Holaa readers!
Whose favorite quote is the one I ruined in the title, ‘Be yourself’? Apologies buddy, but you really gotta know something…
There are 2 types of people, one who is bound to the things they have once learned and ‘being themselves’, never accepting to change their thinking or behavior for any cause. They always adhere to what they already know from the beginning, and it is the only ‘correct thing’ for them. And then another, who are open to changes, hence evolving in every phase of life. They learn from every experience and every person they meet. They accept reality and are open to changes, not just emotional but mental and physical changes as well, and gradually become better and better. They always try to learn different skills, hobbies, looks, etc. They are ready to accept that they can be wrong, their thinking may need to change and they change themselves accordingly.
Now that we know this, let’s ask ourselves, which personality from the above two describes me? Am I open to changes or not? and let’s be honest at least to ourselves.
I was once like the first one, knowing what I know, thinking what I think, and doing what I do. Adding insult to injury came this quote for me, ‘Be yourself’. I was too innocent to look it the other way and was just 'being myself', trust me.
The only thing that was good with me was my genetic disorder of observing people. I always see my dad, listening to every valid point from the other person patiently even when he is right. At the drop of a hat, he would accept that he is wrong if he is. He taught me to be receptive to changes and to learn from every person and every experience.
‘Be yourself’ doesn’t mean to become unreceptive to changes or to stop learning. It’s us who took it the wrong way. If one is undisciplined, cluttered, with no aim, no hobby, no hygiene, only mess and applies this “ being himself” thing, what will be the result? He will always stay like this, with no changes, no growth at all. What is the meaning of life then?
Why are we experiencing new things daily, meeting new people, and stuck with new problems? Isn’t it to learn from them!? Ofcourse…
Sometimes, we really don’t know what’s wrong but other times, we know what’s the problem but we let the sleeping dogs lie. If this continues, then nothing is ever going to change. You have to take a stand for yourself.
Yeah, I know, changing ourselves is not that easy, it has never been, trust me, for no one, but it is one of the most important you need to learn. Small but consistent changes can make you the person that you have always looked for in others.
Reading is ESSENTIAL, be it a book, or anything. It is a bunch of the author’s own experiences and learnings. Always, be open to learning, try reading new books, and new articles, listen to podcasts, and devote some time to learning from others’ experiences. Yeah, it is important to fall, so that you can learn how to stand up but it’s not necessary to fall every time to learn something, you can learn from others too, and try everything that can make you a better version of yourself.
Now you know the drill, go ahead, learn from anything and everything, and leave no stone unturned, See you in the next one!
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About the Creator
Varnika Agarwal
The writer is a theoretical physics geek with thousands of hobbies, writing being one of them. She has been writing self-help non-fiction content on Substack. She wants to fill the reader's life with positivity, productivity and calmness.
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“The Words That Could Save a Life: A Story About Advice, Ego, and the Hearts We Forget”
There is an old saying: “A wise person learns from advice. A proud person learns from regret.” This is a story about both. There once was a boy who grew up hearing advice from everyone around him. His parents, teachers, elders, and friends — all of them tried to guide him. They warned him about choosing the wrong friends. They reminded him to respect time. They told him not to let anger, ego, and selfishness poison his heart. But like many of us, he believed he already knew everything. Whenever someone advised him, he smiled politely on the outside — but inside he thought: “I’m different. I’ll be fine. Nothing bad will happen to me.” So he ignored the small warnings of life. He cut off people over small arguments. He shouted instead of listening. He lied to escape responsibility. He chose friends who laughed at rules and mocked wisdom. He stopped spending time with family because he thought they didn’t “understand” him. He thought freedom meant doing whatever he wanted — without consequences. But life is patient. And life always teaches — one way or another. Slowly, he began losing the people who once stood closest to him. His best friend moved away after a fight that was never healed. His parents stopped advising him — not because they didn’t care, but because their hearts were tired. His teachers gave up correcting him because he rejected every word. From the outside, his life looked normal. But inside, something was missing — peace. One night, he finally sat alone in silence… and silence can be loud. Thoughts began replaying in his mind like a film. He remembered every moment someone tried to guide him. Every warning. Every soft reminder. Every gentle voice that said, “This path will hurt you.” And for the first time, he asked himself: “Why didn’t I listen?” It wasn’t lack of knowledge. It wasn’t lack of love. It was ego. Ego had whispered inside him: “You don’t need advice. You’re always right. You’re smarter than them.” But ego is a beautiful liar. It makes you feel strong while quietly destroying your relationships, your discipline, and your peace. That night, he realized something powerful: Wisdom doesn’t come from age. Wisdom comes from humility — the ability to listen. The next day, he did something difficult — something most people never do. He apologized. He apologized to his parents, not because they demanded it, but because his heart finally understood their worry. He apologized to friends he had hurt. He apologized to himself — for not valuing his own future. And slowly… life softened again. His parents’ voices became warm again. His friendships began to heal. His mind felt lighter. He started listening before reacting. He didn’t change overnight — but he had finally begun the journey. He changed not because the world forced him — but because advice finally reached his heart. That day, he promised himself: 🕊️ “Whenever someone gives me sincere advice, I will not fight it. I will think about it. I will learn from it.” Because the truth is simple: The people who advise you are not trying to control you. They are trying to protect the version of you that you have not yet become. And one more truth: Advice always arrives before regret. Regret arrives when advice is ignored. Moral / Life Lesson • Advice is not a restriction — it is protection. • Ego is the biggest enemy of growth. • Listening is not weakness — it is wisdom. • The people who correct you are the people who care. One day, you will look back and realize: The words you once ignored… were the very words that could have saved you. So when life sends you guidance — through parents, teachers, faith, friends, or even strangers — don’t shut your heart. Because the doors of wisdom only open… for those willing to listen.
By Shahab Khan5 days ago in Motivation
Comments (10)
Sometimes good things fall apart so better things could fall together so all that matters is growth with the flow of time
Change is the only constant ♥️
Inspiring ❤️
Change is difficult yet necessary... very importent piece of writing 🌅
❤️❤️
Excellent piece and inspiring
It is a nice idea if we can do, one day we can!!!!!!!!!
"Thank you for sharing this inspiring message! It's a great reminder that staying true to ourselves is the best path to fulfillment and success. Authenticity is truly powerful."
The beginning of learning firstly start from ownself. In this hastic world everyone has need to understand his own way of living which will allow him to learn from others too.. ✨️
If only I could have read this atleast 5 years ago. Recently, I understood how important continues growth is. I wish I would have realised it earlier.