This month marks 12 years since I walked across the stage at Cass City High School, on that muggy spring night, to receive my diploma. And as I look back on the decade-plus of life I have lived since then, I think about the advice I might give to my 18-year-old self:
1.) Don’t feel pressured to go to college right after high school — work hard at a steady job, save up money, and use the time to figure out what you want to do as a career. 2.) On that note, your high school guidance counselor is wrong: don’t just shoot for college and trust that the financial part will all work out. Get a plan together, work it, and figure out a way to pay for it without student loans. 3.) Abstain from alcohol. For many of your peers, it has left carnage in its wake. 4.) Take care of yourself, but don’t spend too much time worrying about your looks. Your hair will be gone in a few years, and the woman you marry really won’t be concerned about it. 5.) That reminds me, I know you think the single life is the way to go. It’s not. Her name is Elisabeth. She lives in Kalamazoo. And, boy, did you marry up! 6.) Don’t buy the motorcycle. In theory, it’s a good idea; but it’s not you. Stick to four wheels. 7.) Journal every day. You might cringe at some of your ideas later, but you’ll be glad you wrote them down. 8.) Don’t make big decisions when you’re tired. Things are seldom as dismal in the daytime as they are at night . 9.) Embrace hard tasks. Sure, they aren’t always pleasant at the time, but you’ll be grateful for them later. 10.) Establish the discipline of daily Bible reading and prayer. You’ll get to know Him so much better. 11.) Just say “no” to debt. If you can’t afford it, either save for it or take it as a sign that you don’t need it (and, please, start listening to Dave Ramsey!). 12.) Never put your hope in a politician or party, no matter how right they may be. They’ll always disappoint. Always. 13.) Ditch the T-shirts and tennis shoes. Embrace the Oxford cloth button-down shirt and brown leather shoes. Trust me on this. 14.) Get ready. Two little people, named Lottie and Emory, will soon enter your world. You will love them more than life itself. 15.) Resume your piano lessons. In 12 years, you’ll wish you could play. 16.) You might get away with eating unlimited sweets now, but it won’t last forever. Moderation, my friend. 17.) Your comfort zone should be a starting place, not a destination. Try new things, meet new people, go places you’ve never been before. 18.) Listen to your parents. They know what they’re talking about, and they have your best interest in mind. 19.) The things you value at 18 will not be the things you value at 30. Hold everything in an open hand. 20.) Read deeply and widely. You never know when you’ll need obscure information in a conversation.
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AuthorTy Perry is a writer based in metro-Detroit. Archives
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