I think we can all agree that at one point or another, our lives are a bit messy. If you're like me, when you get to this point you almost have an out of body experience where you're shaking yourself and screaming, "get yourself together!" And if I'm honest, I go through this stage a lot.

College has been one place where I've had this thought on multiple occasions. I can't tell you exactly when, but I think it was somewhere between procrastination and attempting to do the whole "adulting" thing. I got so wrapped up in trying to be everything that everyone wanted me to be, that I didn't realize I had completely lost myself, and my purpose.

It took some time, but now that I'm a senior in college, I've learned some pieces of advice that have helped me grow as a person, and continue to do so. I only have 10 so far but I'm sure this list will grow as I get older and become wiser, right?

1. Have a heartfelt conversation with yourself.


Take a look at yourself. Really look. Look at how you're living. Ask yourself, am I being real with myself? Am I proud of who I am? What do I love about myself? What do I not love? Why? How can I love myself better? Listen to the answers that arise.

2. Self-love X infinity.


Make self-love a practice and a priority. I didn't truly understand my self-worth and how to really love myself until all I was left with was myself and God. I think we, as people, try to find our value in other people. But, letting the opinions of others change the way you view yourself will only bring you down. When you realize your identity is in Christ, and truly learn to love yourself as He loves you, you'll be so much happier. I promise.

3. Stop and breathe.

I cannot stress to you how important this is. Last year my friend introduced me to "quiet times with God." Our lives get messy, and more often than not, they get busy. I don't know about you, but I often get caught in this "busy-cycle." So remember to take some time to stop and breathe. Sit still for just a moment, and remember that God is in control. Rest in knowing that you're not alone. Sometimes we just simply need to slow down. Take a breath. "Be still and know."

4. Let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no" be "no"


This is a tough one for me. Being the people pleaser that I am, I like to say "yes" to people, even when I shouldn't. Often times, I get so caught up in wanting to please people, that I forget that I'm not living for people, but for Jesus. Am I saying that you shouldn't help people? Absolutely not. But I am saying that you should listen to your intuition. Learn to trust yourself. It's okay to say "no" to people sometimes.

5. Pay attention to the signs.


"Life is a highway." Seriously. The road can be straight and smooth sailing, and then all of the sudden become bumpy and full of twists and turns. I had always been told that God gives you signs, if only you'd stop and look for them. Red flags, caution lights, warning signs...you name it, God provides them. I think we miss them most of the time because we're too busy paying attention to something else.

6. Find your soul mates.


This is not about your one true love, this is about the people who know your soul. It’s about time you had people in your life who support you and encourage the very best for you. If you’re hanging around people who judge you, or stop you from following your dreams, then it's time to reevaluate your "friends." Find people who encourage your walk, who guide you with wisdom, and walk along side you through the journey. Find people who have the same vision as you.

7. Listen to your elders. 


Trust me on this one. It's not always easy to listen to someone else. You can ask my dad, I'm one of the most hard-headed people you'll ever meet. Listening to others isn't always my best feature. But this is one piece of advice that I wish I had listened too earlier in my life. The elders in your life have been through a lot. No, maybe not the same things you have, but I guarantee they have similar situations that have occurred in their past, and they can have wise words for you. Take the time to listen to them. You might just learn something.

8. Forgive. Extend Grace. Love.


So who struggles with these as much as I do? I'll be the first one to say that these three things are hard for me to do. Especially when it's towards people who have wronged me. But man, when you learn to forgive, like you've been forgiven... To extend grace, like the grace that was so marvelously extended to you... to love, like the love like Jesus loved... oh how at peace will you feel. It's not easy. It's a choice that has to be made. But oh, how it will be one of the best ones you ever make.

9. It's OK to ask for help. 


Time to bring the guard down, and put down the pride. We all struggle. We're humans and we have flaws. We all stumble along the way. It's OK to ask for help. It's OK to turn to someone and tell them that you're not OK, that you need help, that you need prayer. That's why they're are over 7 billion people on this planet. That's why God made Eve...because He knew Adam needed a partner. We all need someone to help us along the way. Don't ever be afraid to get help if you need it.

10. Never take your eyes off God. 


If there's one thing I've learned in this crazy life, it's that at the times that I think I am in control, that's when I really need to lose it. Life isn't easy. It's messy. It's busy. But God is still on the throne. He is still in control. He knows what tomorrow will bring, even when you don't. Allowing God to be the one who guides my footsteps, even though at times I try to take back that control, was one of the best decisions I ever made. When God has control, then you know that no matter what comes, He's got you. Keep your eyes focused on Him. Remember Him in all that you do. Life will always be worth living if you do.