If you've been reading my blog since the beginning you'll already know that I blog for my future posterity. If you haven't been reading since the beginning you now know that is why I blog. I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately and I decided there are some things I really want my kids to know about my life during the early 20's.
People say High School is the hardest time of your life. Those people are idiots because the hardest years of my life have been the early 20's. Here are the few things I know for certain and things I really take to heart about this time in my life.
1. Finish college. Knowing I now have a diploma and a bachelors degree brings comfort and security. I can't control many things in my life but getting my degree and being done is something I can and did control. Knowing I accomplished something hard and admirable has been incredible. FINISH COLLEGE.
2. It's okay to not be married yet. Sometimes I feel a little left behind and a little lonely. I've learned that those feelings are okay. I've learned that my happiness does NOT depend on if I'm married, in a relationship, or single. Be happy with who you are and do the things that make you happy.
3. Heavenly Father knows the plan for your life. It's okay to not know that plan. Pray often and keep yourself in places that keep you close to the Spirit and your life-path will be in the direction Heavenly Father wants it to be. Trust that things will work out for the best. Life is not easy but if you keep the faith and trust then you will be much happier in this phase of life.
4. Make good friends. You'll learn quickly it's better to have a few good friends than 100 mediocre friends. Only trust people who have earned it and always have someone to talk to.
5. If you don't want to do something, don't do it. Life is too short to waste time doing things you don't want to do. If people make you feel guilty for that, they aren't very good friends. Though, just because I said don't do it, doesn't mean you should just sit at home and feel sorry for yourself. Go out and have a life. Be brave when it's safe and right. Be bold.
6. If you want the pair of shoes- buy them. I have said to myself so many times that I don't need the shoes. If you want the shoes-JUST BUY THEM. My brother once said to me, "It's just money. I'll always make more." I've learned that it's perfectly okay to treat myself to the things I want. My advice on this is: if you have a job this motto is perfectly acceptable. Don't buy things based on impulse. Do your research, think it through, and if you still want something, buy it.
7. Set goals. This is such an important part of the early 20's stage. Make reachable goals and strive for them daily. Don't let time be a factor. Make no excuses. Don't be lazy.
8. Make time for family. You are with your family forever. They will always be there for you and they will always love you. If you live away from home, call often. If you feel lost turn to your family for support. Be an example to them always.
9. Find your own testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that my Savior lives. This knowledge brings me peace on a daily basis. Establish your life and your goals with an eternal perspective. Keep the faith and you will always be blessed.
Early 20's are hard. I wish they were easier. I wish I could wish them away. These have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. I've discovered who I am and I'm discovering new things daily. Be comfortable with who you are.
People say High School is the hardest time of your life. Those people are idiots because the hardest years of my life have been the early 20's. Here are the few things I know for certain and things I really take to heart about this time in my life.
1. Finish college. Knowing I now have a diploma and a bachelors degree brings comfort and security. I can't control many things in my life but getting my degree and being done is something I can and did control. Knowing I accomplished something hard and admirable has been incredible. FINISH COLLEGE.
2. It's okay to not be married yet. Sometimes I feel a little left behind and a little lonely. I've learned that those feelings are okay. I've learned that my happiness does NOT depend on if I'm married, in a relationship, or single. Be happy with who you are and do the things that make you happy.
3. Heavenly Father knows the plan for your life. It's okay to not know that plan. Pray often and keep yourself in places that keep you close to the Spirit and your life-path will be in the direction Heavenly Father wants it to be. Trust that things will work out for the best. Life is not easy but if you keep the faith and trust then you will be much happier in this phase of life.
4. Make good friends. You'll learn quickly it's better to have a few good friends than 100 mediocre friends. Only trust people who have earned it and always have someone to talk to.
5. If you don't want to do something, don't do it. Life is too short to waste time doing things you don't want to do. If people make you feel guilty for that, they aren't very good friends. Though, just because I said don't do it, doesn't mean you should just sit at home and feel sorry for yourself. Go out and have a life. Be brave when it's safe and right. Be bold.
6. If you want the pair of shoes- buy them. I have said to myself so many times that I don't need the shoes. If you want the shoes-JUST BUY THEM. My brother once said to me, "It's just money. I'll always make more." I've learned that it's perfectly okay to treat myself to the things I want. My advice on this is: if you have a job this motto is perfectly acceptable. Don't buy things based on impulse. Do your research, think it through, and if you still want something, buy it.
7. Set goals. This is such an important part of the early 20's stage. Make reachable goals and strive for them daily. Don't let time be a factor. Make no excuses. Don't be lazy.
8. Make time for family. You are with your family forever. They will always be there for you and they will always love you. If you live away from home, call often. If you feel lost turn to your family for support. Be an example to them always.
9. Find your own testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that my Savior lives. This knowledge brings me peace on a daily basis. Establish your life and your goals with an eternal perspective. Keep the faith and you will always be blessed.
Early 20's are hard. I wish they were easier. I wish I could wish them away. These have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. I've discovered who I am and I'm discovering new things daily. Be comfortable with who you are.
Well I had typed a lengthy and supportive blerb. I guess I should have saved it. In essence: I agree wholeheartedly. The decisions you make between high school and 20 are the most earth shaking. God knew what he was doing when he sent 19 yr old young men to preach the gospel. They get to realign their thinking with His. Being a grown up is hard. My 20's were fun and extremely difficult. I learned a lot of lessons. I wouldn't want to go back. Just remember that metal has to be heated almost to its melting point to be shaped. The world applies the heat and God the gently steady pressure. If we yield to his design, we can become something useful, beautiful and enduring.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work you are doing. We love and miss you dearly. Always know there is a little Florida sunshine reserved just for you when you need it.
Well I had typed a lengthy and supportive blerb. I guess I should have saved it. In essence: I agree wholeheartedly. The decisions you make between high school and 20 are the most earth shaking. God knew what he was doing when he sent 19 yr old young men to preach the gospel. They get to realign their thinking with His. Being a grown up is hard. My 20's were fun and extremely difficult. I learned a lot of lessons. I wouldn't want to go back. Just remember that metal has to be heated almost to its melting point to be shaped. The world applies the heat and God the gently steady pressure. If we yield to his design, we can become something useful, beautiful and enduring.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work you are doing. We love and miss you dearly. Always know there is a little Florida sunshine reserved just for you when you need it.