19 Lessons from My Beautifully Messy Life

You know how every good sitcom has that one wholesome episode where the characters reflect on everything they have learnt so far? Well, consider this my sitcom moment, I recently turned 19 and this is the season finale of the 18th year of my life, this has laughs, life lessons and just the right amount of sappy. Here are 19 lessons I have picked up over the last 19 years of my life that will hopefully make you smile, think and maybe even reflect!

1.Find your own “weird” people and NEVER let them go

If you have ever watched the big bang theory( I have established my love for this show in my previous blogs) you know that it’s the weirdness, the quirks that make the friendships special. In my life I have been lucky enough to find my own “weird” people. Take my best friend for example, we have been through it all, getting in trouble with the teacher for laughing too much in class( The economics teacher was pretty pissed at us that day) and being there for each other in those low moments that no one else sees. So, when you meet people like her hold onto them, Life is so much better when you have a person who is completely okay with how weird you are.

2.It’s okay to be a Hufflepuff in a world full of Gryffindors

Not everyone is out there trying to be the hero, being a Hufflepuff like me comes with its own special set of superpowers. Hufflepuffs are known for being trustworthy, loyal and hardworking. We are the ones who show up and put in extra work in projects so while the Gryffindors are out there being brave let’s embrace our Hufflepuff traits and remember hard work, loyalty and kindness can create real magic too.

3. Embrace the embarrassing moments, they make the best stories

There is something truly special about those embarrassing moments in life that at the time feel like they will haunt you forever. Like the time I accidently sent a pretty embarrassing voice message of me conversing with a friend on the class group or the day when I wore my hostel room slippers to college(Typical problems of a hostel kid) At that moment I wanted to disappear but looking back now those incidents have become some of my favourite stories to tell. So here is the deal embrace the awkwardness. Life is a collection of embarrassing yet hilarious moments, treasure them because one day they will be the stories you narrate to your friends, or even conversation starters in awkward situations(yes, I narrate my embarrassing moments to start convos when things get awkward)

4. Learn to say no

Learning to say no, has been one of the most empowering lessons of my life. As a people pleaser earlier, I had this constant pressure to agree to everything the other person demands, over the course of life I understood the importance of setting boundaries and learning how to say NO

It’s pretty simple actually, you just say no and suddenly half the problems disappear. Saying no isn’t about disappointing others, it’s about protecting your own peace and let’s be real it’s not selfish to prioritize yourself. Infact it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. So, here’s to embracing boundaries, learning to say no and finding the empowerment and freedom that comes with it

5. Friendships Ebb and Flow

College has been a tornado of friendships that come and go, much like the seasons. You meet people who feel like lifelong friends at one minute and the next minute you are probably brewing a murder plan(Just kidding) It is a beautiful mess, some friends stick around through late night study sessions, binge watching tbbt while others drift away.  I have learnt that each friendship has taught me something. One such friendship taught me to be emotionally guarded while speaking to people. Each friendship no matter how long it lasts adds a new chapter to your story and you should be grateful for every single one

6.Embrace being different

Growing up being labelled a “nerd” felt like a burden, it felt like I didn’t fit in.  It took me a while to realise that being a little different is not just okay, it’s something to celebrate. In a world which pushes everyone to be the same, I have discovered that embracing my nerdy side, whether it’s my love for Harry Potter, obsessing over every little detail in The Big Bang Theory, these nerdy interests have led me to find likeminded individuals who appreciate those quirks as much as I do

Honestly, being different is what makes life interesting! So, if you have ever been teased for your passions or labelled as the odd one out for your obsessions, remember it’s those very differences that make you YOU. So, keep being you!

7. The little moments are the most special

Life’s big moments are great but it’s the little things that actually stick with you. Those spontaneous late-night conversations with your friends from university, or like this one time when I pulled an all nighter for my 11th grade finals and my mom stayed awake with me the entire night. These small moments make you feel special, so cherish these moments, they make life better.

8. Travel light! Physically and emotionally

As a literature nerd, I can’t help but think of that classic metaphor about life being a journey. Whether its packing for a trip or letting go of toxic friendships or memories learn to travel light, holding onto these things is unnecessary it hurts and negativity only slows you down, making the journey heavier. So, let go of what doesn’t serve you and make room for new experiences and new stories yet to be written!

