“This morning I was reading a book at my favorite beach-side coffee shop when an 18-year-old kid sat down next to me and said, “That’s a great read, ain’t it?” So, we started chatting.
He told me he was getting ready to graduate from high school in a couple of weeks and then immediately starting his college career in the fall. “But I have no clue what I want to do with my life,” he said. “Right now, I’m just going with the flow.”
And then, with eager, honest eyes, he began asking me one question after the next:
- “What do you do for a living?”
- “When and how did you decide what you wanted to do?”
- “Why did you do this? Why didn’t you do that?”
- “Is there anything you wish you had done differently?”
- etc. etc.
I answered his questions as best as I could and tried to give decent advice with the time I had. And after a half-hour conversation, he thanked me, and we parted ways.
So, I started thinking about his questions again, and I began imagining all of the things I wish someone had told me when I was 18.
After hours of deliberation, here is a starter set of wisdom I wish someone told me when I was 18:
- Commit yourself to making lots of mistakes.The biggest mistake you can make is doing nothing because you’re too scared to make a mistake.
- Invest time, energy and money in yourself every day.– When you invest in yourself, you can never lose, and over time you will change the trajectory of your life. You are simply the product of what you know. The more time, energy and money you spend acquiring pertinent knowledge, the more control you have over your life.
- Explore new ideas and opportunities often. Your life’s story is simply the culmination many small, unique experiences. And the more unique experiences you have, the more interesting your story gets.
- Accept and embrace change.– However good or bad a situation is now, it will change. That’s the one thing you can count on. So, embrace change, and realize that change happens for a reason.
- Always be honest with yourself and others.– Living a life of honesty creates peace of mind, and peace of mind is priceless. Period.
- Sit alone in silence for at least ten minutes every day.– Use this time to think, plan, reflect, and dream. Creative and productive thinking flourish in solitude and silence. With quiet, you can hear your thoughts, you can reach deep within yourself, and you can focus on mapping out the next logical, productive step in your life.”[1]
More importantly, I wish I would have been in the mind to accept the advice.
Happy graduation!
[1] http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/06/21/18-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-was-18/
Until next time, remember,-
You are not alone.
-
You are not your circumstances.
-
You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.
is a best selling author, Breakthrough Speaker and Spiritual coach. She has spent the last fifteen years mentoring and coaching those needing direction and support in the areas of life skills, leadership development, effective and efficient communications, and improved self-image. Connect with Tyra to get the support and help you need. Contact Info: Tyra Garlington Email: Tyra@TyraGarlington.com For Bookings and Inquiries: (813) 994-9462 As a Breakthrough Coach, Spiritual Coach and Christian Coach, Tyra offers a variety of breakthrough services including but not limited to: Personal Empowerment Coach :: Spiritual Coaching :: Breakthrough Coaching :: Christian Speaker :: Professional Speaker :: Breakthrough Speaker :: Personal Empowerment Speaker
