As people get older, they go through different challenges andtriumphs,and each has something to teach them. Every experience can be a learning opportunity if a person keeps themselves open to the idea. Otherwise, they might never end up moving on to the next level.Not all life lessons arepicture-perfector easy to digest; some can be pretty difficult to come to terms with. Despite that, it seems like the folks on this list have kept themselves open to life’s toughest challenges and the teachings that those experiences bring.More info:RedditThis post may includeaffiliate links.

As people get older, they go through different challenges andtriumphs,and each has something to teach them. Every experience can be a learning opportunity if a person keeps themselves open to the idea. Otherwise, they might never end up moving on to the next level.

Not all life lessons arepicture-perfector easy to digest; some can be pretty difficult to come to terms with. Despite that, it seems like the folks on this list have kept themselves open to life’s toughest challenges and the teachings that those experiences bring.

More info:Reddit

This post may includeaffiliate links.

You can do everything right and fail. Others can do everything wrong and succeed.

A person in a red sweater sitting by the water, contemplating harsh life lessons.

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Use all your vacation time and don’t feel bad about it.

“Adult relaxing in a hammock, wearing red shoes, reflecting on harsh life lessons under a cloudy sky."

You never know when your last conversation with someone will be.

Two adults laughing together on a cozy couch, sharing life lessons over coffee.

Although it might not feel like it at first, every challenge can be a wonderfullearning opportunity. Very often, folks get stuck in a cycle of worry and despair when they are dealing with difficult situations. They can’t seem to get themselves to see the positive side or recognize all the new skills they might obtain from going through that experience.If it seems like too much to deal with during a challenge, you can even wait for the obstacle to pass to then take time and reflect on the situation. What you might have noticed from the experiences shared in this list is that folks have taken stock of the tough situations they faced, learned a lesson, and applied it to the next stage of theirlife.

Although it might not feel like it at first, every challenge can be a wonderfullearning opportunity. Very often, folks get stuck in a cycle of worry and despair when they are dealing with difficult situations. They can’t seem to get themselves to see the positive side or recognize all the new skills they might obtain from going through that experience.

If it seems like too much to deal with during a challenge, you can even wait for the obstacle to pass to then take time and reflect on the situation. What you might have noticed from the experiences shared in this list is that folks have taken stock of the tough situations they faced, learned a lesson, and applied it to the next stage of theirlife.

People don’t want to hear your opinion, they want to hear their opinion come out of your mouth.

Two adults in discussion at a table in an office setting, sharing harsh life lessons.

2 things:- Just because someone is a bloodrelative doesnt mean they can be trusted.- Dont listen to the opinion of people who’s advise you wouldnt take.

A group of adult people outdoors, sharing joyful moments and life lessons, surrounded by trees.

You will lose somebody unexpectedly at some point, and it is going to hurt.

A man outdoors in deep thought, leaning on a rock, embodying adult people facing harsh life lessons.

A lot of people fear thelearning processthat life brings with it. Since we’re taught that you can only gain new information and skills from a formal education, a lot of folks don’t expect to be taught anything new after they finish studying. They forget that there’s so much to learn from doing and being present in their day-to-day lives.The folks around us, our choices, and the consequences of our actions can teach us all so much more than we’d ever expect to learn. Rather than fearing learning or makingmistakes, it’s important to be like the people on this list and throw yourself into scary new experiences. Who knows what you’ll end up figuring out about yourself.

A lot of people fear thelearning processthat life brings with it. Since we’re taught that you can only gain new information and skills from a formal education, a lot of folks don’t expect to be taught anything new after they finish studying. They forget that there’s so much to learn from doing and being present in their day-to-day lives.

The folks around us, our choices, and the consequences of our actions can teach us all so much more than we’d ever expect to learn. Rather than fearing learning or makingmistakes, it’s important to be like the people on this list and throw yourself into scary new experiences. Who knows what you’ll end up figuring out about yourself.

Not everyone meets their person.

Adults forming a heart shape with their hands, facing a scenic mountain and lake view, symbolizing harsh life lessons in nature.

Anyone can become 100% disabled in the blink of an eye. Nothing can prepare you for that.

