From repetitive failures to impossible success, achievers and rejects have been the default paths enforced by modern society and responsible for the way humanity restricts itself. Burdens are often viewed as something permanent, while success is a luxury. Reality is, it’s the people who determine the life they are guaranteed. To live and prosper with no regrets, people must escape from that toxic mentality today, and start over.
A Second Chance
It’s important for people to rebuild their lives after a life-changing experience so they can re-discover their self-worth and inner voice. Instead of being surrounded by a world that brings feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, push past those obstacles and see life for what it truly is. The universe is bigger than humanity, and it may feel overwhelming, but by embracing a positive insight on the world, it becomes less of a fear.
It’s never too late for people to start living their lives the way they’ve always wanted to. This could mean changing career paths, pursuing new dreams, or simply quitting a job that’s only ever brought pain and suffering. Regardless of the risks, the end result is worth it. When people leave their burdens behind, a heavy weight is lifted off their shoulders, and suddenly, they can breathe again.
“Starting over after a painful experience is something that I have dealt with plenty of times over my years both at Gateway and when I was at my old middle school. What always inspired me is that no matter where you end up during a certain period of life, it can always get better,” wrote Spencer Barrett, a freshman from Gateway Regional High School.
Spencer added, “When I came to Gateway as this ‘weird’ kid and everybody already had their established friend groups, I had thought that I would never fit in here, and even wanted to go back to my old school; however, all it took was involving myself and being persistent in believing that I could make this place my home, and that is exactly what I was able to do.”
Moving on
A challenge many face is learning how to move on from a past failure or loss. What they don’t realize is how damaging it is to continuously let it control their every movement and their overall life. People cannot live their lives to the fullest if they are unable to heal their scars. They are blinded by their lack of identity and are left in a vulnerable state of mind.
However, people are like trees, they might experience a low point in their life, but with delicate nurturing, they will come back stronger and better than before. The first step to moving on is to rediscover themselves, find what worked before, and decide if that is what they will find joy in for the rest of their life. If not, reevaluate and find what speaks to the heart, only then can a person heal from the past.
“When [lobsters] leave their hard shells, they are extremely vulnerable but that is when they grow the most. This short story has many practical applications. If you want to become the best version of yourself, you will need to take risks and become vulnerable,” explained Michael Joyce, a teacher from Gateway Regional High School.
If humanity lets itself be controlled by the negative aspects of life, then they will be miserable. Life is about living it the way they want to, it’s about finding what works best for them and what brings a smile to their face. A life of sorrow is draining, it’s regretful. The youth quickly lose their spark, and the old wonder if they would’ve been happier had they chosen a different path. Hence, why reflecting on the way people are living their lives is so important.
Pushing Past Burdens
Society fears rejection and failure because it has built itself on a harmful mindset where success means a person is beyond excellence, and loss means a person is worthless. This creates the concept of burdens, where people hide who they truly are in fear of judgment and ridicule. They live fake lives and feign their identity, which puts further pressure on their shoulders. When that masquerade crumbles, humanity is unsure of where to go from there. They feel lost, depressed, and outcast-ed.
“Holding onto our burdens can hurt us by keeping us trapped in cycles of pain, resentment, and self-doubt. When we carry emotional weight from the past, such as guilt, anger, or regret, it can distort our judgement, drain our energy, and prevent us from fully experiencing the present,” elaborated Rasheeda Dale, a therapist from Family Therapy & Consultation Services.
Failures are society’s biggest accomplishments. They have paved the way for modern success and are responsible for the happiness that is seen today around the world. It’s all part of the growth cycle, like how butterflies grow their gorgeous wings after spending a small portion of their lives in tight cocoons. It’s the same for people after they experience a low point in their life.
“…burdens can shape how we see ourselves and others, often leading to isolation, anxiety, or missed opportunities. Over time, the weight becomes heavier, not lighter, affecting our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being,” Dale further commented.
Epilogue
In the end, the choices people make in life are what determines their future. They have the control, they have the power, and they have the determination. If they are unhappy with the way they are living, then they can rebuild it. Start from scratch, and rise to the top. They must also move on from past mistakes so they can flourish into a better version of themselves.
Life has always been about healing and change, it’s time to embrace that.
