I wish every day could be bright and happy, but it turns out that life doesn’t work that way. It isn’t always easy, and some days are tougher than others, but the hardest days teach the most valuable lessons.

Here are five of the most valuable life lessons I’ve learned:

1. Appreciate the time you have.

Nobody knows how much time they have in life, so it’s important for us to make our lives count. Some days, we need more time to do simple tasks and rest our bodies. We should count each task and plan to manage the energy we need instead of rushing through life. It’s important for us to use time to our advantage and appreciate the little moments, especially every moment we spend with our loved ones.

2. Enjoy the small things in life.

Throughout my life, the small moments have felt big: waking up and being able to get out of bed, going outside, even looking at nature through my bedroom window, hearing stories of other people’s experiences, and doing the things I love. Appreciating the smallest blessings gives us wonderful perspectives on life. After all, it’s the small, lovely things that make life worthwhile.

3. Our limitations help us grow in our own ways.

In life, we must accept that certain things do not come easily to us, which forces us to face the world with our own perspectives. At times, our limitations may feel discouraging, but that’s OK. Knowing and respecting our limits will only make us stronger than we ever knew we could be. Our differences and even our limits make us special.

4. Make kind friends.

Sometimes, life circumstances limit our social lives. In our fast-paced, stressful world, we may not always have the time and energy to be socially active. Finding space to watch movies, spend a Saturday night out or shop with friends can be difficult, but the right friends will understand and stick by our side. Even though we may not have much time to share with others, true friends give us time to rest, support us on our bad days, and celebrate our good days. So, find the right people, and keep them close.

5. Focus on your priorities.

Don’t waste your time on things you don’t care about. If your goal is to help others and ourselves, set that intention above everything else… and follow through. Wholeheartedly commit yourself to your passions, whether they are family, friends, social work, or achieving your dreams. Your passions are worth your time and attention.

These five life lessons have allowed me to accept myself, cherish my life, and make the most of every moment I have. I hope that they allow you to live a full, fulfilling life as well. Once you shift your perspective, you will be one step closer to a life that’s truly worth living.

Originally written by Naomi Karsudjono

Unwritten is a family of writers who come together to share their stories. Whether you need a shoulder to cry on, a laugh to keep you going, or a place to keep you entertained, Unwritten is that best friend who is always there for you. As young adults, we get ourselves into a lot of messy situations, so our mission is to help you turn your messes into messages because if you can learn from your messes, so can others. Read more of our musings at www.readunwritten.com.