Two adult people discussing harsh life lessons at a table with a laptop, one person in a wheelchair.

Person stressed at desk with laptop, planner, and mobile, highlighting harsh life lessons for adults.

Every single harsh lifelessonon this list came about because someone went through a hard time and is now willing to open up about it. Each tough moment cultivates resilience within us that can equip us to get through even more challenging situations.Even though it might not seem like it at the time,researchsays that with each uncomfortable or scary situation we work through, our problem-solving skills become better. We slowly get equipped with the right tools to assess each experience and cultivate greater confidence in handling whatever comes our way.

Every single harsh lifelessonon this list came about because someone went through a hard time and is now willing to open up about it. Each tough moment cultivates resilience within us that can equip us to get through even more challenging situations.

Even though it might not seem like it at the time,researchsays that with each uncomfortable or scary situation we work through, our problem-solving skills become better. We slowly get equipped with the right tools to assess each experience and cultivate greater confidence in handling whatever comes our way.

Working harder at work doesn’t lead to more pay.

Adult focused on laptop, appearing stressed, in a quiet cafe booth, contemplating harsh life lessons.

No one is coming to save you. You have to create the life you want for yourself.Letting go is a part of life. It isn’t about collecting things you’ll keep forever but experiencing and enjoying them while they’re happening.

Person outdoors, smiling with windblown hair, representing adult people embracing harsh life lessons in a rural setting.

That people as a whole are much dumber and much more self serving than imagined as a child.

Three adult people making funny faces against a pink background, highlighting harsh life lessons.

As a younger person, reading through all of these life lessons might seem daunting. It might be due to the fact that our brains tend to have anegative biastowards obstacles. Rather than looking at the positive side of things, we jump straight to the ‘what-ifs’ and all the possible problems that could take place.That’s why it’s important to start being more mindful in every situation. Every challenge should be approached with curiosity and apositiveattitude. This may not be easy at first and might seem harder than normal, but as it becomes a practice, it will help you develop a growth mindset.

As a younger person, reading through all of these life lessons might seem daunting. It might be due to the fact that our brains tend to have anegative biastowards obstacles. Rather than looking at the positive side of things, we jump straight to the ‘what-ifs’ and all the possible problems that could take place.

That’s why it’s important to start being more mindful in every situation. Every challenge should be approached with curiosity and apositiveattitude. This may not be easy at first and might seem harder than normal, but as it becomes a practice, it will help you develop a growth mindset.

Life isn’t fair.

Adult in a pink shirt lying on grass, contemplating harsh life lessons under a clear blue sky.

That friend who keeps saying ‘we should catch up soon’ but never follows through? Stop chasing them. At 37, I finally learned that one-sided friendships aren’t worth the emotional energy.

Woman in red lighting looking at smartphone, illustrating adult people facing harsh life lessons.

A good boss may care about you and have your best interests in mind. But your company does not care about you, considers you easily replaceable, and wants to keep your salary down as much as possible.Don’t be afraid to switch jobs if you’re underpaid. Once you’re satisfied with your salary, having a good boss makes work life a lot better and is better than a slightly higher salary.

Every life lesson brings with it some kind of change and experience. Rather than fearing getting older, it’s time to start embracing all of these interesting learning opportunities that age will bring. Luckily for you, the folks on this list have been through tough times and are openly sharing their most valuable lessons. It’s up to you to test them all out.

Life is going to hit you right in the face and knock you on your a*s. You have to learn to stand up and fight back for yourself and no one is going to do it for you.

Person sitting thoughtfully on a bench in a locker room, reflecting on harsh life lessons.

“It Gets Better” is a load of horseshit. YOU have to MAKE things better, and it’s almost never an easy process.

Person writing a flowchart on a whiteboard illustrating harsh life lessons in adult decision-making processes.

You’re going to get older and your body will start breaking down and it’ll only get worse as time goes on. It’s up to you how fast it happens and how bad it gets. I wish I’d spend my 20s getting healthier.

Adult meditating in a dimly lit room, embodying harsh life lessons through mindfulness and tranquility.

Adult contemplating harsh life lessons on a park bench, tree in background.

