With every new year that comes around, you will always find yourself with new events that lie ahead. If you’re reading this as a freshman, you may begin looking for your first job to apply to. Sophomores are likely getting their permits soon and learning how to drive this year. Juniors may be applying for scholarships and preparing for the ACT, while seniors may be going to college soon or are currently searching for a full time career. Last but not least, if you’re an adult reading this then you have to handle multiple responsibilities such as keeping up payments, taking care of a family, etc. 

Despite what age you are right now, we can all agree on this one thing: We’re all growing up. For some, growing up may seem overwhelming at times, I myself have felt this way before. However, I’ve grown through these fears and am learning to stay content with whatever the future holds. Yes, it may seem ironic to get advice from someone who has only spent 17 years of their life, but here are 5 of my tips on how to handle things as we all grow up. 

     1. Don’t Worry

Yes, I know this is better said than done. Sometimes unexpected things will arise in our lives and we may find our minds flooded with thoughts like  “What’s next?” or “How can I get through this?” that makes it so hard not to worry. However, when we give in to this temptation, we will lose focus on the present. Oftentimes, when I worry so much about what I don’t know what’s to come or worry about what I don’t have, I forget the amazing things I do have currently. Such as the loving family members, friends, church members, and community I have. Therefore, the next time you’re afraid or worried, try to keep your mind on the present or things you may be thankful for. And remember, worrying will not add a single thing to your life. 

     2. Stay Organized

Time management skills are needed in our everyday lives. We all have events, deadlines, and appointments that will pop up for the rest of our lives, so it’s important to know when they are to stay on track. I’ve learned this the hard way. Before I had a planner or a to-do list for what I needed to complete, I found myself always rushing due to forgetting what I had to do or because I waited until the last minute. However, as I began incorporating reminders and established good routines, I never had these problems again. So if you’re not the best time manager, the time to start is now. You could do this by making schedules and setting reminders for upcoming events!

     3. Treat Others With Love

Loving others is so important, however, many people get this confused. Love is not just something that you show to someone you are affectionate about. Nor is it something you should just show to those who share the same opinions with you. I’ve learned that as I’ve grown up, I will always run into difficult people and people I don’t agree with. However, it’s still so important to show love to them. And not just “love” them, but actually love them. Not only will this keep us from arguments and unnecessary hate contaminating our hearts, but will give strangers/others the love that they may be currently missing in their lives. If you’re not sure how to love or what love is… here’s this perfect definition: 

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7. 

     4. Grow from Your Mistakes

Mistakes don’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, we all mess up in life and have done things we regret. However, we must not beat ourselves up for missing the mark or not getting it right the first time. When we fall, we must get up and learn how to grow from the mistake or failure. Before I used to really get mad at myself for each mistake I made as I tried to reach for perfection all too often. For instance, when test grades came back and I didn’t like the score or when I performed poorly in my track races, I would let it absolutely ruin my day. However, when I began to take my errors and refocus on what I could do better, I found myself growing in so many more ways. Our Central faculty staff encourages us to do this by wearing this saying on the back of their t-shirts: “Progression, not perfection.” 

     5. Don’t Lose Hope

Crazy things will happen. Life struggles are heavy. Burdens upon burdens may be upon you right at this one moment. However, you must hold on despite what the scenario may be. There is always hope, no matter what. We must keep going and keep pushing forward through problems, failures, and hardships. Though it may seem difficult during these times, we must remember that things will get better.

All in all, my last quick advice is to never forget that each and every day we have is a blessing. Life is a gift, live it wisely.