At long last, my birthday is finally here! As I look back on this past year, I realized that I went through so many new experiences and changes in my life. It was quite a monumental year, to say the least. In fact, I think 18 is a big, pivotal year for most people; as adults, we take on more responsibilities and begin to find our way by ourselves. We make more decisions, and we learn from them as well. Some of us are on our own for the first time as we head off to college.
This year...
1. I have learned to grab an opportunity while it is around because you might not get the chance to do it ever again.
2. I have been reminded to always be humble.
3. I have learned mental breaks come in a variety of forms, such as a shopping spree, Netflix, working out, spending time with friends, and naps.
4. I have tried new things and have found my passion(s) there.
5. I have learned that after a long relationship, you need to be single for a good while and not fall in to the rebound trap (which is explained here).
6. I have learned that the guy you meet on day two is not going to be the one you date, and it's OK to meet other people.
7. I have learned that even though you're scared to trust others because of someone letting you down before, you should trust God and take a leap of faith because that person may end up becoming one of your best friends.
8. I have learned that your freshman roommate experience may not end up how it is in the movies.
9. I have made new friends, but always remembered to keep the old ones around.
10. I have learned (and been reminded) that you need to stay in touch with your parents while you are away at college; they are going through a new change, too.
11. I have learned to always give people a second chance, even if they made a bad impression the first time around.
12. I have found someone who treats me the way I am supposed to be treated, and that has taught me that taking it slow is a great thing to do.
13. I have found a great, no, amazing support system. I have been reminded to be careful with who you trust.
14. I have learned that if a class is too much for you to handle, it is okay to drop it when you have the opportunity to.
15. I have learned that you NEED to trust God and let him take control of the things that you have no control over.
16. I have been reminded once again that you NEED to keep up your spiritual life when you're away at college; do daily devotionals, find a church, join a religious organization on campus, do whatever you can to prevent your faith from slipping.
And, most importantly...
17. I have learned that you need to love yourself before you can love others.
What will I learn this year? I have no idea. I'm putting the future in God's hands and letting him take control of what happens. I do believe that the best is yet to come, and that this year will be a good one. We will see. For right now, however, I'm just thankful to be alive and have an amazing family and group of friends. With that, I say "cheers to another year"!
