52 Years of Wisdom: Four Life Lessons Earned Through Blood, Tears, and Pain

I will be celebrating my 52nd birthday in a few days; at one point, I wasn’t sure I would ever reach that mark. I was eighteen years old when I discovered I was in the middle of a war, one that continued until I was twenty-four.

Those were long, horrific years, and the idea of surviving to become fifty-two seemed like a far-off fantasy.

Still, here I am—not just alive but very vibrant—and today I would like to share the knowledge I have gained over my time on this amazing blue planet.

First lesson: Happiness

For most of my life, I thought that great events or other people would provide happiness. It seemed to me something you were waiting for—a present that would finally arrive. I misjudged it.

As I have discovered, happiness is a decision we make on purpose every day. This lesson did not come easy; it was paid for in blood, sweat, and tears, in suffering and anguish I would not desire on anyone.

Not something presented on a silver platter is happiness.

Whether it’s your family, your hobbies, your job, or even following apparently unachievable dreams, you have to aggressively pursue what really makes you happy.

Human nature calls for people to try to discredit your happiness.

But after all I have gone through—bad relationships, war-related injuries, false promises—I have come to realise that nobody has the right to offer advice you on when or how to be happy. Your happiness is yours only; you choose it. Never ask anyone permission to be happy; never allow anyone remove that decision from your hand.

Second Lesson: Health

Among the most valuable currencies we possess is health.

You cannot fulfil your aspirations, help your loved ones, or simply enjoy the little pleasures of life without it.

I followed unattainable standards for years, attempting to fit into what I considered to be a healthy person should be, and copy others. I neglected the fundamental knowledge I acquired in childhood: hygiene is the foundation of health.

Hygiene was non-negotiable growing up, even in a house where baths were a weekly occurrence shared among the family.

Still, health goes much beyond simple hygiene. It relates to our consumption—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s about the surroundings we decide upon and the people we surround ourselves with.

Being a former combatant, I especially appreciate the inner voice that helped me negotiate the challenges of battle, therefore reducing the effects of injuries, cold, stress, and sadness.
Just as crucial as physical health is mental wellness.

We feel perfect when we are young; nevertheless, as we get older, we must be more conscious. The body runs on movement; I have found that the more active I am, the less I need doctors; I sleep better and my stress levels decrease.

Even boxing, a sport that keeps me feeling successful and energetic, I am more active than ever at 52.

Choose then to give your health first priority. Though start today, start with little steps.

Third Lesson: Wealth

Although wealth is often associated with money, money by itself will not purchase happiness or health.

Still, having a consistent income gives the stability needed to take care of people you love. Growing up, I thought of wealth as something one either inherited or came into. “You will inherit an apartment when I die,” my father once informed me.

Still, I never felt good about waiting for someone to pass away in order to guarantee my own future.

Living in army barracks seemed more like home than anywhere else for most of my life.

But I decided to buck convention by daring to launch my own company, a decision many discouraged me from doing.

They were correct—I had no idea how to manage a business.

Though I made lots of blunders and embarrassed myself more times than I can count, my clients always got the best outcomes I could produce.

Whether you manage your own company or a 9-to- 5 job, success really depends on how you apply information, skills, and experience.

No secret method or overnight road to millionaire status exists. But, as I have come to define it, money is about having the means to fulfil your dreams and support those you love.

For my part, I feel really rich since I will be able to leave my son a completely paid house.

Fourth Lesson: Wisdom

I used to consider the advice of elderly folks as pointless when a child.

They were indeed elderly, what could they possibly know about my life?

But sometimes life shows you the need of knowledge by means of the hard knocks.

I have come to pay attention to the people in my life and the events that transpire as well as the media or social media throughout time.

Wisdom stems from knowing you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and from believing in yourself.

It’s about resisting allowing someone else define your boundaries.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is to believe in yourself and not let anyone tell you what you are or cannot do.

I consider these lessons as continuing travels rather than as a destination as I get ready to mark my 52nd birthday.

By sharing them, maybe, I can encourage others to choose happiness, give health first priority, pursue actual prosperity, and welcome wisdom in their own life.

This post was written by Mario Bekes