10 things not to regret 10 years from now ...

  1. Take A Risk! Whether it is that guy that you never thought you would date yet turned out to be your Prince Charming to that dream job you always wanted but was located in a less-than-desirable city … all turn out to be a lesson that you either love or learn from.
  1. Travel! No matter to where … pack your bag and grab your passport. You will never regret learning about another culture or experiencing something beyond your wildest dreams.
  1. Know your true friends! We all go through stages where friends come and go throughout our lives. But, recognize those true friends who speak truth and life and hold on to them. They are your greatest anchor and biggest advocates!
  1. Acknowledge the good parts! We all know what they are yet our shyness, embarrassment, pride, self-consciousness, etc. keep us from truly displaying them. There are certain phases of our lives where these assets will only be available for a brief time – take hold of them!
  1. Respect your parents! While you will not always agree with them, they brought you into this world. They raised you. They sacrificed for you. Return the favor by creating a relationship with them. You will never regret it!
  1. Fall madly, deeply, head-over-heels in love! Regardless of whether it works out or not … do it! You will never regret it. While it may be infinitely painful for a season it will not be in vain. If it does not work out it will, infinitely, change you, as it will be the most important lesson you learn. If it turns out to be your fairy-tale ending then... game over! Either way, you win!
  1. Be fiscally responsible! Years begin to pile on when you are not paying attention. That shoe fund that started out as fun should turn into a significant contribution to your 401k plan within 5 years. If not, let’s talk.
  1. Find a passion. There are certain things that make us unique. What is that one thing that ignites your creativity? Is it art, fashion, food, leadership, ministry? Every woman should have that one thing that makes her light up when she begins to talk about it.
  1. Settling! Know what you want and what you are passionate about and what you will not compromise on. Too often, we wait many, many years to capitalize on this. Recognize these priorities early so that compromise does not become difficult as we age.
  1. Be who you are! Too many times we compare ourselves to others or to a fictitious measuring stick that we think we should measure up to. Recognize the talents God gave you and thrive in them. They may not be easy and they may not be popular but they are yours … own them! We can only prosper in the arena in which we were created for. Don’t waste time in another’s stadium.