17 Things I Have Learned by 17

I got inspiration this morning by a blogger who talked about the 26 things they had learned by the time they turned 26. Something instantly clicked inside me. Oh gosh! I am going to be 17 in no time (to be exact, three days)!

I know list-format blog posts interest a lot of readers and get them thinking about topics of their own to post about, so I figured I would partake in this "list of learning" myself!

1). You don't touch the burner when it is turned on... it is hot.

2). I probably will never crawl. I'm standing on two feet, ma! Somethin's different!

3). I am resilient. I have always been stronger, both with wisdom and emotional mentality. I have pulled myself up out of every hardship I have come across, and fast. I bounce back up and continue on. (I can also put up with quite the B.S. from others! I am not easily broken).

4). I am here to help others--to heal, to guide, to teach, and to lead.

5). I'm not a one-nighter kind of gal. I date merely for love, with an eye for the future and a possible courtship. I have a soft, tender side to the fiery lover within. I am here to please my future #1, and take a backseat to his or her glory.

6). I see things how they are--no exceptions, no questions, and no confusion about life's facts. I enjoy living this way, therefore I can enjoy the little joys I find along the way. I am a sentimental soul, filled with special "givings".

7). More than likely, the majority of people I meet will not understand me due to the lack of sincerity and depth within my generation. I am realistic, loud, and blunt about what I believe in--it is not a question of optimism or pessimism; it just is. I hear that's a bit scary for some not always confident in their voice. I have forgiveness for those who do not have their voice, and will always encourage them to find it.

8). Boys will be boys. Lying, cheating, and secretive people. I do my best as a woman to love them tenderly and let my chosen one know that I will not betray. I do my part to give women a better reputation than we do in some eyes. I keep my eyes open, and give equal trust and faith in each man I meet, unless they prove differently.

9). You cannot "save" someone from themselves, or their feelings. However, you can help them out of it and give them the encouragement to continue with confidence.

10). The leaders that came before me which I now follow, the teachers within my life, and my parents have been nothing but abnormal. They are beautiful, graceful people, rarely found in a child's life, for which I am ever thankful.

11). My birth mother gave me the best life and knew she was during the process. My birth father should be ashamed to not be a part of my life, and severely missed out on a kick-ass daughter.

12). I crave being recognized--acknowledged, given attention, and loved unconditionally. I crave the feeling of fitting in, being one in the crowd, and known as a human being, due to the bullying I endured at a young age.

13). Life is never going to be perfect, and I can see each reason for an occurrence within my journey. I hold more spiritually-based faith than the rest of my family and peers, and believe God is guiding my journey here on earth.

14). I know my body well, and know what to put in it/how to treat it. I am educated on the health and wellness aspects of life and emotional therapy/renewal.

15). The song I want played at my funeral is "All for Love" by Michael Bolton--it captures my spirit and what I hoped to achieve on this earth, regardless of those who desire to push me down.

16). Education is important--and yes, those "future planning papers" we create in high school will indeed help us in our futures. It is important to focus on high grades, continue your interest in College, and discover who you are.

17). Some individuals cannot stand it when others are happy or successful, and know how to raise their voice. It is threatening, and hard for others to comprehend.