The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

Looking back on life, there are so many lessons I wish I had learned earlier. Like most people, I think about how much smoother things could have gone if I’d just listened to my parents more. But here’s the catch—if I hadn’t made those mistakes on my own, I wouldn’t have grown into the person I am today. Mistakes, in their own way, are essential for growth. They allow us to stumble, learn, and evolve, shaping us in ways that advice alone simply can’t.

However, if I had to pick just one lesson that stands out, it would be this: don’t sacrifice so much for others that you forget yourself. This is a hard pill to swallow because, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been someone who deeply cares about the people in my life. And when you care that strongly, it’s almost natural to put their needs ahead of your own. The problem is, when you do that too much, you start losing sight of your own well-being. Over the years, I’ve been let down more times than I can count by those very people I sacrificed for.

That said, I’m not bitter. In fact, I’m grateful. I’m happy with the mistakes I made, as odd as that sounds. Each one taught me something about myself, about others, and about life in general. They’ve shaped me into who I am today—someone who cares deeply, but who also knows the importance of setting boundaries. And honestly, I’ll probably continue making mistakes, but I’ve come to terms with that. As long as those mistakes come from a place of sincerity, from the right intentions in my heart, then I’m okay with them. Life is a journey, and the lessons are never truly finished.

In the end, the balance I wish I had learned earlier is this: care for others, but don’t forget to care for yourself too. It’s a simple lesson but one that took me years to understand. If you’re like me, you’ll keep learning it, again and again, until it sticks. And that’s perfectly fine—because as long as your heart is in the right place, you’ll continue growing, one step at a time.