Monday, December 12, 2016

18 Things I've Learned in 18 Years



Hello friends,

The time has come to say goodbye to being a child and to say hello to adulthood. I mean, all I've done since turning 18 is eat like crap, make a mess of my room, and sleep in too late, so nothing has really changed, but now I can check I'm an adult on forums and elope, so that's something to be excited about. But really guys, I've been reflecting a lot on how life is changing and thinking about what I've learned. It's been 18 years, so I sure hope I've learned a few things. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been writing a few some stuff down and came up with a list (Whoa, a list of 18 things on your 18th birthday, what a coincidence!). I was hoping to have this up on my birthday last Friday, but life happens so you're getting this a bit late. But without anymore filler words, here's a list of 18 things I've learned in 18 years, and why they're kind of important.

1. Stop using "adulting" as an excuse. Adults have been "adulting" since the beginning of time and when you use that excuse for making mistakes and being too lazy, it makes more mature adults want to strangle you. Seriously, yeah life is hard, but stop making it sound like your generation of adults has it so much harder. You don't, you really really don't.

2. Yes, you do have time. There's never enough time to read your bible, catch up with friends, do your homework, and clean your room, but wow look at all the time there is to watch Netflix, eat cake, and binge read! Funny how that works,

3. It's okay to say no. Saying no is hard, I get it, but sometimes it just needs to happen. You can't do everything, you can't carry everyone's burdens. Learn to say no to more things so you can say yes to the things that really matter.


4. No person can fix you. Stop looking to significant others, friends, and family to fix you. No one can make you feel beautiful and loved forever. You need to accept yourself first and realize your worth comes from Christ, not the people around you.

5. Sleep is actually really important. Stop waiting till Midnight to write you midterm paper, stop watching Friends until 2am, stop reading until your eyes can't make out the words. Sleep is so so important for your health! Get things done before the wee hours of the night and give yourself some well deserved rest.

6. You're going to mess up a lot. You're not perfect, but guess what? No one is! Don't be proud, but don't carry around guilt either. Know when you're wrong, forgive yourself, apologize to those who deserve it, and confess you wrongdoings to God. You're not a failure, you're not a terrible person, you're just flawed like everyone else.


7. Take time to explore. Don't stay camped up in your room, go explore the world around you. Go for road trips, take that long hike, check out the tiny new bookstore. You're young, go explore while you still have the time. Breath in the fresh air, take lots of pictures, and pick the wild flowers.

8. God's way > your way. Sometimes God's way is a lot harder than your way, but it's so much better. Sometimes we think we know best, but we're always wrong. Spend time in prayer and listen for God's voice. Read the word and recognize how it applies to your life. Even when it's tough, stick to his commandments. Abiding in Him is so much greater than going your own way.

9. Don't do life alone. Look for close friends you can trust. Seek guidance from those who are older and wiser. Know you aren't alone, and ask for help when you need it. Don't deal with anxiety and depression alone, seek help and be honest about your feelings. Don't lock yourself away, talk to others and build healthy relationships.


10. Stop stressing over the little things. Stressing out is one of the easiest things to do in the world, but how often do we get so stressed out over little things and forget it the next day? Learn to let things go and realize that life doesn't always go your way. Remember that God always has a plan and purpose for the things that happen. Stop stressing, give your worries to God and relax.

11. Never be ashamed of your smile or laugh. If someone ever tells you that you laugh or smile too much, take that as a compliment. Smile often, laugh even more. Be joyful and give that joy to others. Laugh at the funny moments and the stressful ones. Smile to those who need it, and smile when you don't think you can.

12. Spend time with your family. Make time for you parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, or any family members you have to call your own. Don't take them for granted, grow those relationships and be thankful for them. Ask them questions, give them hugs, and tell them you love them before it's too late.


13. Make the little things count. Dance to your music without shame, pick flowers and put them on your desk to be admired, share hugs often, treasures handwritten notes and cards, and take pictures of moments, even if they don't seem significant. Make the most of every day.

