The truth does not change based on your ability to accept it.
I do my best to live life in a way that I am aware of what I do, while also trying not to chase things that are outside of my control.
Here are some of those truths that help me stay in control of my life.
Life is pain
“Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” — William Goldman
The first person that comes to mind is Gary Vaynerchuk, whose constant social media posting encourages folks to chase happiness instead of money.
Well, sorry to break it to you, but life is pain. If you do not accept this, life is going to break your heart on a daily basis.
The pursuit of happiness? How does that even work? How does one go about it? How long does it last?
Don’t wish for fairytales. Just don’t.
The truth is that you have to make use of your suffering. That you must do your best to choose the battles you want to fight.
Do what is hard every single day, do what is meaningful, and happiness will come as a by-product of your actions.
Envy is the most stupid thing ever
“People always get what they want. But there is a price for everything. Failures are either those who do not know what they want or are not prepared to pay the price asked them. The price varies from individual to individual. Some get things at bargain-sale prices, others only at famine prices. But it is no use grumbling. Whatever price you are asked, you must pay.” – W.H. Auden
There’s a price that one must pay for anything. The price is sometimes time, sometimes energy, sometimes compromising oneself.
If someone has more than you, if someone is better than you at a certain skill, you can rest assured that they are worst than you in other areas.
We get what we are willing to sacrifice for.
I spent eight years writing before I earned a single dollar. I was living mostly on coffee, Coca-Cola, and cigarettes. I was also a recluse. I felt as if there was this invisible wall between me and the rest of the world. I cannot count the times I cried whenever I saw people who were in love or seemed to be.
I paid the price. To be able to write my stories, to share them with the world.
Think about that next time you feel like being envious of someone else’s success or achievements. They paid the price. You didn’t.