When being human feels like too much...

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 It isn’t really easy to go easy on yourself when things go wrong. But it is essential, reminds Advaita Shyam Sunder

“Being human is harder to defy than gravity” - Julia Shalom Jordan

The beauty of life lies in how you can be artlessly human. But that’s easier said than done. Because many a time, just being human feels like it is too much and you feel overcome by that very thought. In an effort to be flawless in whatever we do, we forget how to be human and act like robots. We really need to stop beating ourselves up! Just be simply and unapologetically human, by giving your best in everything.

Take one day at a time

“Right here, right now” is the key to living the day in your hands. Even if you are awaiting the future, remember it comes only one day at a time. Bringing your attention to the things at hand is a way of taming the wandering mind. Irrespective of whatever happens, you can surely fight a battle a day.

Life gets complicated only when you pile on the conflicts of two abysmal entities - yesterday and tomorrow. The regret and resentment about something of yesterday or the dread of what tomorrow might bring drives you crazy. The experience of today does not hold you back.

Be okay with not being okay

Bad things happen everyday and to everyone at some point. The difference lies in how you cope with it. So smile, let others know there is still hope. Be patient and tough. Someday this pain will be fruitful to you.

Those with strength to succeed in the long run are the ones who lay a firm foundation of growth with the bricks that life has hurled at them. So don’t be afraid to fall apart for a while. When it happens, the situation will open a door for you to grow and rebuild yourself into the amazing person you are capable of being.

Feel grateful for learning

Hard times are often benedictions in disguise. Let go and let life strengthen you. No matter how much it hurts, hold your head up and keep going. This is an important lesson to remember when you are having a rough day or a crappy time.

Take all the crazy experiences and lessons and put them in a box labeled ‘Thank You’. You can’t feel happy unless you’ve felt heartache.

You can’t know what it’s like to feel whole unless you’ve been completely shattered. Always remember gratitude is the greatest anti-depressant. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are thankful for the setbacks.

Listen to your intuition

Sometimes in our lives our instincts tell us to do something that defies logic, upsets our plans and seems totally bonkers to others. When this happens, you have to sit quietly and listen to your intuition. Let your instincts take over and ignore the rest. Ignore what you are supposed to do and the odds. Just go for it.

In life, if you don’t risk anything, you risk everything. You can’t always wait for the heyday. Sometimes you must simply dare to jump. All you need is a few seconds of insane courage and persistant uncomfortable bravery. Something great will certainly come out of it.

Challenge the status quo

There is a latent power in being human which can change things around you to a great extent. Be magnanimous in a world filled with greed. Dare to dream in a world filled with doubts. Forgive in a world filled with anger. Love in a world filled with hatred. Believe in a world filled with distrust.

Once you do these, you will find the power in yourself that you thought was scarce. Being human need not mean always conforming to the standards of the world. Vent your feelings and say what needs to be said even if the world calls it abnormal.

Go easy on yourself

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t you achieve a goal on schedule. Be flexible and don’t lose hope if your aim is worthy.

If it is peace of mind that you are ultimately searching for, you will have to find time to meditate and master your spiritual dimension. If it is perfect health, you must make time to maintain your body, refine your diet and exercise. Treat yourself when you achieve even the smallest of your goals.