14. Write stuff down. Life is busy and we forget so much stuff. Take time to write things down, small or big. Record what's happening in your life, talk about your feelings and interesting events. Keep the words you wrote down and look back at them often. Move on from your past, but don't forget it. Learn from it and take joy away from it.

15. Say yes to things that scare you. Never say no to things just because you're afraid you might fail. Take risks and try new things that challenge you. Learn from your failures, and try again. Fear is only in your mind, don't let it stop you from achieving your dreams.


16. Do hard things. Take care of your body and be mindful of what you put into it. Break away from harmful relationships. Be thankful in all seasons of life. Learn to do things yourself and not rely on others to do it for you. Step out of your comfort zone. Work hard on things instead of doing the minimum. Sit with the friendless. Do the things that are hard instead of what feels easiest.

17. Don't take insults to heart. People are going to say some mean things, treat you like a child, and completely ignore you. Don't take it to heart. Realize that you can't please everyone and others will look down on you. Don't fight hate with hate, but instead treat everyone with love and respect, even if you don't receive the same treatment.

18. Keep your relationship with Christ as your top priority. This is by far the most important lesson I've learned over the years, and it's something I continue to learn daily. Your relationship with Christ is the most important relationship you'll ever have. Make time for Him, pray often, reflect on His word, praise Him daily. Don't sacrifice this relationship for worldly wants.


Although these are lessons I believe to be important, I'm am continuously trying to apply them to my life, and am always learning new things outside of this list. Life is full of so many lessons to learn from and I can't wait to see what my future holds for me. So what lessons have you learned over the years? Why are they important? Let's chat down below, I always love hearing from you and discussing life. :)

Hoping you all have a wonderful week,

Elizabeth


32 comments

  1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ELIZABETH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    legit tho...all of these things make so much sense

    *realizes that next August i can write this same post* *dies* hahhaha yeah i think I am going to go forget about that

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    1. THANKS BEAUTIFUL JULIA!!! <3

      and don't you dare steal my completely totally original idea, rude

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  2. Amen! (especially to #3 lol)
    Also I made it into your picture section, I am honored.
    Love you Aspen!!!

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    1. Love you too!! I miss my Mojo and her panda hoodie

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  3. Happy Birthday!
    I love all of these, they're such valuable pieces of information/lessons :-)

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  4. HOW ON EARTH ARE YOU 18 ALREADY. MY LITTLE BABY. GROWING UP. :') No, but really, things change so quickly. oh goodness. It was a joy to read all of these things. Happiest of birthdays to you, Elizabeth!(even though I already wished you one ;) life is full of repeats so ha)

    I'm turning 17 in March and I am a little scared. That number seems so big for my little heart. I still feel like I'm seven, running around the house laughing wildly and getting into trouble. But hey, God is in control. I am learning that continually throughout the years. He is constant and an anchor in this life. Oh man. thank goodness for that.

    keep fighting the good fight.
    x

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    1. I KNOW OH MY GOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! Thanks <3

      Oh I so know what you mean, every birthday is just scary because I'm realizing more and more that I'm getting older and have to start making decisions and be responsible. My mommy isn't making all the decisions for me anymore. But you're so right, God is in complete control and knows where my life is going. I just have to continuously remind myself of that and trust in Him.

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  5. I loved this post! <3

    ~Daminika

    http://lifeonpoohcorner.blogspot.com/

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  6. WOOT WOOT WELL HAPPY BIRTHDAY. You are about 6 months older than me so I shall naturally accept your age and wisdom because this is the natural response of course. xD This was fabulous though :D

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    1. THANKS!! Ahh you guys make me smile so much xD And thank you thank you, always good to be recognized as wise and superior ;)

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  7. Being an 18 year old in March (of '15) I can totally relate!! Great post and thanks for sharing...you are like really smart #jealous and i like your pants in the 2nd to last picture :) Great ideas!! And happy birthday!

