Reflections

Throughout the school year, I have changed a lot. Some for the good, and some for the bad. And I’m not just talking about outward appearance, but as a person also. I have learned a lot about myself and about the people I surround myself with.

First of all, influences are a big deal. Isn’t that why they always say its important to make good friends who will be good influences on us? I mean, I understand that to an extent but then I have to disagree. Ive learned that its more important to be the good influence yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to influence you to do something great or the right thing, but do it out of your own actions and influence others to do so. Don’t pick and choose your friends depending on if their “good kids” or not. I mean, surely you don’t want to surround yourself with “bad people” and join their habits, but there’s nothing wrong with friending them and being the good influence that they need without inheriting their poor choices.

Secondly, I’ve learned that a good foundation is critical. No, I’m not talking about makeup but about a one on one relationship with Christ and keeping that as your foundation to stand on throughout life. Yes, I’ve known this for a long time but this year I have came closer to facing the reality of it. People will try to shape you into being who THEY want you to be. Not who you are or who Christ calls you to be. And while you may know that its not particularly who you want to become, you go along with it because of ACCEPTANCE. The one thing we all desire and the motive for almost everything we do. However, if we stand 0n our foundation of Christ and surround ourselves who will help us stand striong on it, we become more able to refuse the shaping of others and become whom we are truly supposed to be.

Numero tres, relationships can screw with your head. Yeah I like boys and I think their delicious, but that doesn’t mean that I need to become obsessed or consumed with them. That’s just ridiculous. Relationships are great for getting to know other people and what not, but lets not get carried away. So, a piece of my advise? Before you become completely obsessed with someone and end up with a broken heart, remember, its just high school. It’s. Just. High school.

two plus two, family is key. Friends will come and go but family will always be there. Seriously, I’m not kidding. I mean, I know that I have definitely been blessed with such great older brothers who care about me, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They are so important to me and are always there to protect me and get me through hard times. They have been especially supportive of me this year and I hope that one day I can be as loving, supportive, and helpful to them as they have been to me.

Full house (I think that’s five), I’ve learned that there’s plenty of time to grow up. Like I said, its just high school. There is so much more to come, so just enjoy what you have at the moment. Lets just say, I don’t enjoy going to work and paying for gas. It sucks.

The square root of 36, dont take everything for granted. We are blessed. Accept it and give thanks.

Seventh, don’t ever pass up an opportunity to reach out to someone because you might be the only willing to. Killing with kindness is always a good thing. Remember, you get what you give.

Four plus four, never underestimate yourself. you are capable of anything, so don’t let yourself think otherwise. Sure, high school is stressful, but we’re pushing through it. Sure, relationships can be upsetting, but we’re pushing through them. Sure, peer pressure is hard to deal with at times, but we’re pushing through it. Sure, parents get annoying, but we’re pushing through it. Sure, people will tell us we can’t achieve or do something because were young, but they have no idea what we’re capable of. Were the generation that’s rising up. We are the future leaders, so keep pushing through and change the world. You can. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Ninth, high school is dreadful if your going to worry about what other people think of you. Be the person you want to be and ignore everyone else. Everyone has their opinions and judgements, but you have the final say in who you want to be. Be true to yourself.

How many fingers I have(ten), love. Its that simple. just love.

And this is only the beginning…