I was something of a pushover when I was younger. Other people were wiser, stronger, and more capable than me, I believed, so I obeyed and agreed with them.
Those close to me noticed this. “Speak up,” they said, time and again. “Your thoughts and feelings matter.” But their advice made no impact. It didn’t leave me any bolder.
Then, one evening, it all changed. It was an unremarkable situation – some friends were insisting that I stay the night, but I was in the mood to go home. I realized, amidst their coaxing and cajoling, that my thoughts and feelings matter. So I left. And I began, rather shortly after that, to place stock in my own opinions. The boldness I once so grievously lacked, had come to me out of nowhere.
Except, it wasn’t out of nowhere, as I realized later. My sudden epiphany was just an echo of what people had been telling me for years. “Speak up.” Their advice had made an impact. My mind had just needed to process it, dissect it, filter it through its own unique composition. I had needed to make it my epiphany. It had taken years to form, and finally been triggered by a random, truncated sleepover.
If you feel lost or stagnant in life, unable to absorb the good advice you receive, remember:
Wisdom has to travel a long, winding road through your mind. It’s probably making the journey right now. Give it time.