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    1. Aw thanks!! I'm glad you could relate :) And thanks, they're the comfiest pants ever honestly.

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  8. This is an amazing list! I turn nineteen in this upcoming year and I make a lot of lists and on mine for what I've learned at eighteen would probably be a lot of what you added to your list - especially 2 which really bugs me when people say, "I haven't had time." Yet they just posted on FB that they binge watched a TV show that night. They had time. And because this bugs me so much I see how much I need to apply taking time for people in my own life.
    Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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    1. Thank you so much!! And right?? But like I totally do the same thing and it's something I continue to have to learn and apply to my life.

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  9. HAPPY BUURRRRRRRRRTHDAY GURRRRRRL <3

    Noor | Noor's Place

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  10. CUTE CUTE CUTE CUTEEEE!! I just looked through the pictures and now I MUST read.

    Okay I must say that I feel like everyone is catching up to me. Still older as always but wait you guys are getting so grown up! I know saying no can be so hard and sleep is so important.. I always sleep no later than 11. GRANDMA V! This list is cleaver. Saying yes to what scares you teaches you so much. Until recently I thought I would NEVER donate blood but I did and I feel good about it. BUT have a wonder 18th year!

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    1. YES! See this is why I add pictures, to deceive and achieve.

      Yes Vanessa you are so old, your basically a grandma compared to us high school bloggers ;) But that means you too should make a list and share you wisdom because help I need it, I'm only pretending I know things!! But that's so awesome you donated blood, I would love to do that sometime!

      Thanks <3

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  11. Happy birthday and yay for being 18!! In Australia that means you can also drink and sign up for the army.😂 And I love how thoughtful and great your list is. Those are totally important lessons...and some of them are kind of hard, hehe.😂 I've really learnt to take #17 on this year! People who treat you badly are not worth being around.😜

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    1. Thanks Cait! I could sign up for the army here now too, but yeah drinking is off the table for a couple years. Darn! ;P
      And thanks, I'm glad you liked the list! I totally agree though, these are hard things to apply to our lives.

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  12. Happy Belated Birthday! Your list has a lot of good things on it. My advice is that you write it down somewhere that catches your attention on regular basis because if you're anything like me, you're gonna have to be reminded of some of those things.

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    1. Thank you! And yes I always need the reminded, I actually have a list right next to my bed :)

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  13. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SWEET ELIZABETH!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

    This is so weird to me that you're eighteen BECAUSE I STILL REMEMBER YOU BEING SIXTEEN I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU FOR AGES AND NOW YOU'RE AN ADULT WHAT?!?!?!?!??!

    These are some of life's most important lessons. I love this list almost as much as I love you. <3

    I hope that eighteen is the best year yet. xx

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    1. Awww Grace you're so sweet, I love you too!! <3 Seriously, you're the best.

      And right??? You were like one of my first followers and you've still stuck around :')

      Ahhhh thanks sweet sweet girl, you make me blush.

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  14. Happy birthday! And seriously, this list is excellent - so much wisdom. Hope you have a fabulous eighteenth year! xx

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  15. HAHA OH MY GOODNESS I LITERALLY AM WRITING A POST CALLED 16 THINGS I LEARNED IN 2016....
    but no for real i started it before reading this post SO I PROMISE I AM NOT COPYING (even though it really would seem like it XD) but hey great minds think alike :P

    #3, #8, and #16 are honestly life changing. SO MUCH. I loved reading this post, Elizabeth! 18 is so crazy to think about...like I always thought 18 year olds are "big" adult people. AND NOW PEOPLE I KNOW ARE TURNING 18 HOW IS THIS HAPPENING.

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  16. Hey Elizabeth Anne!
    I love this post. Just wanted to let you know that I referenced it in a blog post today:
    https://myinstructionmanual.com/2017/07/26/18-life-lessons-from-18-18-year-olds/

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okay so this is how it works : you read my blog, comment and i reply. then you respond and so forth. they make my day and bring a smile - thanks so much <3

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