You cannot “love” someone out of addiction.

Two adult people lying closely, sharing an intimate moment, highlighting themes of harsh life lessons.

Certainly, that you can’t help or change someone who doesn’t want it. Also, something that took me a long time to figure out and has been absolutely liberating is to let go and forgo attachment and expectation of any kind in life.

A person gazing out a large window, contemplating harsh life lessons, inside a dimly lit room.

Invest early for retirement, and be selective when it comes to a partner. Spending years in a relationship with somebody you’ve grown to resent is probably the most common waste of life.

Close-up of a fluctuating stock market graph on a computer screen, illustrating harsh life lessons in finance.

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That time is the must cruel thing you’ll ever encounter. It’s moves so fast and it doesn’t stop. It’s very easy to waste and it’s somthing you’ll never get back. Make every second count in your life.

Hourglass and vintage clocks symbolizing harsh life lessons and the passage of time.

You literally never know what’s around the corner. Even the best laid plans can go to s**t in an instant but life will still go on around you even though you want it to just stop for a minute and acknowledge you’re hurting.

Foggy track with lanes numbered three and four, symbolizing adult life challenges.

Your coworkers are not your friends.

Group of adults in an office setting sharing a lighthearted moment, illustrating harsh life lessons in professional environments.

Don’t expect “you” from other people.

Two adults holding daisies in a meadow, symbolizing life lessons during sunset.

You can love someone wholeheartedly. Stay with they through bankruptcy, inpatient psychiatric care, be there for them when they are ill, help them with every aspect of their life, never nag. Then when they get a better job they think they can have this massive double standard for you. When you get tired and don’t comply they break up with you. Definitely the hardest lesson I’ve ever learned. Broke my heart in the process. You can try your best and it’s just not enough.

It doesn’t get easier. You just get better at dealing with it. .

A man looking stressed, holding his head with his hands, signifying adult harsh life lessons.

Sometimes it’s ok to let friendships go to get away from ‘drama’. As I’ve gotten older my friend group has shrunk a fair bit, but the friendships I do have are far more valuable than they were before.I actually have the time now to give to people close to me who I trust/am comfortable being open with.

Not everyone that claims to be a “friend” is truly a friend - just a temporary access to resources and social capital, and the most prepared person always win in the long run.

Two adult people sharing wine and smiles at a restaurant, enjoying dinner and conversation.

Everyone wants you to do well, just not better than them. Remember that.

Adult man experiencing harsh life lessons, comforted by another person, showing empathy and support.

There is a lack humanity now and a lot of people are selfish. I don’t feed into but keep it in mind and work around it. We’re better if we work together.

Every now and then, something really f****d up will happen that makes you realise you’ve been sleepwalking through life and have lost all perspective. In those moments, life feels more real again and perspective comes flooding back like a roundhouse to the head.Then it drains slowly away and before you realise it you’re mostly running on autopilot again.

Close-up of an adult person’s face, focusing on expressive eyes conveying harsh life lessons.

Nobody cares.

A woman in a brown sweater sitting thoughtfully, embodying adult people learning harsh life lessons.

3 glasses of wine is the new limit.

In the often rough journey of life’s experiences, we might overlook the fascinating lessons hidden in mundane routines. Just as life teaches through its ups and downs, the food we consume daily contains layers of knowledge waiting to be unraveled. By examining the intricacies behind seemingly insignificant details, such as the minuscule things that go unnoticed in our food, we can begin to appreciate the unexpected and sometimes uneasy truths about our everyday consumption.For those interested in delving deeper into this overlooked aspect of our lives, consider exploringhow our food is more than meets the eye.

In the often rough journey of life’s experiences, we might overlook the fascinating lessons hidden in mundane routines. Just as life teaches through its ups and downs, the food we consume daily contains layers of knowledge waiting to be unraveled. By examining the intricacies behind seemingly insignificant details, such as the minuscule things that go unnoticed in our food, we can begin to appreciate the unexpected and sometimes uneasy truths about our everyday consumption.

For those interested in delving deeper into this overlooked aspect of our lives, consider exploringhow our food is more than meets the eye.

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