This blog was created to serve as an inspiration to all who read it..........to aspire, to love and to live a life of purpose.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

21 Things I Wish I Knew at 21 - Part 1


I wish I started making lesson lists earlier. Before life taught me lessons that forcibly whipped me into an understanding that self-reflection is the fastest way to grow...The older I get, the more I realize that life is an unending lesson. Sometimes, I wish I could crawl back into the studded shelter with pink roses my parents let me live in for years, unaware of the tornado that life has to offer. The things I know now,  I wish I knew at 18 or at 21 or maybe, yesterday.  Maybe I would have saved myself some heartbreak...But then again, I can't have any regrets. Because my experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly, are part of my journey.... And tomorrow, I will wish I knew what I know then, today.

The best any of us can do is to learn as much as we can, when we can. And keep on growing... In putting together this list, I looked back on the years since I turned 21 and put together the happenstances n my life and each lesson it taught me. I also conducted a small poll from young ladies aged 29 to 35...this list does not only reflect lessons we all wish we knew at 21, but ones which continue to be valuable in our lives everyday and will continue to be even at age 55.

This blog will be in two parts. Here are the first 11 :-)



1.  Fear God. Let God matter to you, personally. Don't just attend church but seek to know God for yourself.  Allow His word guide your feet in your daily dealings, and you will see a change in your path.  Actually take the time to read the Bible your parents bought for you. You can also sign up for the Bible app and get daily verses.  The Bible is unmatchable wisdom and you will find that the word will get you through life's toughest seasons.
Joshua 1: 8-9


2.   You ARE the average of the people you surround yourself with. Choose friends who enrich your life and purpose. "Proverbs 1: 10: "My Child, sinners will try to lead you into sin, but do not follow them."

3. Be serious with your education.  Education is fundamental. Even if you don't want to be a professional, there are so many life and common sense skills that education gives. Relish it.  Allow the educational experience to pass through you. Enjoy it. Make the best of it. IT is YOUR means to change the world.  Take Mandela's word for it.
4.  Stop being so fascinated with the popular ones. The geeks (like Mark Zuckerberg) win in the long run. For real, ask someone who is at least 30 years old, "how many of the "popular kids" win your class ended up being CEOs or world leaders?" The answer will be the same: very very few. 

5. Treat people well. The person you took for granted yesterday may become your lifeline tomorrow. This is a principle my parents take so seriously, my middle name reflects it. Integrity is wealth. 

6. Be careful of social media. Everything you put online is permanent. Really. AND remember there is social media, and then, there's reality...two separate things. Take everything you see on social media with a grain of salt. People only show you what they want you to see. No one's life is that perfect, but you know this already. So don't let anyone's appearance of perfection cause you to count your failures. 



7. Respect and listen to your parents.  This does not mean you have to do everything they say, but at least give it value. Because there will come a time, you wish you had them to counsel you. Most of the time, they are right. The Bible mentions it twice:  Proverbs 1: 8-9 and Proverbs 6: 20-23.  

In fact, there's a promise attached to it- LONG LIFE.
8. Stay Close your family. Friends come and friends go. No matter how far you run, you will realize family is always home, and there's no place like home. Form and maintain bond between you and your siblings. They are your first friends, and most likely, against all odds, will be the last ones standing. 
9. Do not settle. That boyfriend that puts you down and makes you believe he's the best you can ever get, is NOT as good as it gets. YOU deserve better.

10. Don't play "wife" to a man who is not your husband. YOU know what I mean. So, enough said.

11. Get to know yourself. Find out what you like and what you dislike. Pay attention to your feelings. What makes you happy? What can't you tolerate? In what areas do you feel most accomplished? Knowing the answers to these questions is the gateway to figuring out a lot of aspects and making important decisions in your life- your career, your spouse, your friendships, etc.  It is only in recognizing your strengths and flaws can you flourish AND grow!

Stay Inspired.....
NwaVic

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