What I Wish knew when I was 18 years old

Looking back, what would I tell my 18 year old self???🤔

As I sat in the nail salon on a Wednesday evening before prom, I couldn’t help but over hear the prom conversations that filled the air. What color should I get my nails? What color is your dress? Where are you going to eat before prom? What are you doing after prom? Within moments I started to reminiscence on my prom days. Boy, it sure feels like it was yesterday that me and my girls were asking those exact same questions.  I can’t believe it has been 10 years. 👀 Where has the time gone? Now we are planning our 10 year high school reunion, WOW!!!  I’m really excited.💃🏽💃🏽

The last 10 years have been good to me.  God’s grace and favor has rested on my life.  I’ve learned from all of my experiences both good and bad and they ALL have shaped me into the person that you see today.

Given the opportunity, if I could go back and talk to my 18 year old self, I would share these 28 nuggets and words of wisdom below provided by a few special women that have helped influence my journey thus far:

1. Dare to be different…you were born to stand out and not fit in. Be true to yourself. God strategically created you for YOUR PURPOSE. You’re not going to be liked by everyone and that’s okay.

2. Develop a true relationship with God

3. “God places the best things in life on the other side of fear”…STOP being afraid. Let go and walk in faith…God is intentional

4. Never settle for second best

5. Be proactive, not reactive (think, then react)

6. Failure isn’t bad, it’s a blessing…it builds character and strength. Don’t stop, keep going.

7. Network, network, network…no one succeeds alone

8. Visualize, pray then slay…always have a plan.

9. Comparison is the devil…the only competition you should have is with yourself. People are not what they “post” to be

10. Be confident and proud of all your accomplishments…big or small

11. Be honest and stay positive

12. Love yourself first, so you will know how to love others. Fall in love with the things about you that you can change. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first (don’t be a people pleaser). Focus on you, your education and your goals in life. Figure out what YOU want and DO IT!

13. Be an intern, study abroad and travel the world–experience as many cultures and countries as you can!

14. You are beautiful. Your body will change many times but a pure and genuine soul will always outshine your physical appearance

15. You are enough…the opinions of others do not define who you are. Don’t allow others to put titles on you

16. Invest your money. Make better decisions financially…the earlier you start, the better! (ex: Try to avoid student loans and if you have to get them don’t max them out or use the refund on non-school related expenses)

17. Date yourself first! Figure out who you are, what you like/dislike, what interests you, what motivates you and what you are willing to take a stand for. You have the rest of your life to be bound to a man…forget the boys for now!

18. You are strong. You are capable of more than you ever imagined…with God and the support from amazing people you will overcome many obstacles

19. You are not alone. You will meet and interact with beautiful, brilliant women. They will add so much to your life. Through all things maintain these important relationships.

20. Always love hard , but set boundaries

21. Learn to not take things so personal or take yourself too seriously. You don’t and won’t have control over everything. Breathe…it’s all little stuff.

22. Learn to find the beauty in saying goodbye…it’s ok to walk away.

23. Listen to your mom or that person/mentor that you have…she honestly wants what’s best for you

24. Don’t be in a hurry to move out…stay at home as long as you can. Once you hit the real world, it comes with real world bills…don’t grow up too fast

25. Friends can be more family than your own blood relatives…but have discernment to know who is truly there for you

26. Get involved and be a part of community organizations

27. Trust your instincts

28. Enjoy life to the fullest. Let your hair down and HAVE FUN.

As the glitz and glam of prom season is coming to an end and the graduation ceremonies and parties are filling the calendars, take this time to pour into that young lady or man that is about to enter in a world of the unknown. Although WE can’t go back in time, the future is right in front of us and it’s up to us to help shape what’s to come. They need us more than you know, but it’s up to us to make that step! ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?!?

❤ LC

Be Bold. Be Blessed. Be BeYOUtiful.