“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” -Lucille Ball
How true is this quote? Lucille put all the right words together into a perfect phrase. As we approach our early twenties, it can be difficult to find ourselves as separate individuals. You ask yourself what your goals are, what you want to strive towards, and how you can make your dreams a plausible reality. Society convinces us into thinking we need the answers right at this moment. Thus, anxiety bundles in the hearts of young individuals, but the unknown should be seen as endless opportunities that are awaiting to happen and flourish. Living in the present only embraces the love for the journey and the fearlessness of the unknown. Darling, it is okay. Repeat this out loud: It is okay to not know the answers. This is the time to enjoy the journey of finding yourself. We are not allowed to foresee the future because life would simply be dull-no excitement or thrill or purpose. God has a purpose for everyone on this planet and we discover this purpose through living and not just merely existing. If you have an interest, pursue it wholeheartedly until you find out if it is right or wrong for you. If you are unhappy, change your current situation. The best advice I can ever give someone is to follow your heart and ask for God’s direction because He only wants to see His children succeed in greatness.
You may be wondering why I am sharing this word of advice. I experienced a situation that was extremely terrifying during my first year of college and that was changing majors. I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life, and then things suddenly changed. I decided to ask for God’s direction and asked Him to allow me see this darkness as an opportunity to flourish. Without darkness appearing, the light would never be appreciated. Even after changing majors, I still had no idea if this change was what I wanted. But I tried. I tried experiencing the unknown. As a result, I ended up loving my decision to change majors and pursue my dreams here in Los Angeles. Through numerous days of tears running down my face and hope being lost, I called to God and He answered. I am now finding myself and finding love from within.
Continuously ask questions and allow yourself to be curious. The way to conquer fear is by knowing every single aspect of that fear. God may not give the answers directly when we desire them most, but the answer will be given when it is meant to be voiced. His timing is in perfect harmony. You, along with God, are on this journey together and any form of darkness is only temporary. Finding inner peace is such an essential part of living, but the way to find inner peace is different for every individual. I can say that the first step in the process begins with you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.
We go through these trials for a reason and I’ve learned it is because God wants us to explore. Being young is all about exploration. Correction, life in general is all about exploration. There is always room for growth and learning and opportunity. The day it stops? The day God has taken you into His hands. Remember: Life is meant to be lived in all forms: do not always play it safe, but always play it graciously.
Photograph from Tumblr
You may be wondering why I am sharing this word of advice. I experienced a situation that was extremely terrifying during my first year of college and that was changing majors. I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life, and then things suddenly changed. I decided to ask for God’s direction and asked Him to allow me see this darkness as an opportunity to flourish. Without darkness appearing, the light would never be appreciated. Even after changing majors, I still had no idea if this change was what I wanted. But I tried. I tried experiencing the unknown. As a result, I ended up loving my decision to change majors and pursue my dreams here in Los Angeles. Through numerous days of tears running down my face and hope being lost, I called to God and He answered. I am now finding myself and finding love from within.
Continuously ask questions and allow yourself to be curious. The way to conquer fear is by knowing every single aspect of that fear. God may not give the answers directly when we desire them most, but the answer will be given when it is meant to be voiced. His timing is in perfect harmony. You, along with God, are on this journey together and any form of darkness is only temporary. Finding inner peace is such an essential part of living, but the way to find inner peace is different for every individual. I can say that the first step in the process begins with you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.
We go through these trials for a reason and I’ve learned it is because God wants us to explore. Being young is all about exploration. Correction, life in general is all about exploration. There is always room for growth and learning and opportunity. The day it stops? The day God has taken you into His hands. Remember: Life is meant to be lived in all forms: do not always play it safe, but always play it graciously.
Photograph from Tumblr
| About the Gracious Guest Author Alexis Faber is currently attending FIDM (The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and majoring in Merchandise Marketing. | She is extremely ambitious with a warm heart, and has goals of working within publications. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California. |