As a very troubled teen, extending into my young adult years, I look upon the world today and see so many of the things that kept me in darkness only becoming more dominant in today’s youth. I have some advice to offer.
While technology, and even more specifically, the internet, can be used as a wonderful tool in our modern world (to share information, learn new things, and find endless entertainment), never put more value in screens than in actually interacting with real human beings—with friends, with family—animals, and nature. Oftentimes, the quiet moments of peace are where we can better hear our “inner voice” and where some of our best thoughts and ideas spring from.
Another thing that I wish I would have known when I was younger is how much my inner reality was affecting, and dare I say, creating my outer reality. With so much focus on external reality, and now exacerbated by smartphones and the constant access to screens, information, etc., it’s wise to develop your self-awareness and learn to recognize your own personal responsibility in how your life is unfolding. We all have power over the lives we create, and it starts with becoming aware of our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, and making changes that benefit ourselves and others. The inner creates the outer, not the other way around. This is powerful to know and fully accept.
Next, don’t expect life to be easy. Don’t expect things to just be handed to you without any work or earnest effort on your part. Instead, know that anything worth having in life (whether it be building a fulfilling career, getting in shape, breaking bad habits and building better ones, making inner changes such as being less critical of yourself and others, or not complaining, gossiping, etc.) is built over time with determination, persistence, effort, and a willingness to do uncomfortable things. A positive attitude and a strong belief in yourself are also key ingredients to success and achievement. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that life is just easy for some people and hard for others. We all have to put in the work to be our best selves.
And lastly, and by far most importantly, in a world that has largely forgotten God: Seek God always, constantly, and unwaveringly. Seek to know God’s heart and mind, and align your own heart and mind with God’s. Know that God is working in and around you at all times, and even when “so-called” bad things are happening, there are vitally important lessons for you to learn through those hardships that could not be learned any other way. Understand deeply this truth: In order to have a beautiful, flourishing, “life of your dreams” kind of life, God must be the center and supreme interest of your life.
