I’m not in any way an expert on life, but being around for a few decades does give you some insight. If nothing else, this was a fun writing exercise I wanted to share with everyone. Here are 32 things I’ve learned in 32 years:
- I have learned a lot in 3 decades of life and yet there is still so much to learn. Life is complicated, messy and chaotic and it takes a life time to figure it out.
- Forgive quickly – I used to be offended by every little thing that someone would do that hurt me, even a tiny bit, and then I realized that I was pretty a miserable person. Forgiveness and grace is a beautiful thing and it not only releases the one who offended it also releases you. Give it over to God and let Him deal with it.
- Find at least 1 person (it is better if there is more) who is older and have endured things you haven’t – who can share their wisdom with you. Some call them spiritual parents, others call them mentors and then others just call them friends. Regardless of what you call them – make sure you do this – no matter what age, unless your 100 – then you’re good.
- When God gives you a promise, believe him. He is faithful.
- Let God fight your battles. His ways are better than our ways. It may take time, but your victory is imminent.
- Worship and read the Bible daily. Spend time with God and let Him pour into you every day without exception – even if it is a simple scripture that you meditate on.
- Find time for you – it’s important to take care of and pour into you. People need you and if you (the person who looks back when you look in the mirror) do not allow yourself to be refilled – you won’t be able to be there for those who rely on you. Make YOU a priority!
- No one will be able to do everything right 24/7 – give yourself some grace and allow yourself to make a few mistakes here and there. Learning from our mistakes makes us better.
- Make sure you let people know you love them and cherish them. Life is but a vapor and it can be over in an instant.
- Live in the moment – laugh often – make room for simple joys.
- Find some way to give back to people who cannot give back to you. That is one of the most fulfilling things in this life.
- Never give up on people. You may need to take a step back and create space, but don’t count a person out. God has a plan for each and every person.
- Your weight isn’t everything. Focus on being healthy and making better choices because everyone isn’t going to be a size 0.
- Love with a fierceness and watch the people around you change for the good.
- Speak the truth in love. Don’t water the truth down, but don’t slap a person with it either.
- Life is crazy – learn to find humor in the rough areas.
- No matter how old you are – find someone to pour your wisdom into.
- Stop striving for perfection – that is an impossible task.
- Be genuinely you with at least 3 people in your life so they can hold you accountable. And then make sure you hold them accountable in return.
- Celebrate the small victories in life.
- Dream big with God – don’t let anyone tell you that a God-dream cannot happen.
- Asking for help isn’t weak, but shows great character when you say “I can’t do this alone”
- Try to be humble even when it is hard. The world will tell you to push people out of the way, but the Kingdom of God runs on others serving others. Be a servant.
- If you know you’ve done wrong – apologize. It won’t be that hard to do.
- Appreciate those in your life who help you – at work, church, home, grocery store, mechanic – strangers, friends and family – know that they don’t have to do anything for you.
- Put your words into actions – do what you say you are going to do & follow your own advice. (I’m smiling right now because I’m writing this long list that I now need to follow – ha!)
- Don’t do something in the dark you wouldn’t want to be seen in the light. Live a life of integrity – it means you spend less time covering things up!
- Don’t minimize yourself to please others. Be the person who God made you to be even if others don’t understand you. God will sustain you and take care of the critics.
- Fly under the radar – surprising people is fun!
- Enjoy the journey and the people that are on it with you.
- Read more and watch TV less
- Never, ever give up – no matter what. Every day brings new mercies…
Boldly Radiant 