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Written and published in May 2017
@steffihill
Being a human is seriously hard. We are always growing, changing and evolving throughout our entire lives. When obstacles are put in our path it's difficult to see the "good" through our suffering. We often fall victim to our own behavior through self-pity, anxiety, depression or anger. Experiencing these roadblocks can be very difficult, but it brings us closer to understanding who we are as humans and the reason for our pain is always justified. Light cannot shine without darkness.
When I was a child, my favorite book was called "The Little Engine That Could." That message, mentality and perspective has always been engraved in my soul. Especially the famous words, "I think I can, I think I can. I know I can."
I haven't had an easy life (who has?) but no matter how many times life has thrown me lemons I have somehow managed to make lemonade. The time is now! You should always be searching for the meaning of your life, your purpose on earth and the passion that makes you feel alive.
I am young, I know there are still many lessons to learn. I am flawed and nowhere near perfect but am always striving to be the best version of myself. Everybody must find out lessons on their own, but in the meantime here is some wisdom I've gained on my journey thus far. I hope you find something that speaks to you.
Wishing you love, peace and blessings!
Honor your purpose. It's why you are here. Your existence is not a mistake.
Be generous! With your time, with your money, with your thoughtfulness and with your heart.
Taking good care of your body is also taking good care of your mind. The two are interchangeable.
Be grateful for every single breath, every single day. Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside and catalog what you are thankful for.
Having faith and a strong relationship with a higher source is the most important and rewarding connection for your soul.
Falling in love is easy. Committing to love is a choice.
Fear is an illusion you created in your head. So is failure.
Be upfront with others about what you need and want from them. You can't expect people to read your mind. Tell the truth and cut to the chase.
Listen to your gut and intuition! If something doesn't feel right, it most likely isn't.
Physical chemistry is very common. Emotional intimacy is very rare.
Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is on their own journey. Trust your own path and bless others on theirs.
Making someone else feel good about themselves is the greatest gift you can give to them.
Don't pretend to be anything you aren't.... just be yourself! Authenticity is the most attractive quality in any human. Be genuine.
Never give up on your dreams.
Be happy for people and genuinely root for them to succeed. Raise the bar of humanity by spreading love and joy to others whenever you can.
Saying sorry doesn't make you weak. Apologizing shows your empathy, accountability and emotional maturity.
Turn off your notifications and limit social media use to only a few times a day. Connect with people in real life instead.
Say yes to spontaneous invitations and adventures, especially traveling to new places.
Love yourself first before you love anyone else. You need to be completely whole on your own.
Don't have expectations of people or things. It never works out the way you imagined.
Spending time every day in meditation or prayer is the most restorative way to alleviate stress or worries.
If someone walks away or gives up on you, let them go. Your value doesn't decrease from someone else's inability to see your worth.
Money doesn't matter! Traveling, life experiences and good conversations over dinner do. Don't be so tight with your budget. Live a little.
Accept your reality. I know it's hard if you pictured yourself here, with X, Y and Z by this time, but everything will work out that exact way it should. Don't force it. Go with the flow.
The love you had for someone will never disappear. Love is an energy and it does not die. Accept that space for past lovers in your heart. You helped one another grow.
Your thoughts create your reality. Manifest your dreams and they will come true.
Set healthy boundaries with others. You don't always have to be the nice guy.
Don't settle for anything less than what you want AND what you deserve.
Enjoy time being single in your 20's. This doesn't mean by dating multiple people. It means truly being on your own, discovering life, traveling and building a strong footing for your adulthood. It's OK to be alone! You should be! You have the rest of your life to be married or in a partnership- it's perfectly ok to be selfish ( as long as it's at your own expense.)
If you can't donate money to help others, donate your time.
Cut yourself free from toxic people. That includes friends, co-workers, family or past lovers.
Be kind and sincere to every stranger you meet. You never know who they are, who they know or what kind of blessing they may bring into your life.
Having genuine people who love and support you in real life is more important than Instagram followers, retweets or Facebook likes.
Your career can't love you back like a human can. Make your relationships come first. If you've made it to the top and have no one to share it with, have you really succeeded?
Class cannot be taught. Lead by example. Show others how they should respect you by respecting yourself.
Handwritten letters > texts
Don't be in a relationship if it's hidden. Your significant other should be very proud to claim you as their own... to their family, friends and social media pages.
Oprah taught me this one: when someone shows you who they really are believe them. If someone shows any signs and behavior of controlling, lying, selfishness, judgement, flaky, disrespectful, deceitful, desperation, two-face or hypocritical, manipulation, jealousy, rage, disingenuous,etc, etc...KNOW THAT THIS IS WHO THEY REALLY ARE! "When you see crazy coming, cross the street."
Manners are non-negotiable.
Overthinking situations is like dying a slow death. Don't make assumptions if you don't know the whole truth.
If you aren't seeing a potential long term relationship, be kind enough to end it. The sooner the better. Don't be selfish in this regard when other people's feelings and heart are on the line.
Life is too short to hold grudges. Let go of the hatred in your heart. If you are having trouble, ask God to help you see the innocence in someone who has wronged you.
Don't engage with small minded people. This includes drama, gossip or immature behavior. It's not worth your energy.
Whatever the problem, it will get easier with time. While waiting laughter is the BEST remedy. I promise everything will be ok, just keep your head up!
Not to be cliche but LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED! Love is the greatest force in the world and is the only power stronger than hate, darkness or evil. Always be the light.
When in doubt: use the power of positive thinking. " I THINK I CAN. I KNOW I CAN." Stay positive and see the silver lining in every setback you encounter. Truly whenever a door closes a window opens.