Valuable Advice

They’re usually true. The wise, cliché sayings you hear from your grandparents. The “lessons learned” stories that your parents try to tell you.

When I was a young girl, I always tried to absorb the advice older people would give me. I thought about how lucky I was to listen to those stories and correct the mistakes of those around me. I became a sponge, taking in everything that I could just so my path was a little smoother, a little easier.

I took a lot of advice from people. I still do. It’s one of my favorite things in the world. To read quotes, sayings, stories, and hear about what other people have gone through— how they’re stronger because of it.

I decided that I want to start a mini-series explaining some of the quotes I’ve picked up over the years. Ones I unshakably live by, famous sayings, and pieces of advice from my loved ones who have guided me through life. I think that sometimes we just need an idea to be reframed or a push from the harsh truth to open our eyes to what we can control or have to completely surrender to.

Although I love listening to elders’ stories, I am fully aware that no matter how much I listen to other people’s advice, I have to go through my own fair share of hardships. I know I’m bound to get caught in messy situations, feel like there’s no way out, but eventually, get to the other side.

There's no getting around the fact that I’ve messed up a ton. I’ve done things I really have no good excuse for; things I did out of pure stupidity, selfishness, and anger. They still sit inside my head at times and cause that little voice in me to say, “what were you thinking?” I would be outright lying if I said I don’t waste time boggled down about what I could have or should have done differently in the past.

The difference now is that I try not to see those as roadblocks. I see them as lessons I can pass on to others. I’ve grown up since being a young, innocent girl who only listened and never contributed. I was learning and storing away pieces of advice for the future.

Even though I’m only twenty-three years old, I know that I have value to add in helping other people navigate through their own seasons. What good is reliving the past if you’re not going to share your mistakes with others so that they can learn from them?

I learned that you should listen to others when they talk. Not just with your ears, with your heart and your head, too, but when the conversation dies down, don’t be afraid to speak loudly. Your voice is valuable. No matter how old you are, what you took away from your experiences, or how insignificant your “lesson learned” feels, you never know what sponge is waiting to absorb your words and use it to better his/her days.

If you need inspiration or don’t think you need some, either way you can never have too much, so stay tuned for powerful quotes in the near future!