Lessons I’ve Had to Learn Over and Over Again

At the time of writing this, it is the day before my 27th birthday. One thing I’ve learned in the last trip around the sun is that sometimes lessons don’t stick right away.

They seem to circle back around every couple of months, just to check if you’ve really learned them. I’d like to think I’m a quick learner… until I catch myself making the same mistake for the third time.

Here are a few lessons that I have to keep learning.

Lesson 1: Sometimes it’s better to accept what is, than fix what cannot be fixed

I’m a fixer by nature. I want to patch the cracks, smooth over the edges, and make it work. But there’s a certain peace in saying, “This isn’t mine to repair.” Whether it’s a project at work, a relationship that’s run its course, or a goal that no longer feels right—sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is accept reality as it is.

Lesson 2: When someone shows you who they are, believe them

People tend to be pretty clear about who they are. It’s up to us whether we listen or not.

Lesson 3: Sometimes it’s better to open the door yourself

We spend so much time waiting for someone to give us permission. Permission to start, to try, to leave, to grow. But sometimes we don’t realize that we should open to door ourselves instead of waiting for someone to open it.

Lesson 4: It’s not taking a step back if it’s taking a different path

Changing direction doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sometimes it’s the right decision to walk in a different direction to something better. A career pivot, a move to a new city, even ending a project that’s not working… those aren’t setbacks but corrections.

Lesson 5: Listen to your gut

It’s cliché for a reason. Your gut often knows what your brain can’t admit. That feeling that something’s off? It usually is. Every time I ignore my intuition, I end up relearning this lesson the hard way.

Life has a funny way of reteaching us what we thought we already knew. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that some lessons are worth learning as many times as it takes.