What I want my friends to know before they leave home.
This blog post has been undergoing changes for about a week. Its been weighing on my mind and I think it’s rawness will either excite you in your preparation to “spread your wings” or help you realise that your situation is not, uncommon. If I had any advice to my friends before they leave home it would be this:
First, You are in a good place and you are amazing! For a long time I thought that I had to be something “more” to feel complete and successful. I honestly felt that my life would be better in a different country. And to be totally honest its nice to be in a different place but, you’ll realise soon that your life is not as bad as your mind made it out to be.
Second, you are not a burden to your Parents. The consistent encouragement, however delivered, is always intended with love. Whether you’re a student trying to decide if your major is really for you, or just working on you, what better place to do it then your own home. I used to think I was a burden to my parents, but in all honestly they love you being there! So, figure it out talk to them and in return, listen to listen and not to respond.
You will miss your family, no doubt. I would consider myself independent and maybe sometimes, a little too independent. My move to England quickly showed me how incredibly attached I am to my Family. (Not that I had to move across the globe to know that one). This is, hands down, the first time I’ve ever been H…homesick and I miss them terribly, technology doesn’t make up the difference but it helps.
Your relationship status doesn’t define your worth. Let’s address the elephant in the room haha I am 25 and Single & that’s absolutely okay! I made a silent choice on my mission that once I turned 25 it was time to move out and put all those “Home skills” to practice in a place of my own (with or without a ring on that finger). How does this relate to moving out? Well I don’t think the Lord wants us to be stagnant and wasting our days away waiting for someone to sweep us of our feet. You have to live your own life, do what you love and be actively engaged in life skills that will make you a better…you :)
Tables will turn and you will be calling your parents all the time. haha My poor Mum & Dad get calls at all odd hours of the morning. You often take for granted the people that are always in your presence and I kick myself everyday for not spending that little more time with them. On the other hand If you really feel like change (leaving home) might be of benefit to you, then let them know. Be honest and open with your Parents tell them how you really feel. And be open to their suggestions, counsel and advice. No one else on earth will love you more then they will.
Don’t get me wrong. Spreading my wings has brought me so much adventures but it also has brought challenges and obstacles. However, It is in these very moments of challenge that I have been able to grow as a person. Life is what we make of it and if we do it right, we have nothing to worry about.
