It’s about time
3 things I’ve taught myself - Issue #02
Hi!
I’ve been thinking about Time lately. Everything happens because time passes. For better or for worse. I hadn’t been able to put my thoughts on Time into words and the articles I’ve been reading on Substack have helped me organize them into three categories. I think because they’re the most relevant to my life at the moment.
People change their minds
And I don’t mean it in the grand, cancel culture way. Like when someone said something “that wasn’t offensive in the past” and is now and they apologize.
I mean changing an opinion about a type of food, becoming an athletic person, enjoying other hobbies, agreeing with something that you were strongly against last year, changing your favorite color. I don’t know. Anything. It’s okay to change your mind and when confronted about it say “Yes, I remember that, and I’ve changed my mind”.
I’d say it’s also important not to let others influence you into thinking that you shouldn’t change or that you made the wrong decision. Too many times I’ve stuck to my old opinions and ways and thoughts and habits and I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t matter. I’m not a Taylor Swift fan today. If I become a Swiftie tomorrow… really… what’s it to you?
Friends grow apart: your BFF isn’t F
Friendship, like any other relationship, is a two-way street. It depends on both people to keep the friendship alive. There have been cases in which I didn’t speak to a friend for months and nothing had changed, and others that both of us were actively seeking each other to hangout and catch up and there just wasn’t anything left to say. Both of us had changed but we were stuck in our old ways of giving each other the title of Best Friend.
Your best friend isn’t necessarily your oldest friend. Don’t get them mixed up like I have.
Every person has their own pace
Sometimes this phrase is associated with advice given to people after they’ve failed. Or when they compare themselves to others who’ve reached seemingly unattainable goals, or worse, places that they feel they should’ve reached by that point in their lives.
Recently I haven’t been thinking about the 25 year olds who have bought properties or gotten married or funded successful companies and consequently felt like I’m behind in some way. On the contrary, it’s the 30+ year olds who come to mind when I compare where I am today and where I’d like to go.
As I approach my 29th birthday, I don’t feel scared of the big 30 and all the time-related pressures that come with it. The only person I compare myself with is my past self. I’m sure she’s proud of us now.
Next time someone asks you a question about yourself, think before giving them your go-to answer. You might find it has changed.
“I always live in the present. The future, I can’t know. The past, I no longer have.”
Fernando Pessoa
Um beijo,
GaLeal