twenty-one lessons from the twenty-one year old

1///make goals if you want to get anything done, but more importantly, write them down.

2///when you find something that speaks to your soul, no matter what it is, cherish it; learn from it; share it; soak it in. you will be so much happier for doing this.

3///manners cost nothing. let me say that again. manners cost nothing.

4///apologize for things that you have done wrong, no matter how hard it is or how embarrassing it is (and let me tell you, it is so hard, but so worth it)

5///nothing is more liberating than moving on, but nothing is more difficult.

6///it's okay if you cry. it shows that you feel.

7///sometimes you are going to feel like you are slothing through life. at these times, i find it important to remember what i have always loved doing. you're going to realize that you aren't doing those things anymore. get back to them.

8///read to visit places you have never been to before when you can't physically go there yourself.

9///God is good. you will go so much farther than you thought you could. (i just realized that's in the Nashville Tribute to the Pioneers ha)

10///get the leather pants. i believe that you should own at least one item of clothing, that when your children look at pictures of you twenty years from now, they will start laughing, and hopefully snorting, hysterically because you wore that. i can't wait to hear their laughter.

11///never underestimate your capacity to love many things and people. when you think there's no more room, or that your heart has too many holes, you will realize the abundance with which you were blessed, how capable you are of loving when you trust a little.

12///demand respect, but be gracious. be gracious if it kills you.

13///you never realize how much you love something til it's gone. there's never been a cliché more true than that.

14///anne with an "e" was totally right about kindred spirits and bosom friends.

15///great art will change your life. learn a little about it, and you will notice small, but extremely significant details for the rest of your life, and you will be eternally grateful.

16///seek to make all things around you beautiful. if you are going to do something, do it beautifully. if you are going to make something, make it beautiful. there is nothing shallow or wrong about wanting beauty as long as it is good.

17///love yourself. even if you don't like all of your parts, love yourself.

18///make sure to have lots, and lots of comfy blankets. they are the cure to both frozen toes and a frozen heart.

19///family is truly what is most important. when my heart longs for something, it longs for them. make family everywhere you go. they will be your most true and sincere friends.

20///don't worry if it rains or it snows and your hair gets wet, and never take anything too seriously. things mess up sometimes, embrace it. worrying sucks the life out of you

21///there will be many times when you think it's the end of the world as you know it, but it's not. it's just an opportunity to start your world over again. and to learn something, mainly how to move on.