What I've learned...

As I sit here on another BEAUTIFUL Carolina Spring day, I am reflective of the things I've learned since becoming an adult...wait, am I an adult yet? I'm still only 29...so.....maybe not...maybe the things I've learned since I'm not a teenager anymore. ;)

As most of you know, I started training for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I have done a lot of walking in the first 14 days, and a lot of thinking too...

A friend of mine posted on her Facebook a letter to herself, looking back as though she were sending it to the 17 year old she was...What a great idea, I thought! So, here is my letter to the 17 year old version of myself....

Things I have learned about life, love, and family:

I know that what you are feeling right now is utter turmoil: you can't stand your parents, you "love" your boyfriend, and you think everyone is against you. The truth is, your parents adore you (they just want you to make the right choices), your boyfriend will leave you (and you will one day know real, honest, true love), and everyone is FOR you.

Take time to enjoy these years, when you are 30, errr 29, you will wish you had...enjoy the freedom of few responsibilities because when the real world knocks at your door, you will, on occasion, pray for that time back.

Be nice to your parents...they will one day be your rock, and you will wish that those hurtful words and actions never happened. They support you and always will...they will save you from yourself later in life, and you will understand one day, why your mother was always right! Love them, cherish them, and tell them how much they mean to you...every day.

Stay in school...no amount of money you will get from working like you do will EVER be more important than getting your education. Besides, you are just going to blow that money and one day wish you hadn't.

Hold on to the friends you love the most...there is nothing like having a childhood friend to grow old with...Sure, you will make new friends and some of them will be great, but as you grow in life, you will want that Telly Beth to still be around...she loves you (even when you fight over boys, she still loves you) and knows you better than you know yourself...Cherish that!

Be open to finding love in the strangest places...that's where you will find your soulmate. And don't be surprised when it's someone totally unexpected. And when you find it, hold on to it for dear life...It will be hard, really, really hard at times, but it will all be worth it...HE will be worth it.

Love your in-laws! They will help you grow and flourish and they are the connection to your soulmate...

Prepare yourself for motherhood...eat well, exercise more, and pray. Pray like you've never prayed before. Being a mom is very hard and trying...but oh, is it worth it!

Most importantly, take care of yourself...try to put yourself first sometimes...I know that sounds weird because you are doing that now, but trust me, do more of it later.

Lastly, don't be afraid to push yourself to the limits...you are strong, you are brave, you are loving...you CAN do everything you never thought you could...Have faith in YOU! God will see you through it, and you WILL be amazed!

Good luck, babes!

Ok, just wanted to get that out and see what it would say...ha ha!

Update on my Avon Walk:
So far, I have raised ZERO funds...I have 199 days to raise $1800 or I can't walk. If you are reading this and have a few extra dollars, PLEASE donate...just ask me how!
The training part hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. The hardest part is making time for it but in 14 days, I've walked 28 miles so I am, to say the least, quite proud of myself. I'll keep you updated on my progress and may even have to "vent" a few times by blogging my soreness away (oh yeah, that's the other part...my body hurts like hell some days!).

Until next time...take care of yourself and your loved ones!