This started out as an exploration of “Things
Learned Since College.” It’s been
4 years now since I moved to Los Angeles after graduating, and I haven’t done a
lot of reflection on what I’ve learned in that time, which is a lot. But then this post started morphing
into more of “life-lessons,” some of which I learned in high school or
college. Really I just wanted to
put these important things on paper (or the interwebs) as a bit of a mantra or
anthem of things I’ve learned in life.
Some are deep, and some are just silly realizations about me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy…or are
inspired/amused in some way.
_____
I have always been a nerd and a wallflower but I was too self-conscious to embrace it before. Now I go to Comic-Con, or listen to Bon Iver, and feel at home.
I really, really love dogs.
“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you just might find, you get what you need.” –Rolling Stones
Fight for good friendships but be OK with letting unhealthy ones go. (a.k.a. “Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em” –Kenny Rogers)
Indie music is God's gift to the artistic and introspective.
On that note, it’s OK to be an introvert.
What do you want to do or be in life? Just do it! Don't worry.
Emotions can be lying, cheating bitches. Don’t rely solely on them.
Let your kids go to parties. Knowing how to navigate these social situations becomes just as important as grades.
Take a risk in opening yourself up for love.
Realize you are the villain of your own story and that God still doesn't give up on you. We can always change.
I love Jesus just as much as I did when I was in high school, but sometimes I understand him less.
We really, really need community.
If you are in a position of privilege, consider if your outlook on the world is shaped by that fact, and try to walk in someone else's shoes. You might realize Anacostia, DC or South LA is beautiful.
Goals and restraint/discipline are important.
Taking care of another living thing daily teaches you mounds of responsibility.
Sci-fi is effing cool.
Do not be afraid.
Country, barefoot, rain, and a hoodie. Perfect combination.
Change in relationships is inevitable. Don't close yourself off or put up walls. Enjoy the moments when you have them.
“It's a beautiful day, don't let it fade away.” – U2
"You think you know what you're looking for, till what you're looking for finds you." – “When The Right One Comes Along” as heard on Nashville, written by Justin Davis, Georgia Middleman & Sarah Zimmerman
Courage is definitely not the absence of fear but rather embracing the fear and doing it anyway.
Art can be therapeutic.
"It's all talk talk talk/ Talkin’ in the wind/ It only slows you down if you start listenin’/ And it’s a whole lot harder to shine/ Than undermine." –“Undermine” as heard on Nashville, written by Trent Dabbs & Kacey Musgraves
Not being in control can actually be a really good thing.
I am an explorer of lands and places and skies.
"I am Rosemary's granddaughter/ The spitting image of my father/ And when the day is done/ My mama’s still my biggest fan/ Sometimes I’m clueless and I’m clumsy/ But I have friends that love me/ And they know where I stand/ It’s all a part of me/ That’s who I am" –Jessica Andrews
Watch CRASH. Then talk about it with a group.
Go to an event of a culture not your own.
It's OK to have fun sometimes and celebrate this one wild and precious life. Just remember life isn't about you and your happiness.
Exercise is wonderful and doing it with others is better. There's something very satisfying about doing something you're bad at over and over again with passion until you ultimately grow in that skill.
You have to forgive. Forgive yourself, and forgive others. The most beautiful things will grow out of it.