9. The power of listening 

In a world where everyone seems to have a solution for everything, I have learnt that the best you can do is just sit back and listen. You don’t need to have PHD in advice giving to be a good friend. Just think about it, when a close one is spilling their heart out about a bad day all they really want to hear is someone to say “ Life is hard buddy, I got you” So, be that friend who listens because while you might not have all the answers your presence and understanding can turn someone’s meltdown into something slightly less dramatic. As mentioned earlier, it’s always about being there and showing up.

10. Appreciate your roots

Turning 19 made me look back at life a little and when I did that, I couldn’t help but pause and appreciate my roots. Whether it’s my family’s traditions or my culture it has shaped me in ways I didn’t realise. So, while I may dream for new adventures in life, I always carry a piece of home in my heart. Its only after moving out did I realise how I attached I was to my city, Hyderabad. The restaurants, Charminar, the traffic and the roads I love them all and there is not one day that goes by without me missing my city, The city of pearls for the world,  home to me.

11. Be your own cheerleader

In a world full of critics, sometimes you need to be your biggest fan. Whether its celebrating small victories or reminding yourself that you are doing well. Loving yourself and motivating yourself is extremely important. Think of it as being both the player and the crowd at the same time, because if you don’t clap for yourself who will? 

12. Your choices have a ripple effect

Every decision you make, big or small affects the people around you. Hence, we have to be extremely mindful of what we say. I have been extremely opinionated since I could talk and learnt it the hard way that “ The world can survive without my opinion” Harsh, but true. Sometimes nothing is more golden than silence.

13. Laugh at yourself

The most important lesson I learnt is to not take myself too seriously and spend ages worrying over nothing. It’s important to laugh at your situation and at yourself at times. Just make sure you are not in a public place! Look at difficult situations in a light-hearted manner, make fun of your situation. That way you can easily get through difficult times. 

14. Life is a series of plot twists

I cannot emphasise on this enough, life is a series of plot twists. You never know what is going to happen next, the people you are going to meet in the future. Its unpredictable and in a way not being able to predict your life is beautiful.  It Keeps the thrill in it making to more interesting to live. Its basically like living in a Sitcom for 80 years(or more!)

15. Let go of the haters

There are people out there who hate us for no reason at all, all we can do is be kinder to them. Do not pay heed to the little comments they pass around when you mess up or when you are simply just existing. Do not give them the power to put you down, its your life fellas, go ahead live it to the fullest, shine brighter than a freshly polished nimbus 2000!

16. Your comfort zone is a trap

Sure, your comfort zone feels like the safest place on earth. It feels like staying in bed all day with your laptop, watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine and pretending the outside world doesn’t exist. But staying there for too long can make you miss out on all the fun and excitement life has to offer.

Go out of your comfort zone, I did the same thing in college and found out I am passionate about a few things that I never liked before. Its all about exploring and trying out new things

17.You don’t need Validation to shine

In a word obsessed with likes, shares and views, its easy to fall into this trap of seeking validation from others. But here’s the truth: you don’t need validation to know you’re doing great! your worth isn’t determined by how many people applaud your efforts. Focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled, not on how others perceive it. Enjoy your quirky interests, celebrate your achievements (big or small), and remember that your value comes from within. After all, the only validation you truly need is your own!

18. Trust the timing of your life

It is common to scroll through Instagram and see how everyone’s life is all put together and you are sitting on your couch wondering how to do laundry without turning everything pink. In times like that Remember, it's okay to be at a different stage than your friends. Your path is unfolding at its own pace and your story is about to get interesting too!

19. The Next Chapter Awaits

Sometimes, we find ourselves in the depths of struggle, feeling like we’ve hit rock bottom. I learned this lesson when I faced my own challenges in moments when it felt like nothing was going my way. But I realized that every great story has its low points, just because you’re in a difficult chapter doesn’t mean the book is closed. Keep turning the pages and have faith that the next chapter will hold new adventures, lessons, and joys waiting for you. This taught me the  importance of hope. Your story is still being written, and every setback is just a setup for an incredible comeback. So, don’t be afraid to pen the next chapter; it could lead to new beginnings and opportunities you never imagined!

As I wrap up these lessons, I’m hit with gratitude for every twist and turn in my story. Life isn’t always perfect. Sometimes it’s messy and confusing but those struggles shape who we are. Remember, your journey is yours alone, and it’s packed with adventures just waiting to unfold. Embrace the laughter, the tears, and everything in between. So, let’s keep turning the pages, knowing that our stories are still being written. Here’s to us: “ perfectly imperfect”, and ready for whatever comes next!