Earlier this week I turned 18 years old. August 21st marked the day I had been alive for 6,575 days. As I approached this big birthday, I began reflecting on some of the things I have learned while on this Earth. Here are 18 things I came up with:
- Unplug often. Life is here, life is now, it’s not on your phone.
- To piggy back off that, virtual presence isn’t as important as we make it out to be and comparing yourself to others based on what they show on social media is not worth it or fair. No one’s life is as perfect as their Instagram feed.
- Others’ successes and talents don’t invalidate or negate your own. Everything is not a competition. Be humble and rejoice with others during their successes.
- Accept help when you need it and it’s offered to you. There’s no shame in that. Only pride stands between you and the help that you are in need of.
- Life isn’t fair, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good.
- Intuition – trust it and follow it. I like to think that our intuition and gut feelings are one of the many ways that God speaks to and works through us.
- Over-planning your life is not worth the stress and effort. Opportunities spontaneously spring up all the time (ie: this trip!). Thinking of our plans for the future as more on the tentative side makes more sense.
- In the times where you just really want to punch someone in the face because they’re being so dang difficult, change your mindset from humanly to one of the Kingdom. They too are a beautiful creation of God and they too are loved and adored in the eyes of our Lord. So, love them as Jesus does and don’t punch them.
- Love passionately and love abundantly. Be the person to put some good in a world with a lot of bad in it.
10. Dogs truly are man’s best friend. No explanation needed.
11. Crying with people is a lot more healing than crying by yourself.
12. Continuing with crying and emotions – showing emotion doesn’t make you are weak. Being able to be so vulnerable in front of others not only is extremely brave, but it also allows for God to heal that pain; to replace it with truths and affirmations.
13. Prayer is a conversation with our creator. I have learned that you must listen just as much as you speak.
14. Both times of trials and joys are temporary. This has taught me to keep my faith during rough times, as well as rejoice and thank our God during blessings and joyous times. Seasons can change in the blink of an eye.
15. This blog in particular opened my eyes to this next lesson – don’t be afraid to share your artistic talents with others. Whether this be writing, painting, poetry; you never know the opportunities that may come from it or the hearts it may touch.
16. Now, this one took me a while to learn, but parents actually do know what they’re talking about pretty much all of the time. Mom and dad, I know you’re rolling your eyes right now, but I truly do value your opinions and the lessons you’ve taught me (even though my attitude at times may tell a different story). Parents really are smart, y’all.
17. This sounds SO cliché, but the only person in charge of happiness is you. Choose happiness. Choose joy. Choose to spread it.
18. The 18th thing I’ve learned in the 18 years of being alive, is that I have so much more to learn, so much more to experience, and so much is waiting for me out in the world. The best is yet to come.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savoir, and my hope is in you all the day long.” – Psalm 25:5
