Tips for life

Hey party people!  So, when I was little I was incredibly shy!  I remember going to a new school for first grade and not wanting to talk to anyone.  I remember barely talking to anyone at all at least until third grade.  Now that I'm in high school I've changed and learned a lot.  Now, I may not have had as much experience as some others, but I still have some advice to give.  These tips will be geared towards teens, but may be useful to college age kids and full-grown adults.  So here are some tips for life!

Be optimistic

If you’ve read my “NEW YEAR’S 2015!!!  Oops, I mean2016!” post you know that one of my new year’s resolutions is to be more optimistic.  I have noticed that looking for at least one good thing in every day is very helpful.  It’s easier to get through the day knowing that something good happened.  Besides, who wants to be around a Debby-downer all the time?

Forgive and forget as best you can

When I was younger I was picked on a lot.  I was always made fun of for being tall, being homeschooled and not liking a lot of modern media.  For a long time, I carried a grudge against my bullies.  I let my anger fester in my heart and let it turn into hatred.  It took me an entire 2 years to forgive them even though they didn’t apologize for their childish behavior.  But after I forgave them, it was a lot easier to live life.  I wasn’t thinking about how I would get revenge or how badly I would whale on them, but instead, I was thinking about the people whom I love and care about who love and care about me!

Be honest

"Honesty is the best policy," that’s what they always say.  Now I know you’re thinking that lying is okay in certain situations, but that is a big, fat lie.  Even if people don’t believe you, tell the truth, even if you’ll get in trouble, tell the truth, even when it may seem like you get in trouble for no reason, tell the truth.  Think about Joseph and his coat of many colors.  He always told the truth and did what was right, even though people didn't always agree with him.

Find a joy

I would say “find a hobby” but a hobby isn’t particularly always something you enjoy.  I mean you should find out what you truly enjoy!  Whether it be painting, running, reading, writing a blog, whatever, as long as you enjoy it and you’re not just doing what others are telling you to do.

Find others’ love language

A love language isn’t necessarily spoken or written words.  Sometimes it’s giving gifts, or spending quality time with someone, or giving hugs or other kinds of physical contact, etc.  Find out how your loved one’s show love to others so you can show them love in the way they understand best.  Maybe while you’re at it, find your love language?

Say thank you

Whether it be to your mom for driving you to school, or to your classmate for letting you copy their Spanish notes, or to your friend for listening to you rant, just say thank you.  A simple “thank you” can go a long way.  Let people know that you appreciate them and the things they do for you!

Learn the definition of love

If you’ve read the “My friends my mission” post, you know how I learned the definition of love.  But, you might not learn what love is the same way I will.  Maybe you’ll learn it when you start dating, or when you help others less fortunate than you, or when you come to Christ, really anything is possible when it comes to true love.  What I’m trying to say is that there is no step-by-step instruction sheet about “how to learn what true love is”.  You have to discover it for yourself.