Think back to age 16, and the times you said "I can't wait to turn 18 and GET OUT OF HERE!" If you're anything like me, you wish you could sit down with your 16 year old self and have a very frank discussion. It would start out something like "I realize, self, that you do, in fact, know everything. You are prepared for the "real world" and what it has in store for you...but humor me for a few minutes, and I will let you in on some secrets." Once my sixteen year old self completes the eye-roll and sigh ritual, I begin.
1. High School is not real life. There are no summer vacations, ski weeks, Holiday breaks or teacher in-service days. You do not get to re-take the "tests" that you fail, and no one cares if you have ADD.
You are expected to show up on time, prepared to work, and do what you need to do to complete your job succesfully.
2. No one cares about your birthday. Ok, MAYBE some of your friends and family remembered, but in general, your birthday is not an occassion. Work goes on. Life goes on. You do not get a free pass to call in sick to work, take a two hour lunch, or force an expensive meal on your loved ones. Sound harsh? If it does, try to push your maturity past the 13 year old mentality.
3. Karma is real. The mean things you do and say about other people WILL come back to bite you.
4. People at work like to gossip. About you. Being part of the group that starts the rumor doesn't protect you from becoming a rumor. All it does is let people know that you like to talk smack. Also, see #3.
5. Related to #4, #3... Never trust anyone that would tell you someone else's secret.
6. You do not deserve a six figure income at your first job out of college. Work, pay your dues, and EARN your pay. The law of the jungle is "eat what you kill" not "eat what I give you for sitting on your duff"
7. You too, will get cellulite.
8. Driving a car that costs more than your yearly salary makes you look stupid.
9. Whining isnt cute on 3 year olds, and its down-right infuriating on a 30 year old.
10. The truth is always multi-dimensional.
Whew! now that I've got all of that off of my chest, I feel much better. Believe it or not, there are some crazy-wonderful things about growing up that I've learned to cherish. I've learned that being a mother, for me, is the most amazing and fulfilling thing I choose to do with my time. Its not for everyone, and thats okay, but it is DEFINITELY for me. Choosing a spouse that loves you and accepts you unconditionally, even if he's not a big fan of tattoos, is the wisest decision you will ever make. :) Earning the praise that you crave feels really, really good.
I've finally reached the age in which I am able to embrace my true, authentic self, regardless of how other people judge me. I have tattoos...6 of them. I know some people dont like them, or dont understand them - and thats alright. All I can ask is that they look beyond it and get to know me. Afterall, I might not be a big fan of their wardrobe or hair color, but that doesnt make them any less deserving of a fair shake, does it?
In your mid 30's you also understand that nothing lasts forever, not the bad stuff - and not the good stuff. I like that I know that now, because I don't take so many things for granted.
Thats all I've got today, thanks for hearing me out!
You are so fortunate that you have learned these life sessons at your age! So many people never will and they will continue to feel as if they are "owed" everything. I guess if you have a wealthy family and are going to inherit millions maybe you can get away with that attitude. However you are missing a great opportunity to grow..spiritually, intellectually and emotionally.
ReplyDeleteKarma does come back around...as hard as it is sometimes to be nice to someone you really don't care for it's worth the effort. Adults who gossip are like the children at school who bully. How do we teach our children when we are guilty of the same thing?