Life-Changing Realizations You Must Take To Heart

Sometimes changing your life is as easy as gaining a fresh perspective. Consider these thought-provoking realizations Reddit users claim changed their life. 

Your Thoughts Don’t Define You

Woman with her hand on her chin with a thinking look on her face.
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Some of us have bizarre intrusive thoughts. Have you ever wanted to eat off a random person’s plate at a restaurant or had a fleeting idea of driving into a tree?

Everyone has random intrusive thoughts, but you don’t have to act on them, and you don’t have to let them define you. Give yourself grace when your brain comes up with wild and crazy things. Acknowledge it as a random thought and let it go. 

I Can’t Keep Doing This

Man sitting with his hands near his chin, sadly thinking and seriously thinking
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Addiction is tough to beat. Some folks get out when they finally realize they’re destroying themselves. 

When you finally have that light bulb moment that you can’t keep drinking, you can take steps to change your life and work towards recovery. 

A Bad Work Out Is Better Than No Workout

A group of four middle aged women laughing and walking together outside holding their yoga mats.
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Some folks skip the gym because they aren’t in the mood or don’t even start because they only have a few minutes. 

Doing something is better than doing nothing. Even a short walk or a quick stretch will help you build your fitness habit. So go, even if you aren’t feeling 100%. Anything is better than nothing. 

Worth Doing Poorly

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We all get caught up in perfectionism. We’re taught failure is the worst thing on the planet, to be avoided at all costs. 

We become far healthier when we realize society gets this important aspect wrong. 

Forget the saying that anything worth doing is worth doing right. That’s only true if you’re trying to cut corners. The real truth is that anything worth doing is worth doing poorly because the only way you can learn and get better is if you start. 

Learning Who’s Ultimately Responsible

Happy woman pointing to herself with both thumbs.
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People often assign others the task of managing their emotions and happiness. They can’t be happy because their parents were awful or their spouse doesn’t cater to them 100%. 

Life gets so much better when you realize you’re responsible for your own happiness, and it’s not anyone else’s problem. 

You Can Let Go of Toxic Family

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A healthy family can enhance your life, but a toxic family can make you miserable. The good news? You can go no contact and life your own life.  

Differing Personalities Aren’t Bad

A diverse group of people mingling at a business party.
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We instantly connect with some people while clashing with others. However, as we grow older, we realize these different personalities are more of a boon than a bust. 

Differences Help Us Grow

Young entry-level worker learning from an older male colleague.
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Taking the time to get to know those with different perspectives and personalities helps us learn and grow. Some folks are closed off initially, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad people or would make bad friends. 

Don’t dismiss those with personality types you’re not used to; you may miss out on one of the deepest friendships you’ve ever experienced. 

Go Fast or Go Far

Siloutte of people holding lifted hands in the sunset to represent teamwork.
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The adage states that you can go faster alone but further together, and it’s true. Though doing things solo may be faster and more efficient, you lose out on the collaboration that helped humanity ascend to the top of the food chain. 

People Don’t Care

man shrugging wearing a blue sweater on a light purple background.
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We spend so much time obsessing about what other people think. In reality, most people are so wrapped up in the drama of their own lives that they don’t give us a second thought. 

Everyone is the Center of Their Own Universe

A woman holds up a mirror to view her reflection.
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No one thinks about you as much as you do. You may be the center of your own universe, but once you realize everyone else is the center of their universe, life gets much easier. You can do your own thing without caring about what they think because, usually, they aren’t thinking about it anyway. 

I Grew Up in a Cult

A group of five menacing looking hooded figures in greyscale.
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Some people are born and raised in cults. They’re brainwashed from birth to believe everything the cult believes as absolute truth. 

Those lucky enough to realize they’re in a cult can escape it, learning the richness of life outside their tragic upbringing. It’s a life-changing realization that brings both joy and sorrow. The cult is all they’ve ever known. Leaving means they must unpack all the trauma and turn their backs on their family. However, it also allows them to thrive as their true selves, and that’s the best gift of all. 

Companies Don’t Care

woman throwing papers behind her as she quits her job.
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People obsessed with work breathe giant sighs of relief when they realize it doesn’t matter. Your company doesn’t care about you. They’ll replace you in an instant. 

The sooner you realize this, the sooner you can stop giving your all to your work and invest your time and energy in things that truly matter.  

I Don’t Have To Have Kids

stressed mom with two young kids
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Society loves to push people into boxes. There’s a specific path you must follow: grow up, go to school, get a job, get married, have kids. 

However, with advancements in women’s rights and contraception, people finally realize they don’t have to follow the script. You don’t have to be a parent if you don’t want to be. You’re free to choose your own path in life. 

Investing in Yourself isn’t About Money

pretty woman wearing red on a yellow background with her finger near her lip and her eyes shifting sideways
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An under-rated key to happiness is investing in yourself. You’re worth the time and effort.

Here are 38 ways to invest in yourself, and most aren’t about money. 

Time is the Most Valuable Resource

sand running through an hourglass to represent quotes about time.
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They often say time flies, and that’s true. We’re often so busy we don’t even notice the days and years slip away. 

Yes Time Flies – But Here’s How To Savor Every Moment
 

How to Find Your Passion and Live Your Dream Life

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Your dream life is within reach. Your passion is buried deep inside of you, aching to burst free. Here’s how to rediscover your passion and life the life you always wanted

 

Author: Melanie Allen

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Pursuing Your Passions, Travel, Wellness, Hobbies, Finance, Gaming, Happiness

Melanie Allen is an American journalist and happiness expert. She has bylines on MSN, the AP News Wire, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and numerous media outlets across the nation and is a certified happiness life coach. She covers a wide range of topics centered around self-actualization and the quest for a fulfilling life.