Life Lessons at 24

Life is ridiculous. I am already almost 24. Say what? When did this even happen?

As I am getting ready to turn the big 2-4 (March 28), I have come to realize that there are many things that I have learned in my life thus far. I'm well aware of the fact that I'm still young and there are still so many more things to learn in my coming future. But, I believe that there are situations in life that are solely placed there to teach you a lesson or two. So I do learn... because I should. What is the point of going through your daily life if you don't take a lesson out of it, right?

 

These are a few things that I have learned in the last 24 years:

1. In a relationship, when you find yourself frequently asking yourself, "Is there someone out there BETTER for me?"... then there is.
2. Volunteer. It's good for the soul.
3. Ask for advice from people you trust. Most importantly, listen to that advice.
4. Lay everything at the feet of the Lord. If you do, great things will happen. Why wouldn't you?
5. Go on dates. It's healthy. You learn more about yourself and you know more about qualities you like and don't like in someone. Plus, ladies- free food. Holla. Exception: 1. Unless one person is absolutely sure that they don't want it to go anywhere, let the other person know, and rethink going on the next date. 2.You’re not ready.
6. EXERCISE. You become an overall better person inside and out.
7. When you appreciate something from someone, say it OUT LOUD to them. It's easy to forget.
8. Guard your heart. Guard your heart. Guard your heart.
9. Stay active.
10. "Equally yolked." YES. The Bible knows what it's talkin about.
11. Becoming a vegetarian is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my entire life. I don’t get sick as often, lost weight, and I straight up feel better about myself. My body is the temple and I love animals way too much. Why would I eat them? Just doesn’t make sense….
12. In a relationship, when you frequently find yourself saying, "It should NOT be this difficult.".... maybe it shouldn't. 
13. In many cases, the delivery, not the message, can make or break any situation.
14. Surround yourself with happy and functional marriages. You may learn a thing or two.
15. Growing up is a lot easier with a support system.
16. In a relationship, do not conform to whatever you think the other person wants or needs, don't change who you actually are for them, and don't compromise any of your beliefs to please them. Good change and compromise is good, but don't lose yourself in the process.
17. DOGS MAKE LIFE HAPPIER.
18. If you find yourself constantly defending your relationship to others, sit down and think about WHY you have to defend it in the first place. It may be time to evaluate this relationship that you just HAVE to be in.
19. Life is simply better with good people in your life. The people that you surround yourself with should positively influence you and you should do the same for them. The better the people, the better your life (1 Cor 15:33 supports this).
20. Order a water instead of a soda!
21. A break up is a good opportunity to learn about yourself and life.
22. If "he's just not that into you", THAT DOESN'T MAKE HIM A BAD GUY (Unless he doesn't go about #13 very well).
23. Mushrooms are gross. And hey, they're not even that good for you. 
24. Single people, we are all wives and husbands-in-training. We should be doing our part right now in being the absolute best spouse we can be for them even though we haven't met them yet. They will thank us.
25. Love yourself before you love someone else.
26. STICK TO YOUR PRINCIPALS (can get more difficult sometimes when #16 takes place. If it does get difficult, time to re-evaulate either your principals or the relationship).
27. A guy and a girl CAN be JUST friends.
28. Sundried tomatoes make just about anything taste better.
29. Women who exercise like to date men who exercise.
30. Men who exercise like to date women who exercise.
31. Life makes more sense with Jesus in it. Period.

I am looking forward to seeing what other lessons life throws at me for the next few decades. Until then, I will abide by these little life lessons of my own. :)

PS. If I am completely wrong about any of these, share your thoughts with me! I am always eager to learn!