2. When someone says that he wants to be with you, he will be with you. [He = he/she. You know.] When a family member, friend, or lover says that he wants to be with you, he will make it happen. You've heard it said that actions speak louder than words. And what you've heard is true. If he cares about you, he will be there. Amen.
3. If he cares about you, and he cannot be there physically, he will be there in any other way he knows how. Checking up on you constantly. Calling. Texting. Emailing funny photos. Example: (some of) my sweet Nashville pals continuously stay in contact even if I haven't seen them in over a year. It's like I've never left. And they haven't either. #friendship.
5. People grow and situations change. I was going to say that people change, but I think that people just continuously learn about themselves, which ends up making situations different. Always. You grow. You learn to adapt. And that's life. And it's awesome.
6. You can learn a whole lotta life lessons from dogs. I personally wouldn't lick someone to pieces as soon as they enter a room, but I find it completely appropriate to bear-hug-jump-tackle someone to the ground (out of love).
7. It's important to start your day with the mindset of "I get to.." You don't really have to do anything. Every day is a beautiful gift, and you should be thankful. Think "I get to.." vs. "I need to.." How cheesy is that? ...but HOW TRUE IS THAT? AM I RIGHT?!
8. People actually do not ask other people on dates anymore. You can be that kid reading this thinking, "Hope! I know plenty of people who ask other people on dates!! Just the other day I messaged a girl--" You can stop right here, buddy. Never in my twenty-one years of living have I been personally approached, in real life, by a man, asking to take me out to dinner. No, I will not go out with you via facebook/text/email message. You can man up and ask me in real life, though. Excuse that wave of tartness that just overtook the keyboard.
9. Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. Christmastime genuinely feels like magic. Coffee tastes better, human beings are nicer (unless you're at the mall), and houses are SPARKLY! AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC. AND SWEATERS. Stop. How many days until Christmas?
10. Hey, maybe if you're allergic to something, you should not eat it. Speaking of Christmas.. Ginger(bread), I love you. I love everything about you: your scent, the way you look all cute when you're shaped like a lil cookie man.. but this just isn't working out. My throat swells up every time I'm around you. If you love something let it go...
11. Bitterness does not look pretty on anyone. Y'know, that relationship that ended over a year ago? Let it go. Stop talking about it. Move on with your beautiful life and stop drinking that haterade. I was bitter one time after a relationship, and I eventually ended up annoying myself. Soz, y'all. Be the golden person and just forgive, hug it out, and move on.
12. Guilty pleasures do not exist. They just don't. You like what you like, and there's that. Embrace your weirdness. I don't care if you like reading those Twilight books, as long as you don't mind that I jam out to One Direction really, really hard. Once you truly get to know someone, you find out they're one of the strangest people you've ever met. Everyone is. That doesn't even make sense, but it does. Let's be real: life is way more fun when you talk with random accents and sing every other sentence.
13. Night drives are the best drives. When you need to get away, or sing too loud with crazy arm movements (that look like choreographed dance moves in your head, I know), do it at night. The black sky paired with the white lines is soothing. And no one can see you having your own car concert in the darkness.
14. Life does not end after college. To everyone who told me that "college is the best time of your life", you are wrong. Every day is the best time of my life. I left college a year ago and my life keeps getting better and better. Maybe it has something to do with your outlook.
15. Nobody has it all figured out. Majority of people use a glamorous spotlight to showcase their life. If you spend your time thinking that you're the only one with problems, you will only focus on your behind-the-scenes. Life is fun.
16. You should wear sunscreen. You really should. I'm just looking out for your safety, babe. I gotchu.
17. Saving money is easy and worth it. I mean, I know I'm only 21, but I wish I would have grasped this sooner. It's not hard to put a little money aside here and there. Shout out to my boy Dave Ramsey.
18. Expectations can (and will) shadow reality. Don't try to fit the reality into the box of expectation that your mind has created. Experience, and enjoy.
19. Flirting is hard, and I don't understand it. I don't. The word "flirt" even makes me laugh. How do you flirt? I mean, I know I do it, but is it just second nature to me? Is that bad? Boys flirt weird. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable because they're so awkward, but I like it. Is that what flirting is? I'm still confused. Does anyone know what your sad winky face means? ;(
20. My parents have always had my best interest at heart. And they are awesome. They're hilarious. Have you met my parents? They are gems. My whole family (grandmas, sister, cousins, etc.) is a blessing, but like...my parents, though. www.thebomb.com
21. You have a lot more inside of you than you think. "Be strong and courageous." You are an overcomer. When you think you're done, you are actually for sure not. You can keep going. Stretch yourself. Bend yourself to the point of almost breaking, and see where you end up. Life is beautiful when you realize that the God who created the most breathtaking mountains, refreshing breeze, and powerful sun...created you.
