"علمتني التجربة بعض الأشياء"

Experience is one of life's greatest teachers. The core idea here is that learning from what you go through in life can be more valuable than anything you might read in a book or hear from someone else. When you go through something yourself, it sticks with you in a way that other forms of learning just can't match.

Let's look at a bit of context. This kind of saying usually comes from those who've been through the wringer a bit—people who have faced tough situations and come out the other side wiser. They've had moments where they had to figure things out the hard way, and those moments left a lasting impression on them. It's like when your parents tell you, "You'll understand when you're older." They've been there, done that, and they know the value of lived experience.

Imagine you’re trying to learn to ride a bike. You can read all the "how-to" guides you want, watch countless YouTube tutorials, and listen to your friends' advice. But until you actually get on that bike, feel the wobble, and take a spill or two, you won't really get it. It's the pedals under your feet, the breeze in your face, and yes—even the scrapes on your knees—that teach you how to balance and ride.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First off, don't be afraid to dive in and try things, even if you're unsure. Failure isn’t something to fear; it’s something to learn from. When you mess up—and you will—take a step back and think about what happened, what you could do differently next time. It's this self-reflection after experience that turns what could just be a mistake into a lesson.

Think about a time when you were in a situation where you had to learn on the fly. Maybe it was your first job. You walked in thinking you knew a thing or two, but quickly realized it was a whole new ball game. You had to navigate office politics, figure out the best ways to communicate with your boss, and learn the ropes of tasks you never even heard of in school. Each misstep taught you something new. Over time, you got better at it not because you read the employee handbook cover to cover, but because you lived it.

Let’s say you’re trying to learn a new language. Sure, apps and classes help, but nothing beats the whirlwind of trying to order dinner in a foreign country. You mispronounce things, you might get a few laughs, but boy, do you learn fast. The embarrassment of mixing up “chicken” and “kitchen” in Spanish will ensure you never make that mistake again.

So, if you find yourself hesitating to try something new because you’re worried about failing, remind yourself that every experience—good or bad—is a step towards growth. Embrace the learning that comes from doing. The more you experience, the broader your understanding becomes. It's these layers of experiences that shape us into who we are.

In essence, let your experiences be your guide. They’re the pieces of life’s puzzle, slowly coming together to give you a clearer picture of the world and your place in it. So jump in, make mistakes, learn, and grow.