19 Lessons I've Learnt In My 19 Years on Earth (Part 2)

I'm officially 19 guys! To all my 2000 babies, I've finally made it. I'm grateful to God for another year and for all the blessings in my life.

So here's a continuation of the 19 lessons I'd like to share with you all, as the newest 19 year old in town. They're things I've learnt from experiences throughout my life and I'm sure you'll find them to be very helpful in your day-to-day activities.

1. Don't waste your gifts and talents

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE TO SING. But during the beginning of my teenage years, I would only sing at home. Even if I sang in the midst of my friends, I never ventured to sing in front of a crowd or join a choir.

It was only after I got to Senior High school that I decided to put myself out there and let others see the gift God had given me. Ever since then, I've willed myself to always shine my God-given talents for the world to see.

Whatever talents you may have, don't let them die down. Work on them; find ways to improve upon them, whether it's dancing, singing, drawing, writing, sports,etc. Join a club, watch videos on how to improve your skill, practice everyday. And when you find opportunities to showcase what you've got, by all means TAKE THEM! And in all your efforts, make sure to us them for God's glory.

2. Don't let your 'love life' interfere with your education

So I've been asked the famous question of why I don't have a boyfriend, so many times. The answer is quite simple actually: I don't need distractions at this stage in my life.

Now don't get me wrong; this is a personal decision, because I know myself. I know how liking someone can affect my thoughts and actions, because I've experienced it before. When I like someone, I tend to put all my thinking into them. And with the Civil Engineering degree I'm trying my hardest to conquer, I need all the brain cells I can get.

From a personal experience, I can say that you should know the right time for you to get into a relationship. Some of my close friends have boyfriends/girlfriends and I'm thrilled for them, although I do advise them from time to time (you know yourselves). Love is a beautiful and actually cute feeling; one I can't wait to actually experience. But for now, the only love I need is the love of God and the love of family and friends.

Once again, it's a personal choice. But I do believe that love/relationships shouldn't distract you from your dreams and academic goals. If your aim for being in university/ high school is for a relationship, then I'm sorry but I believe your priorities are not set straight. There's a time for everything and you should know when you're ready for each stage that comes in your life. Know who you are, what your goals are and what you stand for, before letting someone else into your life.

Don't panic as well if you feel that all your friends are in relationships and you aren't; your time will come so don't force love and end up being with the wrong person.

God makes all things beautiful in its time.

3. If there's something you want to do, do it now!

A year ago I started learning how to play the guitar. Playing an instrument has always been something I've wanted to do and I just decided one day that I wasn't going to wait any longer to try it out. Music is a huge part of my life so anything I can do to further improve my skills, I'll jump at it! And I'm so glad I did because I enjoy playing so much. My guitar is probably my current bae.

My sisters probably have had enough of hearing my guitar though and they're most likely glad I'm in another city so they don't have to endure the sound of strings everyday.

I'm sure there's something you want to learn how to do. Driving, riding a bike, swimming. Anything! Stop dreaming about it and find a way to make it happen. There's no time like the present. Times are going to come when you're so bombarded with responsibilities and work that you can't do any of these things you want. So find a way now to try out that new activity, as soon as possible.

4. When you fail, try again

We've all failed at something in one point in our lives. A test, school, personal goals. Someone close to me recently went through a very difficult period of their life where they felt like they had disappointed themselves and the people around them because they had failed at something. My heart broke because I know this person's abilities and their nature as well. They found it hard for a while to share this failure with me, despite how close we are.

Failure will occur in life, how you respond to it is what makes you into a person of substance. It has the tendency to cause us to minimise our self worth and our value, but the truth is, failure is just a stepping stone to success. It's really hard to realise when you're going through a period of failure but remember that learning from our mistakes and failures make us better people. They help us know more about ourselves and what necessary steps we should take to grow and accomplish our goals.

