Here are a few things I wish I could tell you from 26 year old me.
First, be nice to mom. Right now you think life would be so much better if she'd just leave you alone, but in a few years from now you're going to realize just how much you need her by your side, holding your hand through the really big stages of life. I know you won't believe it but you'll actually be best friends one day.
I know you think you absolutely must always be in a relationship but trust me you don't! Enjoy your friendships. Be patient. The future love of your life is around and is the last person you'd expect him to be. When its the right time your eyes will be opened to each other. In every relationship before him you've had to put so much effort in to make the pieces fit. With him it will be effortless. The second he comes everything will fall perfectly into place and trust me you'll wish you hadn't wasted so much time on every person before him. Be content with your time alone. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy life as a pair.
Stop trying to make everyone elses style yours. Your not going to really know what you like until your 25 anyway. For now just keep it simple.
Don't stress about future career plans. You can try to make plans but make them in pencil and give God the eraser. His plans are always better. He knows us better than we do.
Be around positive people. Everyone else will eventually be left in the past.
Don't burn bridges with family. They are going to be around much longer than friends. If your going to take sides, side with them. Your not going to want to but you'll wish you had.
Always keep your eyes on the bigger picture. This life is temporary. It can end tomorrow. Remember that you were created ultimately to love Him who created you, to have a real relationship with Him and let Him shine through you. We weren't made for us. We were made for Him. Don't ever forget it!
xo,
Cole
