SO, obviously I didn't end up keeping up with this blog as often as I had intended! So, here we go..second post MONTHS later! :) I just got back from a great trip to Seattle, Washington where I visited one of my childhood friends who has been living there for a few years now. We had not spoken in years, and it was incredibly comforting to have someone by my side that I have known for my entire life! While obviously I had hoped to see and catch up with her, I also planned this trip as sort of a "birthday gift" to myself, making sure to schedule my arrival/departure for the week of my birthday. I turned 25 this week, and wow has it been a MAJOR stepping stone in my life. When I look back on all that has happened and changed over these last 25 years, I cannot help but also feel a sense of mortality, as I am once again reminded how quickly a day, a month, and a year can pass us by. I have had so many learning experiences, and I know I'm only on my way to experiencing MANY more! As I think about this past year, I have attempted to create a list of 25 things (although I'm ending it at 20 for the sake of not being redundant!) I have learned since last July. So, here they are! :
1. Risks-risks are a scary, but necessary, part of growing and learning. It is most important, however, that you remember that there is never a risk that you take alone-God is ALWAYS going to find a way to see you through. Moving to a new city, searching for a new job, and ending a long-term relationship this past year were some pretty big risks, but they have only returned great rewards, and I am so grateful I took those risks, no matter how hesitant I was at the time.
2. Passion-passion, whether in a relationship, a career, a hobby, an interest, or a goal, is vital to success. If you do not truly and deeply care for and love and fight for these things, they will never come to fruition. I am also learning, though, that passion can grow with time. It does not have to be immediate and natural at first.
3. Independence-this may sound incredibly stereotypical, but I don't mean this in an "I'm an independent woman, paying my bills, yada yada yada.." kind of way! Independence is about finding yourself and begin HAPPY with WHO YOU ARE-and not relying on others to make choices for you or to sway you otherwise.
4. Faith-This is obviously an important one-I found an awesome quote the other day that pertains to the very definition of faith, and to my point- "Faith is not belief without proof, but TRUST without reservation..."-Anonymous-It's SO important to remember that truly having faith means trusting and BELIEVING that God will make things happen!
5. Love-all I can say is that there is more to love than a feeling, a passing thought, or comfort...true LOVE means accepting and being thankful for every single fault, every flaw, and every positive aspect of another human being, and ensuring that you would be willing to sacrifice anything and everything important to you for that person. Love takes work, risks, and is incredibly scary and yet incredibly wonderful all at the same time. It may be a while, but I'm excited for the day when I truly find love with someone myself..and until then I just have to believe it's out there.
6. Never underestimate the past, but don't let it take away from your future-the past is not just going to "fade away" and disappear-what you have done, what you have seen, and what you have heard, is truly a part of who you are, and always will be. It's very cliche, but true-you MUST accept that the past has happened, but discover what you have learned from it and use it to your advantage. Don't let fear of what has happened before replace the joy that can come from your future.
ok...so now we have the "silly", less thought-provoking, but true, lessons... :)
7. Really and truly NOTHING good can come after 12:00am...seriously...go to bed, let it be! You are too tired and unaware of your surroundings to make any sense, or to be left with any important decisions!
8. Friends...the true friends are the ones who are there through it ALL-not just when you're out having fun, or when life is great, but when things are difficult, and scary, and underwhelming as well! "..A friend loves at ALL times"!
9. Boys...are naturally and inevitably at LEAST 5-7 years behind in maturity...date accordingly or expect this to come out at some point! That's all I have to say about that!
10. Roommates-RESPECT is the number 1 trait you should always always look for in a roomie-my roommate is the best because she is SO considerate of my feelings and my convenience and my time.
11. Parents-parents are people, they make mistakes too, and the older you get the more you realize they have just as much to learn as you do sometimes..they may not have it all figured out, but they offer unconditional love and support, and are the most valuable people in my life.
12. Kids-children have always-and WILL always be-the most honest and beautiful people. if you want to hear the truth, ask a child. Their innocence and take on the world never cease to amaze me!
13. Consequences-life is full of them-you don't pay attention to where you're going, you will fall, you follow your head rather than your heart, prepare to get hurt, if you hurt someone else, know that in time it will inevitably hurt you as well. It's tough, but just as important to remember that you can also create GOOD consequences-when you make the right choice, things WILL work out.
14. Distance-distance is only there if you allow it to be-someone you love will always be close to you when you allow them to be! It absolutely takes EFFORT and determination in order to keep a friendship or any relationship, and mileage is never a valid excuse.
15. Money-not having money is stressful-but I have worked with enough families to know that when money isn't a problem, other things are...so in some ways I have to say I'm grateful that my struggle is with this, rather than some of the more deep-rooted issues that can come from greed and materialism
16. Presents-I now FINALLY understand why my parents always say "don't worry about a gift, just visit or send a nice note!"-I used to think this idea was outrageous, but really and truly I enjoy and cherish so much the kind words, heartfelt cards, and time well-spent with my friends and family more so than anything that many could buy! I appreciate and enjoy receiving gifts, but deep down it's the words, thoughts, hugs, and fun times that warm my heart.
17. Dating-dating is, unfortunately, about finding out what you DO want-as well as finding out what you DON'T! It's not always easy, and may not work out as planned, but you truly learn from each and every relationship you allow into your life.
18. Wisdom-while yes, some wisdom CAN come from age, age absolutely does NOT equate to wisdom. Some of the most brilliant people I know are under the age of 18, while some of the most lost and confused people I know are over the age of 30
19. Dogs-anyone who knows me knows that I am absolutely obsessed with my dog! If there is anything I've learned through all of the heartache and changes and challenges this past year, it's that a dog truly IS a most loyal friend. They love absolutely unconditionally, and have an uncanny way of reminding us that we are loved and special. I am SO grateful for my Luna, and blessed to have her as a constant reminder that I am never alone, and can never make a mistake big enough to wreck my ability to be loved.
20. Family-absolutely EVERY family has its own little "ticks", idiosyncrasies, issues, problems, joys, humor, and hurt. What makes a family is that bond, that unbreakable tie, that holds you in place and requires you to be a part of one another's lives. It takes work, patience, and sacrifice at times-but like anything valuable, it's worth it in the end.
...here's to a lifetime of lessons, and all of the mistakes, heartbreak, triumphs, and trials that we will go through to learn them! God bless!
