A little while back, I wrote about 21 things I don't understand (check it out here). That list could go on and on and on, growing each with each minute I live, each piece of literature I read, and each person I meet. For many of these things, I will never have that nirvana moment in which I totally understand the truth now.
I have, however, come to understand that there will always be things I want to understand, and I'd like to keep the discovery process that way--a process.
To name a different set of 21 mysteries:
1. Why do the little things mean more than the big things?
2. How can I make money at going to concerts?
The industry owes me at this point.
(If anyonereading this has a job opportunity, please don't hesitate to contact me.)
3. Why did we ever believe that revenge was the best policy? How can we teach that this is a lie?
Taylor Swift (I can feel you all sighing) said something last year that has stuck with me to this day, because I think it speaks to our wiring as teenagers.
She says “I was 17 when I wrote [Better With Revenge]. That’s the age you are when you think someone can actually take your boyfriend. Then you grow up and realize no one take someone from you if they don’t want to leave.”
Been there, done that. Revenge feels gratifying, but so does showing everyone how happy you are. Truly, the best revenge is success.
4. How can you teach someone that you aren't what you used to be?
People change. It happens. You aren't the same person you were years ago, so we need to stop assuming everyone else is stagnant.
5. Why is it so hard to match blacks when I'm getting dressed? And why do people think I'm really sad when I do it?
I heard that whenever someone asks you "who's funeral?" when you wear black, you should say "I haven't decided yet." This sassy and powerful woman is someone I aspire to be.
6. How our brains are all wired so differently?
I have two roommates who are going to be elementary teachers. I thank God on the regular that I don't have to teach, because that would be a disaster for us all, and I'm thankful someone with a heart for that can do it. I also have a roommate who likes rocks. And collects them. I don't think I'll ever understand that, but I think its so cool that we can all like different things.
I also think we have immense power in our hands to encourage those passions and help people to find them.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." ― Nelson Mandela
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” ― Benjamin Disraeli
7. What really is that feeling of being "off?"
Why can I never describe it, and why does it feel fake because of that?
8. If I were to get a tattoo, what do I find to be so meaningful that I want it on my body forever?
9. How can we eradicate poverty in our communities and worldwide?
Here are some awesome organizations I've worked with that are doing just that--but the fight isn't over yet.
10. What can I do to help people love to read?
11. Who will be the leaders of this generation that my kids will look up to? How can I make myself one of them?
12. Who are the people that are going to make pants with larger pockets for women?
Maybe I just found a project to put my degree from TCU to work on.
13. When will people get on board with the fact that that big t-shirts should be business professional?
I'd really appreciate it. Also, when can we have leggings that aren't transparent?
14. When will we stop glorifying men and women who are bad role models?
We should be praising people who are teaching our generation to be good people and help make the world a better place, not hate on each other and refuse to be the bigger person.
15. Why did teachers tell me I'd use calculus in the real world?
I don't.
16. Can I find a type of chocolate that will help me lose weight?
I don't think I could have enough of it.
17. Why do people think it's okay to not text you back?
You don't deserve that.
18. What will be the social media of choice for my kids?
And how can I raise them in a way that they aren't addicted to it or find their worth in it like my generation did?
19. When will people stop asking me what I'm doing after graduation?
I don't know. You will know when I know.
20. When will I find a red lipstick that never comes off?
People know it's my thing. I don't want my thing to be half-on lipstick.
21. When will Calum Hood fall in love with me?
If you're reading this, you know where to find me.
Maybe I'll never know the answer to these questions. Maybe I will. I guess that's the fun of life, right?
Have any answers? Feel free to comment!
