21 Things on my 21st

i reflected a week ago on experiences in my life so far, things I've learned, and lessons/just things I want to carry with me or things I would tell someone younger than me... here it goes..


1. Trust your gut. Always. It's right, 99% of the time and that 1% might be a good lesson learned.
2. Follow your heart. Similar to 1, but hey, the heart knows what it wants, right?
3. Pray without ceasing. About the smallest of things and the biggest of things... prayer, it changes everything.
4. Don't apologize for how you feel because being strong has absolutely nothing to do with hiding feelings.
5. Choose wisely who and what you spend your time on.
6. Live in community and keep your friends close to you, in person and spirit.
7. Don't ever ever look back.
8. Study hard. Nothing worth having comes easy.
9. Take time for yourself. 2 hours of solidarity might be just what you need to "get yo self together".
10. Take pictures, lots.
11. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. It may feel like work, but it will be a blessing.
12. Listen to understand.
13. Bad days happen and can actually be used for good--strength.
14. Not going out doesn't mean missing out.
15. Challenge yourself to something new as often as possible.
16. Go home and remember where you're from.
17. Know that you're worth more than you could ever imagine and don't settle for anyone who treats you like less.
18. Learn as much as you can. Preacher man says a day is wasted if you didn't learn something new
19. Your actions speak louder than your age, education or your words.
20. Laugh hard and often.
21. Love harder and completely.