So today I turn 23 and in honor of my #JordanYear, I have come up with a list of 23 lessons I have learned in my short 23 years... So, here we are. In no particular order:
Not everyone is going to like you or understand/support your goals, dreams, aspirations. We all have different priorities and agendas. Learn to appreciate them for there's even if they don't appreciate yours.
People can be really mean. And selfish. And inconsiderate. Usually it's because they are the ones truly struggling. Love and pray for them, they need it most.
With that being said, always be kind. People need the love and kindness in their lives.
Go the extra mile. No literally, when you are running, don't stop, go the extra mile and you'll feel amazing afterward. But obviously applies to other aspects of life as well.
You will grow apart from people you never thought you would. It doesn't mean you love them any less or vice-versa.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT! God's timing is better than any plan we could ever have for ourselves.
Eating healthier real foods really does make your body much more happy.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Seriously, it will steal every ounce. Don't do it.
Buy the shoes or you will regret it.
Love & appreciate your parents. If you're lucky enough to have parents that would do anything for you, REALIZE IT! (side note: majority of the time, your parents are right. shhh, don't tell them I said that.)
Consistent, caring, supportive friends are your true friends that will be there until the end. Cherish them and give them the same in return.
College really is the best time of your life. High school... ehhh, not so much. Who likes awkward phases anyway?
Don't ever forget nor be ashamed of where you came from. It helped mold you into who you are today.
EVERYONE'S OPINIONS ARE DIFFERENT! IT'S OKAY!
Sometimes you just need to bake chocolate chip cookies and eat the entire batch, with milk and a lot of Netflix of course.
The days/nights you spend with the ones you love, even if it is just hanging out, will be the nights worth remembering.
When you find someone who respects you, believes in you, loves you, and appreciates you. Don't take them for granted. Nurture and love them in return.
No one is perfect. Don't expect it. When they mess up, forgive them. You'll need it at some point too.
Work on loving yourself every single day. You were created for a purpose and there's a reason you are the way you are. Learn to love your differences and what makes you unique.
Negative thinking is the root of all evil.
Love God and serve God. He will direct your path and will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.
If you find what your passion is, pursue it relentlessly. Don't give up. Nothing comes easy but with a lot of hard work and a lot of faith I honestly believe anything is possible.
Don't ever stop learning and growing. You will never know it all. There is always something to be learned from someone. Cherish each day as a new opportunity and a chance to become better.
While some of these lessons may seem cliche, they are honestly all things that I had to go through and experience in order to truly understand. I have learned many things in my 23 years but I still have so much to learn. I have taken a huge risk, moved away from all of my friends and family. I am in a new city, waiting tables to make ends meet. There are times when I feel like I'm way behind in life. I know people my age who have families, husbands/wives, well paying careers, homes! It's easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing. My goal for this year is to no longer focus on what others are doing but what I am doing whether that is in my personal life or in the blogging world.
I also want to inspire each and everyone of you to allow yourself to be the unique individual you were created to be. Whether that be through fashion, music, or any other passion you have. Allow yourself to be great. To be different. To be you.
Birthday's are magical celebrations. A celebration of life and memories, but true magic comes from within. Magic comes from your struggles, your successes, your passion, your love for others, your spirit. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16. God created each one of us exactly the way he intended for us to be. He makes no mistakes. So today, on this celebration of life, I want to encourage you to find your magic. Find what makes you the happiest and do those things. Love, learn, succeed, and fail. Most importantly, share your magic. We have the power to brighten others lives and to help make their lives better and that is something we should never, ever let go to waste.