Gosh I love this list Jennifer! I don't recall getting much sage advice when I was 18 - but maybe I just didn't hear it. I do recall the one time when I was 23 and considering returning to university, to a 4 year program that I found quite daunting. I was really hung up on the fact that I would be 27 when I finished (aka ancient). I recall sitting with my dad and feeling really stuck. I didn't come from a family that talked about anything, so it was likely a stretch that I was sharing with him at all. However, he thought about about the whole " it's 4 years long!!" and "I will be 27 and ancient!!" for a bit and said "how old are you going to be in 4 years if you don't go back to school?". I said "27". To which he replied " so the only thing we know for sure is that you are going to be 27 in 4 years. What would you like to be doing, because the 4 years will pass either way?" That has always stuck with me. And yes I went back to school and am I ever glad I did!! Thanks Jennifer xoxo
The best advice I ever got (and have since passed on to my daughter) was about romantic relationships. I'd date guys who, shall we say, left a lot to be desired as romantic partners. When questioned by friends about why I was reluctant to leave a relationship, I'd say, "But...he has so much potential!"
Finally, an older friend who was sick of seeing me making the same mistake over and over said " 'Potential' doesn't earn interest in the bank. Deal with "what is", not "what if". "
Never say things in anger, walk away and cool down. Words said in anger cannot be unsaid, ever…and tomorrow you may not even remember what YOU were upset about.
Life is too short to dwell on the small things that might upset you today. Don’t lose what you have for something you won’t remember for long.
Talk it out rather than yell and walk out.
What to spend your earrings on: 1) bills first, 2) then food, 3) savings, 4) lastly on fun things.
Borrow something…Return it in better shape, always.
Let your first impression be your best impression.
Don’t put yourself down…there are others who will gladly do it for you, so don’t lead the way.
Some wonderful words of wisdom, thanks for sharing Jennifer. This one was especially awesome: "Make beauty from the ugly. Stephen Crane had a character who “blossomed in a mud puddle.” Be beautiful in spite of the ugly around you." Being the beacon of light in darkness is a lovely way to interact with the world.
So sad for this secular advice! There is only one God for all whether you acknowledge Him or not and that is Jesus. The truth is the truth whether you accept it or not 🌼
Unfortunately, you missed the mark on your spiritual advice. Not only is your own salvation at risk, but anyone you advise as well. No worries though, you still have time to be saved. I suggest diving into the Bible.
(John14:6) The way to Heaven is only through Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ is Himself the way to Heaven. He does not merely show the way; He is the way. Salvation is only in the person of Jesus Christ.
Gosh I love this list Jennifer! I don't recall getting much sage advice when I was 18 - but maybe I just didn't hear it. I do recall the one time when I was 23 and considering returning to university, to a 4 year program that I found quite daunting. I was really hung up on the fact that I would be 27 when I finished (aka ancient). I recall sitting with my dad and feeling really stuck. I didn't come from a family that talked about anything, so it was likely a stretch that I was sharing with him at all. However, he thought about about the whole " it's 4 years long!!" and "I will be 27 and ancient!!" for a bit and said "how old are you going to be in 4 years if you don't go back to school?". I said "27". To which he replied " so the only thing we know for sure is that you are going to be 27 in 4 years. What would you like to be doing, because the 4 years will pass either way?" That has always stuck with me. And yes I went back to school and am I ever glad I did!! Thanks Jennifer xoxo
The truth is fine.
Really.
Just tell the truth. Most people honestly don’t care and won’t get mad.
You forgot?
Ok.
You didn’t feel up to it?
OK.
You made a mistake?
OK.
Let’s move on.
We don’t need your white lies. And trying to cover up lies is even harder.
The truth is fine.
The best advice I ever got (and have since passed on to my daughter) was about romantic relationships. I'd date guys who, shall we say, left a lot to be desired as romantic partners. When questioned by friends about why I was reluctant to leave a relationship, I'd say, "But...he has so much potential!"
Finally, an older friend who was sick of seeing me making the same mistake over and over said " 'Potential' doesn't earn interest in the bank. Deal with "what is", not "what if". "
That really stuck with me.
All sensible. My mother 'gave' me Polonius's speech to Laertes:
See thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportioned thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel;
But do not dull thy palm with entertainment
Of each new-hatch’d, unfledged comrade. Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,
Bear’t that the opposed may beware of thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man,
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generous chief in that.
Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell: my blessing season this in thee!
Good advice for all ages.
Never say things in anger, walk away and cool down. Words said in anger cannot be unsaid, ever…and tomorrow you may not even remember what YOU were upset about.
Life is too short to dwell on the small things that might upset you today. Don’t lose what you have for something you won’t remember for long.
Talk it out rather than yell and walk out.
What to spend your earrings on: 1) bills first, 2) then food, 3) savings, 4) lastly on fun things.
Borrow something…Return it in better shape, always.
Let your first impression be your best impression.
Don’t put yourself down…there are others who will gladly do it for you, so don’t lead the way.
Some wonderful words of wisdom, thanks for sharing Jennifer. This one was especially awesome: "Make beauty from the ugly. Stephen Crane had a character who “blossomed in a mud puddle.” Be beautiful in spite of the ugly around you." Being the beacon of light in darkness is a lovely way to interact with the world.
It’s a start!
So sad for this secular advice! There is only one God for all whether you acknowledge Him or not and that is Jesus. The truth is the truth whether you accept it or not 🌼
Unfortunately, you missed the mark on your spiritual advice. Not only is your own salvation at risk, but anyone you advise as well. No worries though, you still have time to be saved. I suggest diving into the Bible.
(John14:6) The way to Heaven is only through Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ is Himself the way to Heaven. He does not merely show the way; He is the way. Salvation is only in the person of Jesus Christ.