Life Lessons Learned Before 18

• Live the life you love

This is an over used phrase that captions many posts on social media. This sentence is so much more. Although it is short and sweet hard work goes into completing this. Sometimes you have to give up things, or fully pursue them to live a life that you love. But to love the life you choose to live is so worth it.

• Know your priorities

This is so important. In high school knowing your priorities and sticking to them is one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself. Priorities do change so when they do, be honest with those whom it effects.

• Words: build or destroy

Words are hurtful, uplifting, demeaning, encouraging, and so much more. Think twice before you choose to use them negatively. And always take an opportunity to uplift people.

• Don’t chase people who are running away from you

I didn’t learn this until recently and it’s tough. In life you’ll care about people and you’ll get hurt. It’s life. But when someone leaves your life with or without reason, don’t run after them. They are going for a reason even if you cannot see it. Sometimes they’re running the opposite direction from where you’re supposed to be going.

• Surround yourself with people who you want to be like.

I am blessed with friends who I can learn from and strive to reach their Godly qualities daily. Having people around who you can not only relate to but admire makes life so much easier. Always always always thank those friends.

• Know your worth

Our worth is so deep. The more we seek God the more we understand our own individual worth. Knowing ones worth makes tough decisions easier when contemplating friendships or relationships.

• You are never unqualified or incapable

God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called

One of my role models told me this recently and it has resonated with me since. Whenever you feel like you don’t fill the shoes or you can’t complete the task I ask you to remember this.

• People change on their own time

You cannot make anyone change into who you want them to be. They will be who they desire to be. When or if they want to change they will do so. All you can do is accept them for who they are.

• Listen first

Everyone has times when they need to rant so listen. Don’t make it about you let them speak their mind and then try to help them. Even in casual conversations the simplest things can mean the most so listen closely.

• Forgive and move on.

Always forgive, no matter how big or small. You can’t fully move on from something until you forgive.

• Appreciate what’s around you

I am guilty of being on my phone way too much. Which with today’s technological advances that allow us to have the world at our fingertips it’s hard not to be. But I’ve found the world right in front of you is so much better than what is in the apple box you’re holding.

• Your parents always know what’s best

We all know this is true, we all deny it, but it is. They have far more wisdom than us and always will.

• Always seek to know more about those who are important to you

I will end with this because it is so important. Every person is unique from their fingerprints to their perspective on life. Learning how people are different from you, or in some ways the same is how you make deep connections with them.

I hope whoever reads this finds hope, consolation, or useful knowledge for your own life journey. Maybe it will even inspire you to take a step back and look at the simple lessons you’ve learned along the way.

Jeremiah 29:11