What I wish I Could Have Told my 21 year old self

It has been such a long time since I was 21 but as someone getting ready to turn 61 here are some things I wish I could have told my 21 year-old self.

·      God only made one of you and He loves you just as you are.  You are God’s beloved. So work hard to be your authentic self, not someone the world tells you to be.

·      Only God can fill that hole in your soul.  No one on this earth can love you in the way that God loves you so don’t spend time trying to find someone on earth to fill that job.

·      And because you want to be able to be your authentic self you have to allow others to be their authentic self. We can’t control or change anyone so if you think you can change someone to fit the way you think they should be, think again.

·      Today is all you are really promised. Use is wisely to do good just where you are.  Offer a smile and a helping hand to those you meet today whether a friend, a stranger or an enemy.

·      Live simply and be grateful for what you do have.

·      Life is hard. There will always be suffering and struggles but you can choose to live in joy despite those struggles. You can grow from the suffering.

·      “Jesus says, ‘Today we will try again.’” Remember that each day you can start anew.  Tomorrow is gone so today choose to live in the moment and try again to live the way Jesus asks us to live.

·      Celebrate and remember to play. I think I have often forgotten the importance of celebrating and playing.  I have taken things too seriously.

·      Listen to others’ stories and learn from them.  Tell your story often to help others on their journey.

·      Pause often and let your soul catch up.

·      Love. Love God, love yourself, love others.  Love heals all things.