I’m slowly learning that there is a lot to be said for an imperfect life. It’s so easy to get caught up on creating this ideal version of life we dream of. One where we strive for goals and work towards achieving them without mishap or delay, a life where we surround ourselves with people we love who will give the same affection and respect in return, where we fix all that is broken and find a solution to all of our problems.

But, if there’s one thing that I’ve learnt its that no matter how hard we work, how much we give or how deeply we love there will always be challenges, pain and setbacks. And, although everyone around you might seem like they’re winning at this crazy old life we are living, nobody breezes through this long journey without having difficulties. The struggles we go through are unknown to many, and these challenges can be invisible to others looking in on our lives because it’s only when you’re living through your own experiences that you fully understand how those difficulties impact your life.

Life must be lived courageously, despite all of the unknowns, the things that are out of your control and any fears you may have. Be spontaneous, don’t think too much about anything, take chances – especially in your career and be selfish with your time, ensure that you have the space you need to grow in your own way and be kind to yourself. Sometimes life is tricky, but nobody has it easy all of the time and yet we all have so much to be thankful for, so when you feel lost find gratitude for the small things that you may have overlooked.

There are things in this world that you cannot control but that’s just the nature of life. If you love, at some point you’re going to feel pain but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t love wholeheartedly anyway. Tiredness is a result of working hard, but hard work paves the way to better things and it helps us to grow. Life is so busy, it can feel messy and overwhelming at times but remember, you are only human, you are not indestructible, you have vulnerabilities, emotions, feelings, and imperfections – and that’s ok.

I’m finally learning that there are flaws in every single good thing that happens in our lives and that experiencing them is part of life. Those with a close family have lost loved ones who they miss every day, those who have found love in another have experienced heartache before, those with a career know the value of hard work, those who have travelled have felt homesick, those with a talent have felt lost and those with a smile have felt sadness. The only thing we can be certain of is that no matter what we choose to be, where we choose to live and who we choose to love, life will be tricky at times because no matter who we are there are flaws in our sunshine. Life won’t be perfect, it’ll be messy, tough, tiresome and challenging but despite everything, it will be ok – goodness will shine a light on the darkest of times and you’ll keep living, loving and leaving your mark on this world.