on boys to men...
1. don't throw your heart away, especially too early. you're still changing and growing and boys change too. some of them grow up, some of them don't. (at 16 he may be cute, but at 30 and still living at home while still working at McDonald's... not so much)
2. stay far far away from the one's that don't.
3. waiting for someone is completely worth it. trust me; i know.
4. don't settle just to get married. it's not worth it at all. i've seen too many women attach themselves because they wanted to get married, and not for the right reasons. i've watched too many marriages fall apart for this reason.
5. have high standards but not too high (like, "he must be 6 foot 5 inches." or, "he must have a complete collection of Star Wars Pez Candy Dispensers.") there are some standards that are good to let go of; some, hold fast to them.
on studies and career...
1. study. study. study. there is so much to learn out there and it is a blessing and a privilege to have the opportunity to do it.
2. study what you love. if they tell you in college, "don't study art because you won't be able to make money from it." DO it anyway. study what you love. and finish it.
3. prioritize study and learning; it will be worth it!
4. go to school whether college or trade. there will be courses you don't want to take, but do them and get it over with. who knows. you may find that even though you hated Algebra before, now it's something you adore. (yes, even Algebra can be adored.)
5. choose a career you truly enjoy. find out what makes you tick, what drives you. if you love working with kids, do it! if you love numbers, do it. if you love, making art, do it. you may have to do other jobs for a bit, but do it with joy and keep on doing the work you were made to do. (I can't tell you how many writers worked other day jobs while writing...)
on life
1. as your Nonna used to say, if you're bored, it's your own fault.
2. Abraham Lincoln said it well. "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
3. Kindness is a balm to many an ailment or injury. Be kind, even to those who don't deserve it or those who treat you with contempt. They need it most.
4. Forgive, forgive, forgive and forgive some more. Bitterness is a cancer that will poison and eat at you for the rest of your life.
5. Be kind and forgiving AND don't let yourself become someone's doormat. Stand up when it is important to stand up.
6. Beauty IS from within. Kindness, selflessness, love and mercy in your heart will do wonders for your outward appearance.
Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Trust Him with all of your heart, in all your ways acknowledge him and He will carry you through.
