Here are 10 things I’ve grown to learn and realize over the years, as well as things I’m striving to continue working on. (17 was too much!)
1 – Accept It: You’re Still Young!
I’ve always been told that I’m way too mature for my age. I rush things, pick up all these responsibilities and make all these plans for my future. For some reason, I try growing up too fast. Although, I’ve accepted that I’m still young and I have so many things ahead of me. So many things that’ll show up in my life unexpectedly, many things still out there for me to experience and learn. Don’t always be set with what you have and what you know being a teenager. You have your whole life ahead of you. Live for the moment now and enjoy being young while you still can!
2 – Always Pray I used to take for granted the power of prayer. Although as I get older, the importance of prayer just keeps growing on me. Pray always – during both happy moments and sad moments. When you feel like no one is there, God is always there. He has the answers you need, the set-backs, the reminders, the reassurance. He’s always listening. Have faith when you pray – He won’t fail you. He will give you everything you need and more.
3 – Learn from Your Mistakes Yes, it is normal to make mistakes. We’re human. We make mistakes and use it as a platform to grow from. That’s how we learn and come to realizations; you need to eventually screw up and find ways to not screw up the second time around. So, don’t get stuck and hate yourself for making mistakes. Don’t be discouraged. It’s part of your growing process!
4 – Appreciate Those who Appreciate You Growing up, you’ll meet a bunch of people and go through various “friend groups.” You’ll realize who your real friends are, who genuinely cares for you and who’s worth keeping by your side. It’s a give and take. You put effort, make sacrifices, and appreciate people who reciprocate all of that back to you. Don’t stick around people who treat you like crap and take advantage of you. Instead, surround yourself with people who want the best for you and bring out the best in you. They’re the ones who’ll get you where you need to be in life and will be there for you during all your downfalls and high points.
5 – Stop Spending Your Entire Paycheck!
Every other Thursday, I get paid for my part-time employment. I have this bad habit of spending all, if not majority of my paycheck in under 2 days. Whether it be online shopping, at the mall or even on food. Don’t feel like you have to spend and blow off all your money just because you have it. Learn to set aside AT LEAST $20 from each pay; you won’t believe how much you’ll save up and you never know what these funds will be useful for in the future.
6 – Take Risks Life is all about taking risks and experiencing new things. If you never try stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll miss out on so many things that are out there. Play a new sport, learn a new instrument, meet new people, go out to places you’ve never been to before or even order something else from the menu instead of the usual. Don’t be afraid and don’t hold yourself back from trying something new!
7 – Be Thankful for Your Parents You may have disagreements at times that’ll make you frustrated and annoyed. They may get mad at you or find ways to correct things that don’t quite make sense from your perspective. Regardless, your parents are why you are exist. They sacrifice so much to give you everything you need and more. They love you beyond what you can imagine. At the end of the day, they only want what’s best for you. So, appreciate them, be thankful and help them out a little.
8 – People Will Come and Leave Not everyone in your life is meant to stay forever. You could be 100% convinced and certain that they’ll stick around but not everyone will. When they leave you’ll be sad, confused, disappointed maybe a bit lost? Especially if you grew an attachment on them. But don’t get hung up for too long. Even if they weren’t meant to stay, they were meant to come into your life to give you something. Whether it be to teach you a lesson or maybe help you during a time when you were in need. There’s a reason behind everything.
9 – Speak Your Mind & Don’t Doubt Your Capabilities I struggled a lot with this growing up. I was always afraid to speak up about how I felt towards certain things and people. I was a closed door and bottled up all my feelings and thoughts inside. At one point, I even hated everything about myself.. I tried so hard to change myself. This is how my anxiety developed. Even if it may seem like its you against the world, speak up. Stand up for yourself. Don’t hold back on what you want to say, what you want to do. Do everything you can for the betterment of yourself. Don’t doubt yourself or hate yourself. You’re capable to do anything you heart and mind is set upon. You’re perfect just the way you are and you’re not alone.
10 – Be Proud, Be Humble
There’s so many things in your life to be proud about. Look back at your personal growth- it’s vivid how much you’ve accomplished and learned. You aren’t the same person you were a year ago nor will you be the same person a year from now. Be proud of who you are and what you’ve done. Although, don’t forget to remain humble – you have so much more learning to do.
In The Process. 