Lessons From a Recent College Graduate

I know I have more to learn. I know I'll have to relearn and learn better some of these things. But, this is what I have learned.

I've learned that...
First impressions say just as much about us as they do the person we've met.
Sometimes the only thing to do is call your mom.
You should always apologize as soon as you realize you are wrong, even if that means calling someone back five minutes after talking to them on the phone.
If a friendship is worth it, you'll both work at it.
Sometimes, it's ok to let go and walk away from someone, and is best when done with forgiveness.
Forgiveness is something we give, not because we are better, but because we are the same.
We have all been the mean girl.
We have all been picked on by the mean girl.
A soft heart speaks louder than any cynic's tongue.
Often, the person that is hardest for us to love is who needs it the most.
Sometimes, the most important thing to do is just show up.
It's ok to say no.
It's ok to say yes.
It's ok to say, "I'll think about it," as long as you really do.
The fear of messing up should never be what stops you.
Prayer is transformative.
It's ok to not be a grown up all the time.
Sometimes, you just need Chipotle and a movie to make your night better.
Good roommates make life lighter.
It's ok to voice your needs.
It's ok to talk about whatever you need to talk about, but you have to listen too.
Sometimes, trashy reality tv, is really brilliant.
Laughing so hard your stomach hurt will always turn your day around.
Crying is healing.
It's ok to do what you have to do.
It's ok to do what you want to do.
"The only reason they think they're beautiful, is the same reason they think you're not."
Sometimes, the only thing to make it seem manageable is to drive out the country and scream in your car.
Everybody is at least a little weird.
Just because it is, doesn't mean it should be.
Every little thing needs love.
If you don't think you're crazy in this world at least some of the time, then you must be crazy, because it's crazy.
It isn't all right.
It is all right.
Your family will always be a little bit or a lot bit crazy, but they are always your family.
Everyone (including yourself) is hard to love sometimes.
Dr. Pepper makes a hard day better.
It's ok to be mad/sad/frustrated/screaming angry; it's not ok to get lost in it.
Sometimes PMS makes you feel insane - remember that you're not, and in a few days, it won't be so bad.
We must take care of the suffering, even when the suffering is yourself.
Truth is real.
Friends and coffee are life savers.
It's ok to be selfish sometimes.
If no one is taking the last pita bread, just take it, but be the one to ask the waiter for more.
Be crazy and carefree whenever you get the chance.
Cry as often as you laugh because they both heal different parts of the soul.
Speaking to understand accomplishes more than speaking to be understood.
Sushi and PBR don't mix.
It's ok that it's hard sometimes.
It's ok when something is easy.
We have to do things that are hard for us, but those things are often also good for us.
Grief is a part of life.
Hope is something everyone needs.


Finally,

I've learned that being able to rest in God is...well, it just is.