19 Lessons I’ve learned by 19

Hey everyone!

I turned 19 on July 18th this 2019. Yes, I am a millennial baby so my birthday follows the year. This year is very special to me because it will be my last year as a teen.

Hence the title of this post, I thought this post would be a fun piece to write! Leading up to my birthday I have been reflecting and jotting down some important lessons I have learned. The last 18 years of my life has been full of different experiences and I have learned quite a bit.

1. You don’t always get what you want. 

In life, you don’t always get what you want. My grade 4 teacher sang me this saying when for some odd reason I thought I was supposed to always get my way. Life is full of surprises, but things don’t always turn out the way we’d like but life moves on.

2. Good things come from working hard. 

As my dad always says, “You may have talent, but nothing beats hard work. Work hard and the reward is sweet!”

Nothing beats hard work!

3. Value your parents.

We might not like to admit it but we need our parents. Parents are there to nurture, guide, and support us. Parents want what is best for you, so value their discipline and advice. Always make time to appreciate your parents and say thank you.

4. Keep a journal.

Personally, keeping a journal every year is a very important part of my life. Life goes by fast! So taking the time to reflect and write things down is very important to me. Plus it fun to read back and see how my experiences (good or bad) turned into memories and now great stories.

5. Family is very important. 

Family is a gift that lasts forever. Even though siblings may bug you or parents may get on your nerves they are the special people placed in your life to be your forever friends. Do not take your family for granted, instead, be grateful for them. Make the initiative to spend as much time with them as possible.

6. Appreciate the little things in life. 

It is important to value the little things in life. Look outside and appreciate nature, take a walk, capture moments with family and friends. Make the most out of every single day and appreciate the little things.

7. Tea and chocolate are life essentials.

Lol, this is just a silly one but honestly, I don’t know what what I’d do without tea and chocolate.

Lol…I just really like tea and chocolate.

8. Try not to stress.

There is always a reason to stress. But remember that stressing only makes you more stressed so try not to stress. Instead, find ways to overcome the little things. God says we can cast all our worries on Him and He will guide us. So learn to talk to Him and it makes life a whole lot easier.

9. God is the way and He has a plan for our lives.

Over the years I continue to learn that God has a plan for my life. Recently, with starting university and figuring out adulthood sometimes I become overwhelmed with what my future might hold with school, family, friends, etc. but then God reminds me that He has it all under control.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5

10. It is good to make mistakes.

You learn from your mistakes. This is such an important lesson that continues to be of importance over the years. I am a perfectionist and I like to get things right but I have learned that when you “fail” you learn and it only helps to make you stronger/better for the next time.

11. When life gives you lemons make lemonade.

Always make the best out of every situation. Complaining never got anyone anywhere; so learn to work with what you have to make the best out of a situation.

12. Change is a good thing.

This is a difficult lesson to learn because sometimes at the moment when things are changing we are not happy with it.

However, everything happens for a reason so its important to learn to embrace change.

13. Dress for success!

This one is an important lesson that I learned from my parents.

Ever since I can remember my parents have always cleaned me up very nicely, making sure I am wearing a nice outfit, smell good, and look sharp. I am all about being comfortable but when you’re going out, or even just going to class its important to dress your best.

I find that when I’m dressed for success I am more confident no matter what room I walk into.

14. Laugh and Smile!

Laugh and Smile!

If you begin your day with a smile then you’ve already done half the job declaring positive vibes into your day!

15. Anytime you can have ice cream, HAVE IT!

Ice cream is my favorite dessert, so anytime I get the chance to have some I am all in!

Life is short so why not!

16. Believe in yourself first.

In life, there will always be negative people and people that want to put you down.

But, believing in yourself first is the most important thing that you can give yourself when working towards accomplishing your goals.

My dad always tells me, ” If you believe it in your head first then you can have it in your hand!”

17. Friends are important so cherish them!

Friends are so important so don’t forget to appreciate them for sticking around.

18. It is important to make time to pour positivity into the lives of others!

Some people call it random acts of kindness or paying it forward. Ultimately it is when you go out your way to do something nice for someone else. This can sometimes be a lesson we forget living in an age where everything is always about “You”.

Even simply asking someone how their day was or inviting your coworker at work down to the kitchen for coffee, you never know how big an impact you’ve made by changing that person’s day around.

Never underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, or an honest compliment because these little acts of kindness actually have a way of making the biggest change in someone’s day.

19. Keep your relationship with Jesus your number 1 priority!

Life is busy but remember to give thanks to the One who made it all.

In All, these are just some of the 19 lessons I’ve learned before 19. I hope you enjoyed this small snippet into some lessons I’ve learned and I hope you continue to read my blog!

Till next time,

Efuaye