Tazihound

Hi everyone, DA has always sort of been a place to share thoughts (since I was about 15, how ridiculous is that). I wanted to put this out into the community here, because maybe it can have a positive effect on just one person who stops by to read it (and the bonus is that writing it down on a public space like this clarifies a lot for me). So here it goes:

1. Stop living by your "rules". We all make up our own rules of life based on how we were raised. But rules actually prevent us from doing things that make us feel alive. We must let go of these ideas that breed negativity, irritation, jealousy, and insecurity. The less rules we have to break, the happier we will be, the more room we have in our heart for people who are different than us. People are wonderfully diverse, we must find ways to embrace their individuality.

2. Surround yourself with like-minded people. You are a reflection of the people closest to you. If you are surrounded by negative, apathetic, unmotivated, unsupportive, or unhappy people, these traits will manifest in you as well. Surround yourself with motivated, empathetic, peaceful, passionate, supportive, happy, and healthy people. (Of course- we all go through ups and downs. Find a way to give to those you love, and help them get back on track when they are struggling).

3. Trust the Laws of Attraction. What you believe, think, and focus on, manifests. As you think, so you shall become. So focus on what you want your life to look like, not on what is missing or what you don't have. This is more than positive thinking- this is taking action. (It is true we start off on different levels, not everyone is born with the same opportunities, and this certainly has an effect on where you begin your life journey, both physically and mentally.)

4. Progress= happiness. Success isn't the real happiness, progress is. Make realistic goals and do a little work everyday to achieve them. The high you experience from accomplishing your goals will make you happy.

"Don't aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself."- Viktor E Frankl

5. Be healthy- physically and mentally. Your body is a temple because it houses your soul. All you have is your health. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Crutches like smoking and alcohol and drugs are only temporary uppers. Sleep well, exercise your body, treat yourself with care and be good to yourself. Don't allow your emotions to tie up with capitalism or ego- go outside and let nature teach you perspective.

6. Forgive & empathize. People aren't out to get you, people are out to do good. We look at life through our own lenses, and sometimes we fail to see it from another's perspective. Realize that people feel and experience love in different ways and just because you don't speak their language doesn't mean they don't love or care for you. Forgive yourself, because you're human and you make mistakes. The only real mistake you can make is failing to recognize when you mess up. Own your flaws and learn from them. Promise to learn, improve, do better for yourself and those around you.  

7. Give & express gratitude. Recognize what you have, and count all the ways in which you live a good life. Ask yourself how you can give to the people around you who you are grateful for. Give before expecting anything in return. Take time to be present with your loved ones, let them balance you. 

8. Love deeply. Communicate. Connect with your love on an emotional and spiritual level. Open up to them. Be vulnerable. Know their soul. Build a fulfilling purpose together. Know that you won't like everything about your person, and they won't like everything about you, and that is entirely normal. Fighting is normal. At times you're going to fight and you're going to feel angry, but real love is committing to doing the work and forging a path through rough times. Soulmates, in a romantic sense, don't exist. But they do exist in this life. Your soulmate will push you to be a better, healthier and happier person. Your soulmate is the person who is going to fight for you no matter what, who sees the good and all there is to love in you, and who actively chooses you every single day. Your soulmate will share your values and even teach you new ones. True love is committing to grow and build a life together. It is a willingness to understand and see from another's perspective, and having enough patience, generosity, and integrity to nurture it.

9. Know yourself. If you can't be true and honest with yourself, then you have nothing. Know your worth, and know your soul on a spiritual level. Never let someone change nor compromise your core values. Be realistic about your faults, but don't let them control your thoughts or actions. Relinquish your pride, as we are all equals. Don't let a need for significance blind you from yourself or what really matters. Practice humility, and accept yourself. 

10. Keep learning. Stay hungry, know that you have wisdom to gain from everyone around you. Know that you're a work-in-progress, and accept that that's ok.

Do you have any advice, quotes, or truths you relate to? Please do share, and thank you all for being such wonderful people <3

Be thankful.
Be understanding.
Do not take anyone for granted.
You do not know what you have until it's gone.



Relationships are hard.

(All of them.)




Not understanding,
is worse
than begging for forgiveness,
when it's already too late.


I hope we
learn the lesson
before we are
forced to learn it.