love: lessons learned

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com

 

Once upon a time there was a little girl. This little girl dreamed of love and finding the perfect prince charming -- her perfect prince charming. She believed that every single person out there had their own prince (or princess) charming and would find them one day. The rest of the story goes like this: the little girl grows up to be a blossoming young woman, finds her prince charming, and rides off in a carriage with a horse and her prince into the inevitable 'happily ever after'.

What they didn't tell her is that she'd have to kiss a lot of frogs before she found that prince.

They didn't tell her that there are few true prince charmings out there.

 

They never told her that she could make her own rules.

They never told her to nurture the relationship she has with herself even when she's fallen hard for someone else.

I've officially finished my journey as a college freshman. It's over and I'm writing this post tucked safely in my bed at home where I can shower without having to wear shower shoes. Hah! Maybe the most important thing I learned this year has been to never lose sight of me. Life knocks ya down! It throws you around, grips you tight, and then gives you a good kick in the ass just because. Knowing who you are and what you stand for is the most important thing, I've learned, to get you back on your feet when life is fu-, well, "life-ing" you over and over again.

I've learned  a lot in the romance department as well. If I could go back and write myself a few bullet points before starting my freshman year, they would've looked a little like this:
1. Do not share your body with someone you don't care about.
2. Ignore the whispers. If you want to have a little fun, have a little fun! This double standard bullshit shouldn't keep you from doing what makes you happy.
3. Love works in mysterious ways.
4. You'll find love in the most unexpected places in the most unexpected people when you're not looking for it.
5. Be in the moment. Stop trying to worry about the future.
6. The only way you're ready to be with someone else is if you're ready to be with you.
7. Little boys vs. Men. Don't waste your time messing around with little boys. If you're looking for a love, you're not going to find it there. 'Nuff said...
8. Intellect is a turn-on.
9. Don't settle. If he doesn't give you butterflies, he's not for you.
10. Love fully with your whole heart and never apologize for it.

So thank you, emotional rollercoaster that was my past year. You've taught me well.

I can hear my year whispering back to me, "You did good, kid."

I'm so strange...

And on that note,

-- J