“Now, I may have faith to make mountains fall
But if I lack love then I am nothin’ at all
I can give away everything I possess
But left without love then I have no happiness
I know I’m imperfect (I know I’m imperfect)
And not without sin (and not without sin)
But now that I’m older all childish things end…”
~Lauryn Hill (“Tell Him”)
I turn 24 next Monday, Aug. 20. It’s scary and exciting. I know 24 isn’t an “old” age, but it’s such an overwhelming feeling knowing another year has passed.
Oftentimes, I like to read my old journals and remember who I used to be, what I used to feel. I keep current journals so I can get to explore myself better, take care of myself, vent and be a better and more productive me.
I like to think of 23 as my “welcome to adulthood” year. It was full of anxiety and adjusting, learning and relearning; falling down and picking myself up.
In this journey to 24, I’ve come to understand that life is less about appearance and more about what goes on in the heart and the mind. It’s about things of truth and beauty, courage and kindness, and of strength and sweetness.
I now know that panicking about growing older is pointless. I must embrace it.
“Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually “
~Lauryn Hill (“Everything is Everything”)
On the way to 24, here are 9 things I’ve learned – and hold dear:
Be gentle in words and actions.
Gentle people attract the trust of others because of that strength. Consistent of character, they keep promises and are reliable and steady. They are aware of the needs of the people around them and are willing to bring their peaceful disposition to any situation.
Determine to be strong.
I’ve learned that the way I respond to trials can have a great effect on whether they become roadblocks or expressways to learning and growth. Viewing life’s trials as part of the great plan of happiness helps me to see them as opportunities to grow and learn. Patiently trust in God’s plan and discover how to use adversity to grow stronger.
Care for your health.
Eat healthy foods, exercise and get enough rest. If you care for yourself, then you’ll be better able to care for others. Health can really affect happiness and stress levels.
Always be willing to work hard.
Working hard is not the key to success; it’s merely the price of admission. Greatness isn’t handed to anyone; it requires a lot of hard work. The best people in any field usually are those who devote the most hours to their crafts. Look for the joy in your tasks and take on what must be tackled.
Invest in a few good friends.
Make time for and pursue relationships with those who can encourage, inspire and challenge you. On Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s new album (“Everything Is Love”) is a song called “Friends.” It features these lyrics: “Pull me up, pull me up, pull me up. And never let me down (they never let me down). Never let me drown. They pray and pray for me. See better things for me. Want better days for me unselfishly. Whenever I’m need.”
Be kind to others.
Kindness isn’t all that hard to offer and yet has such a significant impact on those around you. Have compassion on others and use your gifts to bless them.
Pray about all things.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Seek wisdom.
Study many different things. Decide you’re going to be a lifelong student. Learn about gardening, ancient history, baking, new languages, natural medicine, geography or anything else that fascinates you. Once you stop learning, you truly stop growing!
Say “I love you” all the time!
Life is short! Tell those you love that you love them. People need to hear it.
