you with blessings in a thousandfold.

Barrie Davenport of “livebold&bloom website,” shares the lessons that he has learned in life.

Life is now. We keep waiting for that amazing thing to happen in the future which will be the key to our happiness. But this is it. Right now. Life continues to be a series of right now. Learn to love right now and you'll have an amazing life.

Fear is an illusion.  Most of the things we fear never happen.  Or, if they do happen, they are rarely as bad as we fear they will be.  For most of us, fear is the worst thing that will happen to us. Reality isn't as painful.

Relationship rule. At the end of the day, what matters most are the people in our lives. Put them first  every single day. Before work. Before the computer. Before your hobbies. Treat them like they are everything to you because they are.

Debt isn't worth it. Nothing is more draining and humiliating than being in debt. Spend  below your means. Save your money. Live free.

Your kids aren't you. You are the vessel to bring your children into the world and their caretakers until they care for themselves. You can teach them, love them, and support them, but you can't change them. They are unique individuals who must live their own lives. Let them.

Things gather dust. Time and money spend accumulating material things will one day irritate you. You must clean, maintain, and move stuff. The less stuff you have, the more free you are. Purchase mindfully.

Fun is underrated. How much of your day is fun? Life is short. We should enjoy it. Don't make things serious that don't have to be. Create more fun in your life. Don't worry about what other people think of you. Just enjoy it.

Failure is good. We try so hard to avoid failure, but failure is the real evidence that we've tried. If you avoid failure, you avoid taking action. Expect and accept that failure is part of the experience. Learn from it and move on.

Anger isn't worth it. The feel-good release of anger lasts a few minutes. The repercussions last far longer. Regret, stress, and unhappiness are the byproduct of angry outbursts. Learn healthier ways to communicate your feelings, and when anger arises, step away until it dissipates.

Age is a number. When you're twenty, you think fifty is old. When you're fifty, you feel thirty. Our chronological age doesn't have to define us. Don't allow a number to hold you back or prevent you from being the person you are inside.

Exercise is power.  Exercise should be a daily priority for everyone. It makes you physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. It improves your health and your outlook. It is the panacea for just everything.

Grudges cause pain. Holding on to a grudge is like injecting poison into your body everyday. Forgive and let go. There's no other way.

You aren't always right. We think we have the answers, knows what is right or wrong, good and bad, best for ourselves and other people but we aren't always right. There's always more than one version. There are many perspectives that are valid. Keep yourself open to that truth.

It will pass. Whatever is causing you worry or pain right now won't cause you worry and pain forever. Time heals. Things change. It will pass.