In the midst of a yapping dog, a Disney movie in the background, and endless computer questions from my intelligent, yet computer-challenged parents, in a matter of 2 days, my teen years will be over, and the excitement of being in my 20s will begin. It's during this chaotic, yet comical atmosphere that I call home that I reminisce on how much I've grown since the age of my 10 year old sister, and my 17 year old (soon to be college student) brother. Here are 19 things that I've learned from myself and my family.
1. Family, no matter what, is forever.
I've been extremely blessed to have a family who gives unconditional love. Through every bad grade, mistake or bad decision, my parents have the most selfless compassionate love and understanding more than anyone in the world.
2. Personal health is vital.
This was a cold hard lesson I learned in college. Lack of sleep, and a Red Bull- and gummy worm diet will only lead to irritability and a cloud of confusion.
3. Food brings togetherness.
Need people to show up for a club event? Free food! Want everyone to stop what they're doing at home? Have the delicious smell of dinner waft through the house and everyone will come flocking to the table for food.
4. Always love yourself.
As Ru Paul says, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else can I get an Amen up in hurrr?!"
5. God should be the most important person in your life.
No matter how alone you feel, physically, emotionally, etc. God will always be present. Thank Him for every passing exam, every meal, and every great accomplishment in life.
6. Pets bring out the best in people.
I never knew my dad could spoil someone so much than our new addition to the family. Our dog receives more baby talk and star treatment than any human baby I know.
7. Some people just aren't worth your time.
Whether you meet them in elementary school, high school, college, or even the work place, there are people that aren't good for you. It's best to steer clear and move on from those that you know are bad for you.
8. Hold on to those precious friends.
On the other hand, there are those you meet who you know will be your best friends for life. They're the ones who are just as excited as you are with every accomplishment you make in life, and those who mourn with you when you're sad. It's those one in a lifetime friends that make every moment matter.
9. Relationships take constant and conscious effort.
No relationship is always perfect. No relationship is always effortless. It's the time you take to remember a person's interests and dreams, or the sacrifices you make for one another that make a relationship stronger.
10. Success takes a constant and conscious effort.
The same applies to personal success. Always remember what you are aiming for, and why. There's a reason why a hard-working person is admired; because it's a hard and difficult task to do.
11. Balance, balance, balance.
Balance isn't just for yoga, but for life. Always keep your life balanced, whether it's family, friends, or school.
12. Being the eldest in the family means setting an example.
This was one of the first lessons I had to learn as being the oldest sibling in my family, and one thing that I still deem important. Although it used to annoy me that my younger siblings get away with more things than I could at their age, there comes a certain respect, admiration (and lots of advice) that still have for me.
13. Parents don't know everything.
Especially when it comes to anything electronic. Or anything that deals with anything on the computer other than emails and Facebook. But that's okay, because when you help them it's like you've solved the Da Vinci code, and get remarks like "College has made you smart" haha.
14. Laughter is the best remedy to any situation.
Whether it's an awkward situation or a bad breakup, laughter is always the best medicine.
15. Cleanliness is everything.
I thank my mom for being strict on me growing up when it came to cleaning my room, and doing dishes and laundry. Because when you live with other people in college, there are those that haven't exactly learned that lesson yet. Gross.
16. You don't know the value of money until you actually work.
100% true. However, I still manage to spend my entire paycheck within the week that I get it. Then I have to scour for money and cheap meals till I get paid again. Heh.
17. Appreciate the small luxuries around you.
Especially with our generation, we are so used to having the newest smartphones, the newest MacBooks or tablets, cars, shoes, gadgets, etc. It's almost as if it's a rite of passage to be have all of these luxuries to be normal. But yet there are so many people our age who don't even have the luxury of their phone, let alone computer.
18. Take the time to know the issues going on in the world.
Even pageant women have to know the current news and issues going on not only in their country, but around the world. It's important for people our age to acknowledge what's going on outside of our small social circles.
19. Enjoy the present.
There are so many people I know who are desperately trying to grow up. "I can't wait until I'm 21" or "I can't wait to get out of high school and go to college". But the most important is to enjoy the present. Because we'll never be able to get back the days that have already passed. So whether it's just lounging around at home, or having a normal 9-5 workday, take each day in with positivity.
