Lessons from Everyday Life

Lately, I've been reflecting on small yet meaningful lessons that the people around me have generously shared-sometimes without even realizing it. Each lesson includes a practical way you can bring it into your own life if you'd like to give it a try.

People’s quirks are often their strengths - we just need a perspective shift

My partner is exceptionally observant and has this habit of picking our pup's eye boogers. Sometimes, I want him to pause the eye booger extraction-especially when our puppy just wants a rub or cuddle.

But recently, that exact quirky habit turned out to be a superpower. His close attention helped him spot ticks on our pup, not once, but twice. It was a powerful reminder that our quirks are often our hidden strengths.

Practical Application: Think of someone in your life whose quirks you might not fully understand or appreciate. I encourage you to pause and list three ways this quirk might actually be their gift.

Empathy vs. sympathy - understanding the subtle but meaningful difference

Sympathy is when we feel sorry for someone, often creating a subtle urge to fix or change their situation. Empathy, on the other hand, simply acknowledges someone's experience without trying to change or fix it.

On Father’s Day, a thoughtful friend reached out with a gentle message saying she was thinking of me, acknowledging how hard the day must be after losing my dad. Her message didn’t attempt to "make it better" or rush me toward feeling okay. It was pure empathy. Her gesture helped me feel seen, easing the heaviness of the day just a little bit.

Practical Application: When someone shares a struggle or difficulty with you, pay attention to your impulse to fix or offer solutions. Instead, stay quiet, listen deeply, and hold space for them. Allowing someone to feel exactly as they do without needing to change their emotions is an extraordinary gift and we can all use the practice.

Celebrate others openly and generously

I'm starting a new academic journey soon and began sharing this news with friends and mentors. Recently, my former life coach sent the kindest message - full of enthusiasm, genuine celebration, and excitement about what this new phase might mean for my growth.

His warmth and sincere cheerleading reminded me that celebrating others openly and generously helps us feel deeply connected and reminds us that our journeys matter. It's a powerful way to strengthen bonds and foster genuine happiness.

Practical Application: Next time someone shares good news or a milestone with you, celebrate them fully. Don't hold back your enthusiasm or encouragement. I wholeheartedly believe that this world needs more cheerleaders, so be one for that friend or family member.

Journal Prompts:

1. Think back over the last two weeks: What’s one small, ordinary moment that unexpectedly taught you something important?

2. Over the past two weeks, did you notice a quality or strength in someone around you that you previously overlooked? What was it, and how did it make you feel?

I hope these little insights resonate with you as much as they did with me. Small gestures and shifts in perspective can truly enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.