by Catherine Graham

Created on: August 04, 2007   Last Updated: January 08, 2008

My life has given me many experiences, taught me many of lessons, and had me share my own tears and laughter. Although somedays it seems as though my life has just begun, there is a lot I have learned in twenty four years.

My first piece of advice is Love. Love yourself, love your family, love your friends. But first love yourself. Follow your heart, follow your thoughts. Take care of yourself, and your own needs. You are the only person who will be with you from the first day until the last. It is your life, and you are the one that needs to be happy... not those around you.. but you. This may sound selfish or self centered, but it is the way to be. If you give so much of yourself to others, but never take anything for yourself, you will not be happy..you will feel run down, alone and unappreciated.

Forgive. Forgiveness is the hardest step to accomplish in life. Whether you are forgiving your family, your friends, your enemies or yourself, forgive. Hatred, anger, hurt and pain can weigh down your heart and your mind. Allow for mistakes. Allow for forgiveness. These are crucial steps to self love and loving unconditionally of others.

Have patience. Great things come to those who wait. I have a hard time with patience. I feel that when I say I finally want something, it's because I wanted it ten minutes ago, ten hours, ten days, or ten years ago. I am learning though, that when I wait, everything falls into place. When I have the patience, I am able to find the beauty and feel the glow of finally having.

Be grateful. Appreciate all that you have in your life. Even if it's just the clothes on your back, at least you're not naked. Find something to appreciate every day... a bird, a song, a sunset, a good meal or a good friend. When you are able to recognize all that is well in your life, you will feel happier.

Apologize. If you do something that you shouldn't have, or you have made a mistake, take responsibility. Stand up and own up to it. Admit you were wrong, apologize and leave it at that. There is no reason to carry it with you. Whether or not the other person will forgive is up to them, but if you've apologized you have done your part.

Follow your gut. This might seem strange, but by listening to your gut, or your inner voice, you will find that more things go the way you want them to. If you are questioning a relationship, a job, a move, or something trivial, listen to what your gut is saying. Quite often the answers are lying within us. It is only when we stop to listen that we will know what they are.

Follow your dreams. Don't let anyone keep you from them. Don't let yourself keep you from them. This is your life and your time to shine. You have the possibility in you to do it. Go for it, and go for it hard.

Lastly, believe that you are a great person. Tell yourself you are great everyday. Feel great. Be great. Act great. Think great. Each and every one of us is unique, and have so much to offer. Follow your heart. Listen to love. Be yourself.

I'm sure there is a lot more that I need to learn. And I will, when the time is right, and I open to the lesson.

Until then, live love and love life.

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