Life can be crazy at times. But learning these three life lessons (maybe sooner than expected) I have come to realize that it is all a part of the process to make me the person I am today...
1. "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime." -Unknown
I have come to find that throughout your life, many people will cross your path. There are usually three types of friendships... one for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some people you may meet is because of timing or a reason. For example, when a friend of mine passed away, I didn't have many people who truly understood what I was feeling. Then a family friend, who I always knew cared about me, really stepped up to the plate and helped me through the grieving process. Another type of friend is what I refer to as "the seasonal". This type of bond pretty much speaks for itself. This is when you are close with someone for only a season. My season happened to be summer. I had the honor of working with someone for only one summer at camp. That summer happened to be one I will always remember.
She had helped me realize my self worth, the impact I have on others, and how to not take life so seriously. Last but not least, and one of the best in my opinion, are the people who stick around for a lifetime. Those are the people you never have to question, can always make you smile, and are only a phone call away. From my personal life, I have a friend who lives in Israel. And even though we may only see each other once a year, when we do get the chance to hang out, its like nothing has changed. So when you find yourself unsure of what role somebody plays in your life, use these three categories as a guide.
2. "The biggest mistake I've made in life is letting people stay in my life far longer than they deserve." -Unknown
For most of my adolescence, I wasn't always the best at sticking up for myself. I was always the "too caring", "too generous" and "too nice" friend. I always put others before myself, and made sure the people I cared about were happy. Now you may ask, can someone be too caring? Too generous? Too nice? The answer is yes. Sometimes, you need to look in the mirror and remind yourself that you deserve to be treated the way you treat others, and to not settle for anything less. Looking back, I was a settler and wish I could have found my voice sooner. Well...while it took me a while (way longer then it should have) I have finally found my voice and am getting stronger every day. So, if you are reading this and think it is impossible, take it from someone who was the ultimate non believer...its possible.
3. "I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you have celebrated." -Unknown
I have always been an old soul. One of my mom's favorite stories to tell about me is when I was four years old. I was on the playground with my class, and there was a little girl over by the fence crying. I remember her mom traveled for work a lot, and it would make her upset at times. Without hesitation, I stopped whatever I was doing at the moment and went over to her. Not even knowing her that well, I gave her a hug and sat down next to her. I reassured her that mommy's always come back, and hers would too. Within minutes she had stopped crying and we went over to the sandbox and decided to have a sand castle building competition. I have always been that sense of comfort for people, even at the age of four I guess.
My point to that story is, even at a young age, I was not your typical kid. Most children would have just continued playing and not have even noticed the sad little girl crying on the playground for her mommy. Throughout my twenty four years of life, that four year old girl, and her sense of comfort has not changed. I have built bonds with those who are older than me, and some who are younger that have looked to me like an older sister. So when people say 'Oh, and where is your life experience?" or one of my favorites to hear is "You are only twenty four, how could you possibly understand?" doesn't even phase me anymore. I have met adults who are less mature and unable to empathize with others, when I have less experience, but know just what to say at the right time. I pride myself at the ability to read people.Going back to the experience part of this quote/life lesson, I think being let down often,and learning how to hold my head high, plays a huge part in my maturity. My point to all of this, and why I chose this life lesson as being important is, you can be mature as young as thirteen, and immature at fifty. So if you feel misunderstood, or not able to fit in due to your maturity level, let me tell you now...NEVER CHANGE!! The world needs more understanding and genuine people..NO MATTER HOW YOUNG OR OLD.
