I remember when I was younger, the whole world seemed to collapse when minor troubles came my way. For me, my hair was frizzy and my makeup was not, well, "on point." Middle school and high school were both strange times - both were times where I didn't truly understand what it meant to love myself for me. At the time, I also didn't understand the importance of self-care and I took for granted the time I was able to spend at home. High school me was ready to be independent and, although family was (and is) still the most important thing to me, I didn't realize how much I had to learn. My family means everything to me and my parents have always been the best support system a girl could ask for. They raised with me life lessons and now, I'm beginning to understand the true importance of each.
Today as I look back on my "worries" back then, I realize just how patient my parents had been with me. I had worn converse with colored laces and had my friends sign my shoes like a yearbook and yet, my parents still asked me what kind of colored laces I would want next. In fact, before I could drive, my mom had driven me almost every morning to 6:15 am practice and my dad had always sent me motivational texts that were really life lessons. They had always come to my performances even if I wasn't front and center and they never failed to show my brother and I the meaning of unconditional love. It was up to me to unravel each life lesson, but at the time I was too invested in the moment that I didn't understand how important each would be for me later on.
As I sit and take notes in lecture, I realize how crucial it is to be in a room full of people who are able to teach you more than you know. There's the saying that, if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Not only have I learned about my major but I've learned how to incorporate all of the life lessons I learned in high school to the present.
My parents are my role models and my best friends and among all of the life lessons learned, here are a few that I am now able to truly understand.
1. Always treat others the way you want to be treated.
People will say all they want about you, but it's up to you to not do the same thing to them. I admit, it's hard to sometimes hold your tongue, but in the long run, it's better for you and for them. Pretty soon, they'll understand that their words don't get to you and they'll realize that it's only hurting them. It is important to remember that each day is an uphill battle and everyone is going through more than what they show. YOUR words have power and if you only talk about the positive aspects, there will be so many blessings coming your way. Be grateful for your faith, your family, your health, your friends, your passions, and never let anyone else get in the way of the things that matter the most.
2. Cut negativity out of your life.
There will always be people who will be negative about either themselves or their friends. They'll complain to you about them and they'll eventually get you to do the same; they'll think that nothing good will come out of today and after a while, these individuals will make you forget about all of the good in the world. It's hard to say it and even harder to do, but it's okay to cut certain people out of your life. It's important to respect yourself and to surround yourself with those who will help you grow to become the best version of yourself. Don't every feel like you have to stay friends with someone forever because in reality, some people aren't meant to stay. It's important to treat everyone with kindness though as they are all fighting their own battles too. Despite this though, always keep James Altucher's quote in mind, which states, "Give yourself permission to cut negative people from your life, and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you." It doesn't make you a bad person, but rather it makes you a stronger individual.
3. Be honest.
There have been circumstances where honesty may not seem like the best policy, but I guarantee that in the long run, it really is. For instance, if there is something you don't want to do, be honest. I've learned that I sometimes put too much on my plate, making it hard for me to find a true balance among my personal and social life. With this overbooking, I'll stress myself out and not give my full 100% effort into the projects I've signed up for. However, I've learned how to improve on this by focusing on activities I really want to do. I enjoy going to the gym, spending time at bakeries, walking around the city and window shopping, eating breakfast foods, sleeping in, watching movies, lounging around, and writing. I feel the happiest and the most empowered when I'm around the people I love the most. I've learned when to not commit myself to activities unless it's something that I really want to be a part of. The most important thing though is that I've learned to not only be honest with others, but most importantly, myself. My parents had taught me that no matter how hard the truth is to say, it's always easier than keeping up with a lie and this could not be more true today.
4. Take care of yourself.
No one really explains the importance of self-care, but it is so crucial. For instance, what you put into your body is everything. Your body is your personal machine that allows you to complete everyday tasks and goals. In fact, without a healthy mind and body, these everyday tasks can't be done. It's important to take days to yourself and relax; stress is inevitable, but you're not alone. ever. remember that. please. The importance of a healthy body doesn't mean having the most prominent abs, but it means eating good foods and putting yourself first when it comes to personal health. Personally, I don't love greens (I'd rather eat pizza and cinnamon rolls everyday), but at the end of the day, it's worth it. The results are shown in my good energy and positivity. An important note I've taken is the idea of meal-prepping. Not only does it save money, but it provides healthy alternatives that are fresh and completely made by YOU. You can create almost any recipe you like - from fresh cut bell peppers and mushrooms to chicken and salmon - eating meal-preps doesn't have to be boring, I promise.
5. Remember everything will be ok.
There are so many paths toward one goal and the best part is, no one path is the only correct. Every road will present difficulties, but all will display rewards. It's the light at the end of the tunnel that makes each path so similar to one another. No matter what people say and no matter how far your goal appears to be, never ever give up because you are one step farther than you were yesterday. If achieving your dream doesn't require hard work and dedication, it isn't one that will help you grow. My parents always reminded me that everything will be okay and that everything happens for a reason and both are primary lessons that I will hold with me forever.
