19 things I’ve learned in 19 years.

Today I turn a year older and it’s weird to think that I’m not in Florida to celebrate with family. Nonetheless, I’m celebrating with my other family here in Romania and man I love these people! 

 

Anyway, I wanted to share a birthday blog with you so here is… 19 things I’ve learned in 19 years. 

I have actually done this every year for my birthday for around the last 5 years, I’ve just never shared it. 

These are in no specific order and I hope you enjoy!

 

1. Put your phone down.
   Don’t let your phone be the reason you miss a great memory. That text can wait, not everything needs to be posted on Instagram, and sometimes the memory is better than any picture or video you can get.
2. Live in the present.
   Don’t spend too much time focusing on the past or trying to figure out how your future is going to turn out. We tend to miss moments that are happening now because we are too busy trying to plan our lives out.
3. Say yes more often.
   Say yes to things that take you out of your comfort zone. Yes, it can be scary, but it can also be beautiful.
4. Say no more often.
   It’s okay to say no sometimes. You can’t please everyone and it’s okay to tell people no. Sometimes a “no” makes way for you to say yes to something 10 times better.
5. You don’t always have to do things the original way.
   Sometimes you need to do things a different way than other people. Pave a path that you enjoy and if you get there a different way, that’s okay, you’re still getting there.
6. Play more.
   Act like a kid sometimes. Laugh more, cause laughing is just a sweet thing. Be silly, dance around, sing your heart out to your favorite song.
7. Never stop learning.
   Be a learner. Be curious and ask questions. Our brains are meant to hold information so fill it with knowledge.
8. There is a blessing in everything.
   Sometimes it’s hard to see, but it’s there. Blessings may not always look like how we think they should and they may be hard to see, but they are always there. (Read my last blog post to see a blessing in disguise)
9. Go on spontaneous adventures.
   For me my favorite adventures are the ones that are planned 10 minutes before I have to leave. Grab some friends, grab some food, drive somewhere in your city, and enjoy.
10. Somedays you just need to do nothing.
    That’s right, we all need a recharge sometimes. Take a day every once in a while to sleep in, read that book, watch that movie, etc.
11. Be yourself.
    There is no reason not to be your silly, goofy, unique self. There is only one you, so be confident in who you are. “Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter not mind”
12. Listen more.
    There are times where its better to sit and listen rather than try and speak. Sometimes the people around us hold the most wisdom, we just need to open our ears and close our mouths.
13. Don’t take life too seriously.
    Life is an adventure, but it’s your choice on how you go about it. You can enjoy it and think of everyday as a good opportunity or you can let it drag by.
14. Always have a good playlist ready.
    You never know when you are gonna have to pick the music for a road trip so it’s best to just be prepared. (Shoutout to Morgan for her playlist on the way to Greece)
15. Try new things.
    Try new food, experience new adventures. You never know what you may fall in love with and don’t let your comfort zone hold you back.
16. Be intentional.
    Be purposeful in your words and actions. Make thoughtful choices and really care when you do something.
17. Strangers are just friends you haven’t met.
    Yes, this is weird to some people, but its crazy how much all of us actually have in common. I’ve really been seeing this while doing evangelism here in Romania. I’m not saying just go up and talk to random people, but if you get the change to talk to someone you don’t know, do it. You may just make a new friend.
18. Take chances.
    You’ll never know if you don’t try. The worst thing that can happen is it doesn’t work out.
19. Treat people with respect and honor.
    People may not always treat you this way, but you can still treat them with respect and honor. Something I love and will remember that was said at training camp: “The unoffendable man always wins. Chose honor.”