Before we even know it, we are those "grown-ups" we talked about our entire lives. Yes, somehow we managed to magically appear as young adults and not those kids we were in high school. No more Friday night football games, field trips, or khaki uniforms. All of a sudden we wake up, and we are expected to make decisions on things we have yet to even think about. It's scary. It's intimidating. It's unexpected. It's so many adjectives, some cool but some just really tough.

The one thing I feel like I was not prepared enough for was just that, growing up. I wish someone would have told me this before my high school years passed way too quickly. If only someone would have told me to stop wishing for time to speed up and just enjoy each moment. So, here is my hopes for you and the memories I wish I could go back to.

I spent most of my teenage years just waiting for the next big step. I wanted to be 16 and get a car. I wanted to be 18 and go to bars. I wanted to be 21 and buy alcohol. Now I am close to 23 and I find myself begging time to slow down. It's like all of a sudden time sped up and here we are. We are officially young adults. We are capable of pretty much doing anything we please and getting away with whatever we want.

Suddenly, your parents are not in control of your every move and you are not having to ask permission anymore. It is a difficult time for us. However, I feel like we are never all alone. Every single one of us experiences confusion and doubt at some point while growing up. We are all in this together, you and I. Ignore all of that, and live. So from someone who has had many experiences and countless laughs and cries, I encourage you to live.

If I could give advice to younger people it would be to cherish each and every day. Do not spend your life wishing for the next moment to hurry up and get there. Love your friends. Love your family. Love your life, a lot. Hold tight to the things that inspire you and make you want to be a better version of yourself. You will need those things, trust me. Go on the random dates. Read a 500-page fictional book. Have drinks with your friends, and for that matter spend a lot of time with your friends. They are special and you will realize that the older you become and the fewer friends you have. Pull all-nighters. Go to the high school football games in the rain. Build connections with those high school teachers, trust me you will need them eventually. Go to every school dance. You don't get to have proms once you're gone. Go on a senior trip. Spend all day binge-watching Netflix. Lie out on the beach for hours. Ride the rollercoaster. Spend all day tailgating with your friends.

Do it all.

Lastly, the best advice that I can share is to love Jesus more than you love anything. Fall in love with our world, but do not lose your love for Our Maker. I have found throughout my experiences and growing up, the one thing that will keep you grounded and loving life, is Jesus. His love for you covers all your sins and pain. It stands with you during the tough times and the really great times. So find Jesus, and throughout all of your experiences keep your relationship with Him first.

I guess what I am trying to explain is that life is tough, life is scary, but really, life is just really fun. Do not spend your time wishing for the next experience. Go out there and live. Now. Do not let the world and fear overcome your desires. Be you. Be the very best you that you can be. Whatever season you are in, find your happiness. But always embrace the stage of life God has put you in. For me, I will always always have a ton of memories to remember and laugh about. Yes, growing up is fun, but not near as fun as being young and free. Trust me on this one.