Adulting is difficult.
Yet your friends are killing it. They're starting their own businesses, getting a promotion, in loving relationships, etc. They worked hard on these milestones.
Instead of being happy for them, you examine your colorless life in juxtaposition to theirs.
Why does it seem that people are moving past you?
You feel stuck not only inside your house but also in life.
You waste away your time watching movies and series or playing games. But you know that hours of endless content could not fill the emptiness you feel within.
Do you feel like Zuko, who's going around in circles demystifying what his next step will be?
You're in the crossroads of your destiny. Pour yourself some calming jasmine tea. Uncle Iroh's wisdom can give you the slightest hint of clarity.
Why don't you enjoy a cup of calming jasmine tea?
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1. "You got to feel the flow."
There must be an internal struggle you're resisting inside.
It will hinder you from moving towards your life’s next chapter if you’re still bound to it. Carry on if you must, but don't force yourself if you're not ready to face life.
It's best to acknowledge the emotion. Reconcile, then close it.
Go with the flow like a waterbender. Swim in the currents of your emotions.
Is it fear, anger, guilt, or another emotion entirely?
Dive deep to know why it's holding you back.
Accept that you can’t control everything. But you can control the outcome of your life moving forward.
This is not an easy process. The turmoil will keep pushing and pulling you.
But if you take one step forward every day, you will reach calmer waters.
2. "In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength!"
In your darkest moments, believing in yourself might be the last thing on your mind.
But resolving the turmoils in your emotions is a great feat.
Drawing wisdom from your internal struggles builds your character. You have a higher chance of giving yourself hope.
You can manifest hope by practicing small habits of self-care.
It can be as simple as going to bed an hour earlier, eating breakfast more consistently throughout the week, or thanking yourself for your small wins.
It may be hard to admit, but you need other people to help you out in this rut. This next quote from Uncle Iroh might be the wake-up call that you need. Turn the volume up!
3. "Is it your own destiny? Or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you?... It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions! Who are you? And what do you want?"
Look within before looking outward or making a life-changing decision.
Some are lucky enough to know which path to take. You may have a wild guess about yours too.
But you may not have the privilege to choose your life’s calling. You set aside these lifelong dreams to fulfill your duty as a good son or daughter.
Surely, the fate of Fire Nation does not hang on the balance by your decisions.
But you feel conflicted having to choose between your life’s passion and providing for your family. You are stuck in limbo, not knowing what to do.
Start asking yourself the big questions to clarify your purpose.
Once you have clarified your purpose, take it to heart while still doing what you can for your family.
It's not uncommon for Filipinos nowadays to have a side-hustle in their spare time. Their day job provides for the family. Their side-hustle stokes the flame of their life-long passions.
Surely there must be a compromise, a middle ground so you can provide for your family while you chase your dreams.
4. "Perfection and power are overrated. I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love."
Our society has many prescribed paths to success.
They said, be a doctor, an engineer, an artist.
I have nothing against these valuable life paths, but not everyone is created for or want that higher path.
Society's expectations pressure most people. Ask yourself if chasing perfection and power will fulfill you.
Providing your family's wants and needs might be enough for you.
This is not a wrong way to live too.
Following the crowd's definition of success will not fill the emptiness you hold within.
5. "It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place it becomes rigid and stale...Understanding others, the other elements, the other nations, will help you become whole."
You must draw wisdom from many places
You will not fully realize your ideal life after reading one book or attending one life-changing seminar.
Look into different faculties of thought.
Mix and match the knowledge you collect. Your journey is unique to you.
Learn how you can adapt this wisdom so you can live to your life's fullest potential.
6. "You can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you keep moving, you will come to a better place."
Even when you have found clarity, success is not a smooth road.
The beginning consists of a lot of bitter work. Don't be discouraged, even if you can't see the results.
Keep doing the little things, trust the process.
Even if it's one, two, or even ten years down the road, as long as you improve yourself every time you try, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
7. "Sometimes the best way to solve your problem is to help somebody else."
Even if you're the greatest in your chosen field, knowing how to help people might be the most significant duty you have to undertake.
There's only so much you can do.
You will not complete your greatest projects and passions alone. Collaborating with others is a faster way of healing and fulfillment.
...
The meaning of success is different from person to person.
You don't have to look at someone else's path and compare it to your own.
Don't live a life full of what if's. Once you have gained clarity, it will be a disservice to your dreams if you look away from it.
Stay true to yourself. Work on your dreams.
Take your time, learn as much as you can. Keep improving yourself.
You can nail adulting!
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Did you enjoy Uncle Iroh's wisdom?
Have you gained the slightest bit of clarity your mediocre life has been craving? Share your favorite quote in the comments.
It has been a pleasure sharing tea with you. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, so you don't miss out on heart-warming articles like this.
Finish that tea before it cools,
Beth
PS. I enjoyed writing this article. I got to rewatch Avatar: The Last Airbender for research.
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