It's not exactly easy being an adult now....
1. Life's too short not to seize opportunities
I know you have probably heard the phrase "carpe diem" which means seize the day. I was lucky to grow up in a home where both of my parents were married, get a private Christian education, and be involved in church since I was little. As many of the great opportunities as I've had, there were some days I didn't take an opportunity. Whether it was to work harder on my studies, or step out and talk to a cute boy, or step up and be the bigger person. However, I have always been a person to live in the moment. Life is made for so much more than going through the motions. So get up and get out; whether it's going on a hike, or traveling to another country, helping someone in need, being there for a friend, or going to every school event possible because you will miss the good old days no matter how much you want to grow up. The times I really seized the moment, were some of the best times of my life. It doesn't even have to be anything big or spectacular.
2. College is no walk in the park, contrary to the movie depictions of it
If you're anything like me, grade school was easy. You got excellent grades, had amazing friends, participated in sports and/or music. I've only been here for a little over two months and college is overwhelming and stressful. The first two weeks I was extremely homesick, and I had barely any friends. Now, in the heart of the semester other problems arise. My grades are slipping. After getting an average 3.8 in high school and barely clinging to a 3.0 now, SUCKS. Tired is an understatement at this point. However, what I've learned is that college is what you make it. Sometimes it's choosing which L to take. I now have to work harder for things; my grades, eating healthy, exercising, and all the other responsibilities of being independent. College can be loads of fun too!
3. To rely on God always
I never really got this concept until my parents dropped me off 3,000 miles from my hometown, across the U.S. basically. Sure, there have been hard times before and I've needed God, but not how it is now. I struggle with trusting God and not trying to take control. I can say that I'm a lot happier when I'm not forcing things or taking control, and relying on God. I learned that I can't do it on my own and that I don't have to. God never promised an easy life but I know my treasure is not the things of this world.
4. To spend time with my parents
I love my mom and dad. They have done immensely more than I could ask for. The one thing I regret is not spending enough time with my parents. I was so rapped up in my friendships or relationships (when I was dating), that I failed to spend time with the people who raised me. Now, I miss them so much and wish I could be home with them. I found we do have things to talk about and they aren't as crazy as I thought. Appreciate the time spent with your parents and make time for them because they desire to have a relationship with you.
5. That silly boy won't matter in five years
Break ups are a part of life, crushes are a part of life, and dating is a part of life. I used to think that you meet the love of your life in high school and you get married and live happily ever after. While, there may be a select few that happens to, for most of us, it's not. Stop yearning for a boys attention that's not even worth it. There are men out there who are grown up. I'll eventually find one, you'll eventually find one. It's not the end of the world if it doesn't work out how you planned. Who knows, in five years I could be seriously dating, engaged or even married. It won't matter in five years.
6. Clinging to solid friends
Real friends are hard to find. When you do find them, hold on tight. I have a solid group of girl friends I'd do anything for. They've shown me so much of God's heart. They've made me see my potentional. They have stuck by my side no matter what. They know the dirty parts of me and still love me. We laugh together, we talk together, we cry together, we pray together, and we lift each other up together. God has blessed me so much with their friendships. It's a friendship for life. I know I can count on them and they can count on me. Besties for the resties. Sisters before misters. I will keep them close, because I know what I've found.
7. Dressing for myself
Don't get caught up in wanting to have the cutest clothes because it makes you feel cool. Dress how you want to. Life is too short to worry about what others think of the outfit you wear. With this in mind, dress nice, not homeless. Dress up because it makes YOU feel good. Confidence is the best thing a woman can wear. Always smile. You're never fully dressed without a smile, according to Annie.
8. To not copy the world
Copying the world is so boring. I don't want to be anything other than myself. I am free to be me. I shouldn't worry what others think. There's freedom in being real and authentic. There's only one you, so own that you! Life's too short to be fake. The right people will love you for simply you.
9. Freedom is never guaranteed
As this election is coming up so quickly, it's important to remember why this country was founded and what principles it was founded upon. Also, freedom is such a gift. I love being able to worship God whenever and wherever I want. For some countries it is not so. I'm forever grateful for my freedoms, but it could be taken away at any moment. In lew of this, no matter what happens God is still King and He is in control. That's a name I have my full trust in.
10. Always try to get a deal
You don't need to buy the most expensive thing. I don't care if you have the money. Getting deals on things is what I live for. I love shopping. But I shop at Ross, Marshal's, and TJ Maxx. I find incredibly cute stuff for cheap. Never pay full price for a car, value decreases once you drive it off the lot. Prioritizing. I be learned how to save and spend with caution. The more money you spend, the less you have the save. For the things you need, even wants, always get the best deal and the best price.
11. I don't need to be on my phone 24/7
That's right. Phones are addicting as much as we can't admit it. However, I've learned it's better for you to get off your phone. It takes discipline. I'd rather build relationships, read, listen to music, play board games, exercise or go out on an adventure. There's plenty to do off your phone, that I've learned. I become smarter when I turn it off and leave it alone. There's so much more to life than a screen with shallow information being broadcasting at the speed of light for all to see.
12. To work hard
Nothing good comes for those won't don't work. It feels so much better when I get something that I've worked for than when it was handed to me. Life is hard work. The real world requires hard work. School requires hard work. Nothing is handed to you in life.
13. God is good no matter what
I've heard this my whole life. The phrase didn't actually make sense until now. No matter what is going on in my life God is still good. I don't need an explanation why things suck or things are going well. I know God works all things for good. I know He is maturing me through the trials. I know I am not of this world, either. Pain and suffering are not eternal, but God is.
14. To take care of my body
My body is a temple unto God. Why would I mistreat what is ultimately God's? For me, not only sexual purity, but eating healthy, exercising, getting enough water, and the big one; getting enough sleep.
15. To love one another; even those I dislike
God has loved me recklessly. I need to love others the way he loved me. God says to love your enemies and to do good to those who hurt you. That is a tough thing to do. I've learned that pleasing God is more important than pleasing myself. The world will never see Christ in me if I do not love. The Bible emphasizes this so much. I am called by God to love the unloveable.
16. You catch more flies with honey
My dad used to say this to me all the time. I used to get so annoyed by it. Now I've learned the value in that statement. I used to whine and complain to get my way when I was younger. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't. When it didn't, I would be so mad. I practically begged for this... Why wasn't it happening. I realized that if I asked for things politely and accepted the nos, my parents would be more willing to give me what I wanted. If I was nice and respectful, it went along way. My parents were happier, I was happier. I realized I could argue my case but I could also be respectful and sweet while doing so.
17. To be patient
I am probably one of the most impatient people you'll meet. I HATE waiting... Waiting my turn, waiting in line, waiting on my friends, waiting on my parents, waiting to get to the destination, etc. Patience is a virtue in which for the longest time I was very poor at. If there was any fruit of the spirit I was lacking the most, it was patience. However, waiting is a part of life. I've learned that patience produces good character. It helps me learn how to wait. Through lots of prayer God, has really changed my heart about being patient. I'm still working on it and it will forever be a struggle. I know with God's help I can be patient. Plus, rushing never got the rabbit anywhere.
18. To own year 19
It's my golden birthday this December! I turn 19 on Decmber 19th. My last 18 years have been such a learning experience. I'm saying goodbye to my childhood years in which I really grew up. I'm excited for what the next year holds and what new things I will be learning. I desire to really own my last year in the teens. I pray this next year will be full of joy, overflowing joy that comes from my soul no matter what year 19 will bring.
