Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A Little Inspiration :: What I’ve Learned In 25 Years

           Just yesterday my dentist looked at me and said, “I can’t believe you’re turning 26 next month. You look SO much younger than that.” I awkwardly tried to smile, but that’s kind of impossible to do when his hands, a long mirror, a light, and other tools are in your mouth, and you’re already dying to just close your jaw and swallow. So, I just giggled and thought to myself, “wow, when I’m 30 or 40, I’m totally gonna love that I look so young!” Then I started thinking, well he’s right, physically I don’t feel as old as 25. Hell, I feel 18. But mentally, I feel a lot more…..I won’t say older, I’ll just say more mature. I feel like I’m not doing what most girls my age are doing, but you know what? I’m doing more. I live in a beautiful house that all of our money goes to, I drive a cute car which the rest of my money goes to, I have the greatest family a girl could ask for, I’ve figured out who my true friends are, and I’ve found the person I want to spend forever with. That’s pretty good for 25, right?

          Although I’m where I want to be in life, and even maybe a little further along than I expected, I think I’m more grown up because I’ve been faced with some of life’s more difficult lessons at a young age. We won’t get into those right now, and there’s people who have been through way worse, but I’ll just tell you, I’ve learned a lot in 25 years---probably the amount of things people learn by the time they’re 40, but that’s okay. Everything I’ve seen and felt has shaped the person I am today, and when I’m lying in my bed at night, I really am content.

What I have learned in 25 years:

1.         You don’t have to be the most gorgeous person on the face of this Earth to be noticed and loved. It’s all about how you portray yourself.

2.         Your parents that knew absolutely nothing about life when you were 15 suddenly know everything, and they are the best people to go to for advice--because believe me, they have been in your shoes before.

3.         Ocasionally fighting with your boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t mean you aren’t meant to be together. It means you both care enough about the relationship to fight for what you think is right. If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t fight.

4.         Your actual, genuine, true friends are the ones who call you and show up when your world is crashing down right in front of you. They’re the ones who don’t even need to ask if you need a glass of wine, a coffee, a hug, or an “I really care. Your problem is now my problem.” They just simply know when you need something, and they will provide.

5.         Eating healthy (in my opinion vegetarian) is so extremely important, as is staying fit. Your body should be your temple, and as cliché as this sounds, you need to worship it.Your health is not only vital to you; it is to your loved ones as well. Go to your doctor, keep up with your health. Promise me you will??

6.         As much as you love your friends, family, and boyfriend/girlfriend, sometimes you need to put yourself first. It’s important to find something that relaxes you and showers you with peace. Stress can do terrible things to your body. Sometimes you need to just let go of what is weighing you down and put yourself on the top of your importance list.

7.     If you have a goal, do everything you can possibly do to achieve it. Never give up because someone tells you it’s not doable. Instead, just feel sorry for them, and keep on trucking.

8.         Stand up for what you believe in, even if you’re standing alone. The people who really love you will support you.

9.         Take good care of your pets. They don't have a voice, and their whole relationship with you is built on trust. Keep up with their health too.

10.         This one’s important, guys…. Never, and I repeat NEVER EVER google something when you’re sick. If you’re anything like me, you will diagnose yourself with every type of fatal condition in the world, and then you’ll get stressed, and I just told you how bad stress is for your body. Just don’t do it, okay?

11.      Be nice to strangers and everyone else you meet. You never know what someone is going through and what kind of struggle they are dealing with. A small gesture can really change someone's day.

12.       Finally, JUST BE YOURSELF. You’re only on this Earth for a short while, so make an impression everywhere you go. Let the world know just how vibrant you shine.

Remember, everyone smiles in the same language.