“Give me one reason to why one should become a grown-up.”
18 years of life and now I’m finally understanding what Peter Pan meant. Growing up makes you realize you still have a lot to learn, even in the times it feels like you know everything. Even though I think regrets should be viewed as lessons to be learned, if I had the opportunity to go back and warn myself of making mistakes before I ever made them, I would take it. In this advice to myself, these are the things I would’ve wanted to know.
1. Stop trying to fix people.
You can’t set your mind on trying to change people. Instead, try and focus on being someone who impacts people instead of being the one to fix them. They may never change and disappoint you time and time again, but in the end, you’ll save a lot of tears by knowing you still made a difference.
2. Dream bigger.
You’re going to tend to want to play things safe, but start dreaming about doing things people will call you crazy for.
3. Let some things go unplanned.
Some of the best moments that happen to you are going to come from the experiences you couldn’t have planned for.
4. Don't settle.
Don’t give pieces of yourself away to people who take advantage of you. You’re going to make mistakes and give more of yourself away to people who don’t deserve but don’t forget about the man you’re going to wish you saved everything for. (He’s out there, and he’s better than you’ve been imagining.)
5. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
You’re going to hear your mom say this over and over again about making friends (being honest- you’re going think it’s annoying. Sorry mom.) But, believe it or not, it turns out she’s right. Don’t give everything you have to one friend in case it doesn’t work out. Make friends in a lot of different places.
6. Call people back.
Man oh man, just wait until you get a cell phone. It’s going to be awesome, but I’m going to break this habit in you before it starts. When someone calls you... please call them back. It’s so easy to say you’re going to get back and do something else. But over time, people get hurt when it feels like you’re dropping them. Put in the effort.
7. Start running.
If you learn to like it now, and it might not actually suck as bad when you decide in college you actually want to be fit.
8. Take notes.
“Always take notes. Not for yourself, but for everyone you’re ever going to meet.” This alone will change your life. The notes you take about things that matter are not just to help you remember, but impact countless conversations you’ll have in the future. It’s worth it.
9. Listen to people.
People love to feel understood. Look them in the eyes, and take the time to just be still and listen. You have a tendency to be fond of being the talker, but take a shot at being on the other side too.
10. Start telling yourself you're smart enough.
Never limit yourself by comparing yourself to your friends. You are so much smarter than you think, even if your grades at first don’t reflect all you’re capable of. You’ll get there. Work for it.
11. Don't start wearing makeup until high school.
Life tip: eye shadow was not designed to match the color of your shirt. Also, don’t wear thick eyeliner. Still deleting those pictures.
12. Try out for the softball team.
You may feel like you’re not gonna make it, but you’re a quick learner. Believe in yourself to try something new and the friendships and memories you make out of it will be priceless. Even if you spend a lot of time on the bench. ;)
13. Know who Jesus is. Really get to know Him.
Don’t take for granted what you’re learning about Jesus in school and not do anything about it . The entire course of your life change when you discover the sole purpose of knowing Him, so feel free to get a head start.
14. Ask your grandma about her rings.
Spoiler alert: She’s going to give them to you the day before you leave for college and you’re going to sob like a baby. Figure out why they mean so much to her. (and why they’re going to matter to you.)
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