5. Say NO to Procrastination

When I tell you how much I used to procrastinate, you'd think I was lying. I still find myself procrastinating from time to time, which never helps. Procrastination is honestly a thief of time. The time I've wasted sleeping, scrolling through social media for hours, and basically lying in bed because I couldn't be bothered to get up; I could've been doing so many productive things.

Don't waste your time on useless endeavours; learn how to manage your time effectively and actually do work. This is easy to say but hard to do. We've all been given 24 hours in a day, and how we'll succeed in life depends on how effectively we use those 24 hours. Honestly, we just need the grace of God to overcome laziness and procrastination.

6. Don't be a people pleaser

It's honestly unpleasant when it feels like nobody wants to be around you, or that you're not 'cool' enough to be around some people. When things go this way, it's easy to find that you try to shape yourself into a whole new person just to fit in with the crowd or get people to like you.

But you are supposed to stand out, not fit in. Look for people who like you for who you are. Don't be something that you're not. You'll end up losing your uniqueness that way. Don't try to please others; if anything, try your hardest to please God because aside from your opinion of yourself, His opinion is the only thing that truly matters.

7. Don't be afraid to make new friends

I've been put in numerous situations where I didn't know anyone, and I was meant to make my own friends. Being the introvert that I am, this has never been easy for me. I actually think I fluctuate between introvert and extrovert sometimes when I meet new people There are some occasions that I push myself to actually talk to someone I've never met before, and there are other times I'd shy away and hardly say a word to an unfamiliar face.

But some of the friends I've made have been through strange circumstances where I had to put myself out there. And surprisingly, they've become really good friends of mine now. Make new friends, but keep the old. You never know who this stranger might become in your life.

Talk to that girl you always see on the bus to school. Say hi to that guy you see alone at the back of class. Some people are in desperate need of a friend, and you could be the one to make their day brighter.

8. Accomplish something everyday

I find that having a list of daily goals helps you to get things done more. Everyday should be meaningful, therefore, you should try to have at least one significant goal that you accomplish each day.

It's also good to meditate and look back at the end of the day to see what you've been able to successfully accomplish. There's just this feeling of satisfaction, knowing that you've set a goal and have been able to actually achieve it. Try it out and see.

9. Be careful of what you read, watch, see and hear

I am a writer. As a writer, I have an avid imagination. I couldn't watch horror movies as a child because I'd imagine the weirdest, most unrealistic scenario that would happen to me if I got out from under the bed covers.

Fast forward to now, I'm not afraid as I was before (although I still dislike horror movies) but that still doesn't push me to watch horror movies. I know myself and I know what things will corrupt my mind and what things will enrich it.

A very famous Sunday school song says, "Oh be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see." At the end of our lives, we will give account of every action we took, every movie we watched, every book we read, every song we listened to. So let all you see, hear, watch and see, glorify God and edify you.

10. Develop a personal relationship with God

God is honestly so good guys. When I look at the work of His hands sometimes, and ponder on the things He does. I just wonder and marvel at what a Great God He actually is. I have a lot of testimonies that I'll gradually share with you and honestly, I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for God.

God wants us to have communion with Him; it's why were were created in the first place. He knows everything about us, but He also wants us to know Him. And how do you get to know Him? Through His Word, the Bible. Through prayer. Through everyday conversations with Him. I honestly am someone who prefers speaking to God like a friend, because He is one. There should be no formality with God; you should be able to just speak to Him as you would your parents and friends.

Don't be afraid to tell Him all your worries and doubts because He really is listening. Speak to Him as you would your best friend. MAKE HIM YOUR BEST FRIEND. You honestly won't regret it, I promise you. Knowing God is great and I honestly want to reach that point where I'm even beyond a girl after God's own heart.

So these are ten more lessons, making 19 in total guys. Thanks for reading and I hope these words of wisdom help you as you go through life. Don't forget to subscribe to leave comments and join the EUNIQUEBLOGS fam. Love you all and thank you so much to everyone that wished me a Happy Birthday yesterday and made my day even more special. Thank you to those who couldn't wish me but are sending love and prayers my way. God bless you all and enjoy the day!

Stay blessed and stay a blessing.