{{ONE}} Adopt a pet : Chances are, you’re living at home…by yourself…and potentially even single. Get an animal. It gets lonely being alone from day to day…trust me, I’ve been there. I personally have tried both cats and a dog…and found the dog was a better fit for me. Do I care that I probably sound like the biggest weirdo ever while I hold a full on conversation to my bright eyed, 60lb, lap dog Emma? Nope. At least I’m not talking to a cat…that would classify me as a crazy cat lady. There is no such term for dog lovers.
{{TWO}} Learn to cook : Some of you might be so bad you burn water…but it’s good to look at the kitchen and know that “Hey…I can reeeeally rock the heck out of ______!” or “I make a mean _______!” Now, whether that be a simple salad or something as complex as perfecting a roast chicken…it’s something that is good to know. And also doubles as a great thing to do with friends. And wine. Or beer. Depending on what you want to perfect.
{{THREE}} Get a Tattoo : Yes, I’m serious.It doesn’t have to be a huge, life altering affair. Get something small. Struggle with believing you’re beautiful? Get a reminder tattooed somewhere you will see it everyday. So that every day you see it, you can be reminded. Get a tattoo of someone you admire. Of what you believe. It’s a great conversation starter and you’ll meet a lot of really cool people. My mom designed mine on my shoulder…I think of her every time I look at it.
{{FOUR}} Start a business : You know that hobby you have? Yeah, well, use it! Make an awesome bracelet? Are you good at taking pictures? What about painting…try painting pairs of TOMS and selling them to friends and family! There are some awesome ways to make some cash in order to enjoy some of the finer things in life…sew, paint, read, draw, play…whatever makes you happy, make others happy too! And get the added bonus of a little cash in your pocket!
{{FIVE}} Volunteer : Deny yourself for a while. In the 9-5 scene (or even the 11-7am, 8-2am, etc) it’s really easy to get selfish. Yes. Selfish. Money, power, shopping, shoes, it all adds up and can become our identity. If you want to be a grounded human being, give as much as you get. And I don’t mean just financially…but your time and attention as well. Find out where your local Domestic Abuse shelter is…see if there are any needs. Homeless shelters. Food Pantries. Childrens ministries. Find something that brings smiles to the faces of people who can’t enjoy all the things you can. Missions trips are a good option too. Check out The World Race!
{{SIX}} Travel : See the world. Find out where things like Angkor Wat, the Mayan Ruins, and castles are…visit a little town that isn’t the biggest tourist attraction. Chances are everything will be way cheaper anyway! Try the local food (but be careful what you eat! Make sure it’s cooked!), see what the country/town is known for culturally…make friends with a local family and experience a dinner with them. Sleep in Hostels, hotels, in tents…on the ground, on a giant king sized bed, or in a hammock! Drink the different drinks, coffees, and beers…taste the differences and get ready to get rocked! Buy the local garb, dress like them…buy knock off Beats by Dre, Ray Bans, and watches! Go to a local church and see what worship looks like to them! Take lots of pictures and blog! Bring your girlfriends! Just enjoy this big world we live in! It goes beyond the borders of the USA.
{{SEVEN}} Put down the makeup : Go natural for a while. Learn to appreciate your natural beauty…once you do that, others will she the confidence in yourself. And it’ll show brighter than makeup ever could. Don’t straighten your hair everyday…be happy in the simple.
{{EIGHT}} Read a self-help book : Cheesy right? But do it. You might get something out of it for real. Radical by David Platt is radd. It's awesome to reflect on ways you could grow and ways you have grown. It's hard for me to get through a book like this…but I've never regretted reading one.
{{NINE}} Send one snapchat that mortifies you : Just do it.
{{TEN}} Date someone you’d never date : Usually this is based on “types”…even if they’re not your type…try it once! You can learn some really awesome things about yourself, and them. You might be surprised! Or you might have an answer when someone asks you “What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?”.
{{ELEVEN}} Do something REALLY stupid : I know…it sucks. And usually the consequences suck too. But you learn so much from it, for the better. This isn’t an excuse to do something on purpose…more of an encouragement for when you do do something dumb. It’s okay. Life goes on, I promise. Yes, you probably will hurt someone in the process. But heal. Ask for forgiveness. And give it as well. This is what makes you into who you’re supposed to be.
{{TWELVE}} Try different churches : To a baptist, the word “Pentecostal” is terrifying. And vice versa. But just check it out! You learn a lot about your faith…and bottom line…it’s the same God you love. Just different worship. Meet new people. Enjoy their gifts and personalities.
{{THIRTEEN}} Small Business love : Find a small business…restaurant, coffee shop, bubble tea shop, store, and go there frequently. Get a drink and pastry and get some wifi there. It’s good to get out of the house and enjoy something delicious…not just that but it really helps the business. And, a common theme I’m realizing, is that you find and meet some awesome people along the way! Become a regular. It’s a good feeling!
{{FOURTEEN}} Go Vegan for a while : I lasted two weeks. But it was an awesome two weeks. And you lose weight. Bonus.
{{FIFTEEN}} Change your style : Go from preppy to hipster! Punk to boho! Have fun! Try different clothes! You might like it!
{{SIXTEEN}} Dress the heck up! : Go out! Break out the heels, get a flattering little black dress, get some jewelry and glitter and have fun! With your girlfriends, on a date, whatever, just go out on the town feeling like a million bucks!
{{SEVENTEEN}} Make a Crazy Life Goal : My goal is to buy a house using my photography business…someday. It can happen! Dream! Get a picture of what you want and post it on your bathroom mirror so you see it and are motivated every day. Write it down over and over when your depressed and hate your current job. You’ve got this!
{{EIGHTEEN}} Midnight movie premieres : Go there. It’s better to eat popcorn at midnight at a movie theater than at home…socially it’s more acceptable.
{{NINETEEN}} Get a piercing : Nose, lip, belly button…something. A little bit of pain is worth it! And you can always take it back out!
{{TWENTY}} Be alone for more than one day : Try taking a week to enjoy some quiet time. Whether you get away and get out of town or just go home and lock yourself away…grab some fresh ingredients (or order your favorite takeout), your favorite wine, your bible, and just relax.
{{TWENTY-ONE}} Find a TV Series and finish it in two days : Dexter, Homeland, Friends, I could go on.
{{TWENTY-TWO}} Eat the darn brownie : Don’t worry about the calories! You’re young! Use your body while you can! Soon it's going to stop burning calories altogether and you'll look at a brownie and it'll add 5lbs. Enjoy this while you can.
{{TWENTY-THREE}} Learn to be happy with yourself…by yourself. If you’re like me, which you probably are, everyone is getting married and having babies. It’s okay. Being single, not knowing what you want to do with your life, and working for minimum wages is okay…and completely normal. Make life exciting. Try new things. Do new things. Don’t let money or time be an excuse to not go enjoy this world. Find significance in who the Lord made you to be…because until you do…any love or marriage you fall into won’t be as beautiful as the one you could have when you enter it happy. Bottom line, you have time. If you're breathing, the Lord is not done with you! Where He has you right now is exactly where He wants you. He knows the desires of your heart. So desire them. Don't dwell on them. Face your past. Grow from your mistakes. And just be.
Trust me.
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