You Should Know

Life unfolds in stages, each critical phase carries its unique lessons, own trials, and inevitable transformations. At every point in time, we are modeled and shaped by experiences, some may be joyful, others painful, but all necessary. The weight of our past, the hurts of our mistakes, and the loud echoes of unresolved fears so often keep us aligned to worries that should have long been resolved. But there are things we should know by now, things that, once realized, free us to move forward in peace.

As children, the world is a place of wonder and boundless curiosity. We seek approval, we crave belonging, and we fear being left out. But by now, we should know that not every friendship lasts forever, and that’s okay. People come and go, and their departure does not diminish our worth. We should know that mistakes are not failures but stepping stones, and that fear of failure should never silence our attempts to try. The world is vast, and so are the opportunities it holds.

As young adults, the pressures of identity, career, and love weigh heavily. The search for purpose can be exhausting, and the fear of making the wrong choices is paralyzing. But by now, we should understand that no one has all the answers, and that’s the beauty of life—it unfolds as we move. We should know that the opinions of others do not define us, that self-worth is not measured by external validation, and that time wasted on regret is time stolen from the present. Love, when real, should never require us to diminish ourselves to fit into someone else’s expectations.

Adulthood arrives with its burdens—responsibilities, losses, and unfulfilled dreams. The weight of disappointments, the betrayals, and the unpredictability of life often leave us restless. But by now, we should have learned that peace is a choice, not a destination. We should know that letting go is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. We should recognize that not every battle is worth fighting, and sometimes, surrendering to the flow of life brings the greatest victories. We should know that material success does not equate to happiness, and that genuine joy often lies in the simplest of moments.

As we age, we should know that perfection is a myth and that pursuing it only breeds dissatisfaction. We should know that time is precious and should be spent with those who truly matter. We should understand that comparisons steal contentment and that gratitude transforms even the most ordinary days into something extraordinary. We should know that forgiveness, whether given to others or ourselves, is not about excusing wrongs, but about freeing our hearts from the chains of resentment.

There are things we still worry about, things that keep us awake at night, and things we revisit in our minds hoping for different outcomes. But by now, we should know that worry changes nothing, and peace is found in acceptance. We should know that closure is not always granted, and sometimes, we must create it ourselves. We should understand that suffering is part of the human experience, but so is healing.

You should know by now that life is fleeting, that laughter is medicine, and that the people who love you truly, love you as you are. You should know that every scar tells a story of survival and that growth often comes from the deepest pains. You should know that nothing stays the same forever,Ephemeral-Beauty in Impermanence and that is both terrifying and beautiful.

And most importantly, we should know by now that peace is not found in the absence of struggle, but in the acceptance of what is. The sooner we embrace this, the freer we become.

And above all, you should know that you are enough. You always have been, and always will be