Time goes by faster than any of us can comprehend, yet when we are in certain situations we feel time is at a standstill. Our lives are crumbling around us and we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.  However when we look back at that situation a month, a year, a decade down the road it seems insignificant or has been the stepping stone we needed to get to where we currently are.

That’s where I was the past few months. I was in a tunnel, watching as it crumbled around me, not sure which escape route to take. Worried I may make the wrong decisions, worried that I wouldn’t make it, or worse, stay in the same place, surrounded by rubble and debris.

Through my experience I learned a few things that are beneficial in all aspects of your life:

Let It Go
Whether you are in a controlled situation, one you created yourself, or one you are thrown into, just let it go. It’s hard to comprehend (especially for a perfectionist) but we are all flawed. We all make mistakes. We all have to deal with jerks, strict teachers, black holes, crappy boyfriends/girlfriends and those people that act like your friend then throw you under the bus trying to get ahead- just take a breath and let it go. Realize that the situation you are in will soon come to pass. That everything that happens to you happens for a reason. That you will learn something from it whether you want to or not.

‘Letting it go’ is something I am still working on but I feel it’s important to learn how to do, not only for your sanity but for your wellbeing. Worrying about things you can’t control, fuming over other’s comments or attitudes and taking things too personally will get you in the end. It’s a vicious cycle that is important you learn how to break early on otherwise, it will consume you.

Be Objective
You are not perfect. You will never be perfect. In fact- to reference Matthew McConaughey’s latest Oscar speech, you will never be your own hero- you will continue to chase who/what you want to be. Realize that there are always two sides to every story, if not three. Understand that sometimes things don’t always work out, that you will be replaced; that love can happen more than once, that someone is better than you. When things start to crumble, sit back and take a different perspective.

Let It Ride

When you like to be the master of your own ship, it can be difficult when you reach rough seas and high winds- you can’t control the situation. You have to just let it ride. Not that I like to get into beliefs/religion on here, but I feel you need to have faith that God, Sweet Baby Jesus, Allah, The Universe, Karma, whatever you believe will play out and work in your favor. You may not see it at first and things may be difficult for a while, but in the long run, if you allow it, you will be at peace with the path you have taken. You will be happy that things didn’t work out the way you hoped five years ago, that the person you thought you were supposed to marry ended up with someone else because your life is much better than you could have ever imagined. That you are exactly where you are supposed to be. That you have come full circle and appreciate the hiccups that pushed you to where you currently are.

Embrace It

We are all different. Some people will leave a sour taste in your mouth, where others will be lifelong friends. Understanding and appreciating this fact is important. Not everyone is going to like you. You will not be friends with everyone. Surround yourself with those that lift you higher, not those that tear you down or question your ability. Embrace other’s differences and see the beauty in each person you come across, whether you want to hug them or kick them. We all have our own unique attributes and flaws, but that makes us who we are.

And finally,

Know that whichever path you take to escape that crumbling tunnel, it will lead you to a beautiful train station, where the possibilities are endless.

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