Major Life Advice

Recently during class I was giving an acquaintance/friend advice after being asked "How am I so happy?" and another acquaintance/friend wanted me to begin as she thought this was very important. Today I want to share part of a book (google doc) that I've been writing throughout the years that is full of advice I have received and found.

Today is the Best Day of My Life

This may sound crazy, but it's true, everyday is the best day of your life because you never know when life will end. I learned this from my dad who even thought it was crazy when he heard it from his friend. This advice has helped me look at the positive in every day things. For example in high school I didn't enjoy waking up around 4 am for swim practice, but when I dad told me this advice, I started thinking about it began enjoying early mornings. How lucky was I to do what I love, be awake before anyone else, talk to my friends, and laugh endlessly before the sun rose? So lucky and as a result I got to experience some of the most beautiful and funniest things in the world like a glowing pool, gorgeous hair, locker room talk, speeding to breakfast, concerts, and the sound of happiness.

Friendships Begin in the Weirdest Ways

I have had many a friendship begin in weird ways. One of my first friendships began in first grade because I asked her if she knew how to loosen my backpack. I become friends with one girl after we would kick each other underwater during swim practice, why I don't know, but we still see each other on occasion today. Another friendship began while listening to my self recorded version of Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night," during a sleepover. I even remember asking my mom to wait so I could record the song off our computer before we left for the sleepover, who knew I would've made a friend  based off that action. One time I was reintroduced to a soon to be friend by my former best friend saying "This is Katherine, she can put her fist in her mouth," leading me to have to show that I could put my fist in my mouth, eww. The point is you never know how a friendship will begin and where it will lead to.

Be kind, even if you think they're weird, they probably made too many mistakes in front of you or to you, so they're probably not that weird.

I have made too many mistakes in my life in front of people and I have received so much forgiveness and many second chances through the kindness of people. I say some crazy things from time to time, but people still want to be my friend and will talk to me after.

It is the End of the World for Some People

A teacher of mine once said that he tries to keep perspective in mind, while listening to students express their problems. For example if a friend just received a poor grade for the first time they may think that life as they know it is over. Instead of saying "Well, the world isn't over," it's easier to understand that they haven't been through this before, thus it feels like the world is over to them. I try to keep this in mind when listening to people especially if they're going through something I already have. I am simply there to listen and understand where they're coming from.

Sit on your Phone during Class

Going to school is important, but it can be unattractive and result in missing a class. During lunch with my cousin I listened to him talk about how my other cousin isn't going to class as much as he should, but is going more than he used to. He said that he encourages him to just go to class and sit on his phone because even just sitting there you can soak up knowledge and listen here and there. I took this advice and applied it to my own life. If I'm not too excited about heading to class I just tell myself that I can online shop the whole time, however I end up taking notes and listening. When you listen you hear the funniest things like for example we were learning about schedules and the professor had our class make a group one, so as we listed Shower, Breakfast, and etc. we reached "caffeinate" on the list and under one student's breath they said "Or Cocaine." Everyone heard and the professor asked what he said and laughed about it. Later we had to assign times to each activity and the same student said "It takes like a second to rail a line." Everyone laughed. Then, the professor said "Depends on how you take your cocaine." Simply just sitting in class and listening allows you to learn about scheduling, but also hear some funny things.

Don't Say No for Them

My aunt told me this one when I had a big decision in front of me. If I would've decided the outcome before trying I would never be the person I am today. Even if the odds are against you, just try, it may just work out in the end.

Love People
I think loving someone means to love with, in the words of Fr. Boyle "A No Matter Whatness!" and giving all of yourself to them. I'm not gonna lie, I struggle with this one. I love people, but more often than not they are people already in my bubble. It's important to see life through other perspectives and to walk with them. I forget we are all loved eternally and to treat and see people like that, I think I'll do this through remembering everyone's brokenness and the love Jesus has for everyone

Well, I hope this has been funny and helpful and encourages others, particularly myself to continue to change for the better.

God Bless!