One thing that I have learned in my short 2 years of college so far is that I should embrace all the experiences life throws at me, the good and the bad. They both have valuable lessons they teach you about life, yourself, others, and the world. As I have been looking on all of my social media platforms I have noticed that when something bad happens to someone they just give up.

Now, I am talking about experiences with others like relationships or attempts to try to accomplish a goal but not quite getting there. I also have to say that I am no stranger to this. I can give you at least 2 times where something ‘bad’ happened to me and I quit for a little and that is just in the past year. Last year on my birthday weekend I got pulled over by a state trooper and got a speeding ticket. I had some friends down at my house for my birthday. I quit driving that whole weekend. I had one of my friends drive my car the rest of the weekend, I just gave him the directions.

This past fourth of July I got stopped by a cop for my headlight being out and I was out at like 2a watching fireworks. I had no idea the headlight was out, it was like the first time I had driven that vehicle in the dark. I didn’t get a ticket and I was really close to home. I can tell you I have not driven that car out in the dark ever since!

Back on topic, the things you experience in life are what shape you into who you are and who you become. Why would anyone shy away from those types of things? Being pulled over twice taught me to slow down and check my headlights more often.

I have seen many people ‘give up on relationships’ because they have gotten burned. I get that, I get wanting to give up. Although I have not actually been in a relationship, not even once in my life, I have gotten pretty close with one guy. We all know who that guy is, I have written many articles on him. What happened with him has not made me want to stop trying and dating forever. I’ve said it more than once, those bad experiences have taught more so much, maybe even more than the good experiences have.

I guess the point of this is to embrace anything and everything that life throws at you. There is a lesson, no matter how small. You might not see it at first but when it does finally hit you, you will be so thankful. It really is worth it to put yourself out there. Hurt is a lesson, remember that.