Life is spontaneous, unexpected, and crazy as hell. Once you have everything figured out it seems like everything turns to shit. It's a vicious cycle I have grown to accept and move forward from. But what I find most important during any situation, good or bad, is what you take away from every experience. Through my twenty-one years of life, I have seen and experienced a handful of things I wouldn't wish upon anyone. I would like to share a few lessons that may help you during your best and worst times. Which brings me to number one:
Remember you will mess up, you will fall backwards, but in the worst of situations you will prosper.
The only way you will prosper in a negative state is if you move forward. Use your negative doings as a drive that will push you and inspire others to want better.
Don't doubt your gut feeling--it's usually right.
Look back at decisions you've made in the past. Which did you follow: your head or your gut feeling? Think about if it was the right decision.
It's okay to be selfish.
I used to live my life making decisions depending on other's feelings. It got old very quickly. Of course being selfless is an amazing quality to possess, but don't let your own happiness be deflected because you are trying to please everyone around you.
Keep the good around, let the bad go.
In life you will meet a handful of friends and family you would do absolutely anything for. But would they do the same for you? Keep the ones who have mutual love and respect for you. Don't waste your time on the ones who don't.
It's okay to out grow people around you.
Not everyone in your life will have the same intentions as you do. In that case, it is okay to let them go. At the end of the day if they don't have the same goals as you and they are holding you down, you know what you have to do.
Always make kind gestures and pay it forward.
Even if you are tight on money, paying it forward can be the slightest gesture as smiling at a stranger. But I highly recommend paying for the person's coffee behind you in the line for Dunkin/Starbucks. It is honestly the best feeling knowing you probably made someone's day.
Experience the world.
Being stuck in the same town all the time limits your potential growth. Take a spontaneous weekend trip, take that weird yoga class you've been itching to try, even order a different item off the menu.
Love whole-heartedly and intentionally.
To those who earn and deserve your love, give it to them. Spread as much love to the amazing people in your life as you can.
Be grateful and thankful for every day.
Even on your worst days, be thankful you are here. Remember there's always someone who is having a worse day.
Encourage and don't judge.
Hell, if someone has purple hair, tons of facial piercing, and looks the opposite of what you consider 'normal', don't judge. Everyone is unique. Why kill someone's individuality because it's not what you consider the norm? Encourage everyone to be themselves. They aren't hurting you, so why get judgmental?
Find something you are passionate about.
Having passion towards anything makes your life more interesting and keeps you motivated to seek better for yourself as well.
Honestly, I could go on for hours. But I just wanted to remind all of you who come across this page to be the best you can be, do good for others, and overall do everything with love and passion. I am thankful for everything life has thrown at me, because these moments have shaped and made me who I am. Make the most of your life while you can. It makes for great stories to tell your grandchildren one day.