what i have learned.

this week i was asked to speak with my students about some of the things that i wish i had known as a teenager. gosh. i am often struck by how little i knew and understood as a teenager and, perhaps as a result, how difficult those high school years were

here are just a few of the things i have learned since then...

. : that everyone looks nicer when they smile

. : that you should not cut your own fringe on the day that you graduate from highschool

. : that it doesn’t take much to make someones day

. : that a real man treats all women right all of the time

 . : that family holidays are not lame

. : that what is 'weird' as a teenager is 'quirky' as an adult. and quirky is kind of awesome. 

. : that if you find a spider in your car while you are driving you MUST stay calm. punching yourself in the legs to kill the aforementioned spider will not help.

. : that parents are not perfect but they do their best

. : that staying healthy is not just for old people

. : that your world will not stop if that boy doesn't like you back. even though it feels like it might.

. : that manners are important

. : that outside is full of magic and dancing is better if it is done in the rain

. : that everyone should jump fully clothed into a swimming pool at least once in their life

. : that going out for ice cream with your grandparents will not always be an option. do it while you can.

. : that sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right

. : that being happy is different to being joyful

. : that everyone has a story worth hearing

. : that Jesus is a really good decision

how about you? what do you wish you had known when you were a teenager?