As my son left for college, I wrote him a card with all the practical advice you give an 18-year-old going away to school.
I also tucked in an insert with reminders of things I’ve shared with him throughout his life, and hope he carries with him as he begins creating a life of his own.
I wanted to give them a permanent home here on Threaded because they’re reminders I need too. Maybe we all do sometimes.
And if there’s something important I’ve missed, add it in the comments. It may be something the rest of us need to remember too.
1. Always tell the truth. Find a kind way to be honest. Lies always hurt more than the truth.
2. Pay attention. Become aware of your thoughts, emotions, actions, and especially your subconscious beliefs. You can intentionally choose them and change them as needed. They are the tools by which you create your life, the reality around you, and your contribution to the collective. What you truly believe about yourself, life, and others is your truth and will shape your entire life.
3. Intention is everything. Have an intention behind everything you do. Set one before almost anything you begin.
4. Don’t wait for others to give you what you want. Decide what you wish to experience next and call it forth. Believe without a doubt in your creation, and step into that life. Create it with purpose, rather than let it happen by default.
5. Nothing is good or bad per se. Everything you do should represent who you choose to be in that moment. If it doesn’t reflect who you are, don’t choose it. If you don’t like what you’ve created, make a different choice.
6. Be a leader. Dare to be seen and heard. Raise your hand. When you learn something, teach. When you get something, give. Keep abundance flowing.
7. You can’t love another if you don’t truly love yourself. Love and respect yourself above all else. By doing that, you will love and respect others.
8. No dream is too big. The bigger the dream, the more value it should create for others. Find a way to provide as much value to as many people as possible.
9. Every time you face a challenge, give thanks. Literally say thank you and mean it. All challenges are opportunities; we all have them. Opportunities to play in a bigger league in life. To become better versions of ourselves. To have a more exciting, rewarding life. To evolve. Always smile and become excited for each challenge. Know that how you face it will determine the magnitude of its gift.
10. Take time to feel gratitude for your blessings. Every day. And feel thankful for what you’re creating too, even if you don’t see it yet. What you genuinely feel gratitude for grows. The more you train yourself to see the blessings around you, the more blessed you’ll be.
11. Be as aware of what you feed your mind as you are of what you feed your body. Trash does harm to both. At the same time, don’t constantly consume information. You need quiet moments for your soul to communicate what it wishes to experience next. If you don’t give it space, you may miss its messages.
12. There is far more to reality than what you perceive with your senses. The universe is infinitely more complex and grand than we’re taught, and probably more mysterious than any of us will ever fully understand. Therefore, stay open to all possibilities. There will be no end to knowledge and discovery. So don’t believe everything you hear, see, or even think. In fact, doubt most of it. Ask bigger questions, and let your heart and the universe within you and all around you respond.
13. You are never alone. If you’re ever in despair, feel lost, need clarity, or need help in any way, call upon the power that created you. It is a part of you, and it is you. It’s always waiting for you. Of course, I am always here for you too.
14. Keep changing. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel by staying the same and making the same choices. When in doubt, always choose love over fear. Enjoy everything that life has to offer, all of it, not just what’s considered favorable. Live fully, with passion, excitement, and without fear.
15. My home will always be your home. Make sure to FaceTime often. Learn a ton. And have the time of your life.
Paula
Founder, INEMERGENCE