You Learn As You Go

So many things in life are really simple and straightforward when you get down to it.

If something seems like a bad idea, it probably is. We have instincts for a reason.
If you need help - you can ALWAYS find someone to serve that purpose.
Children are meant to be loved and cared for - not flaunted when you need to look good.
When it comes to money - balancing a checkbook isn't some out of this world magic trick. Don't spend what you don't have. Make a budget, and make wise decisions.
When it comes to school, failing probably takes more effort than passing. And once again, you can always find help.
Even when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, it is there.
With a few exceptions, nearly all problems are temporary, and will be looked back upon with greater understanding in the future.
Fate doesn't always reveal itself at the time of your choosing.
Part of the fun is the surprise.
Age is a number - not a means of measuring maturity, wisdom, or knowledge.
Having a baby is not a right of passage into adulthood.
You can choose half of you family.
Marriage does mean leaving your family to begin another.
When it comes to relationships - there are some definite rights and wrongs.
And when it comes to feelings, we were given the ability to communicate for a reason.
You have instincts, memories, and logic that you can choose to base each decision off of, and solutions come to you in that order.
You can (in most instances) choose your actions and reactions based on estimated consequences.
Sometimes, it really is best to sleep on it.
Patience doesn't always come easy, but each moment of impatience was an opportunity you could have worked on building your patience.
Just because you can make an excuse, doesn't mean you should.
You never know what you are capable of, until you are tested.
Close really only does count in horseshoes and hand grenades.
The rules don't magically change when it becomes your turn.
There is always a silver lining, if you look hard enough.
If someone's opinion of you bothers you too much, it is usually because deep down you see some truth in it.
People can change - but that doesn't mean they will.
Some scars never really heal, but we can choose to accept them.
Sorry is not a magic word, but the emotion can work miracles.
Practice does make you better.
The glass really can be perceived as half empty OR half full.
God really does work in mysterious ways.
Irony is real.
Sometimes all you can do is laugh <3
Happiness is a decision you make.
Love is also.

And most importantly, human perfection is unattainable, but the road to improvement is never-ending.

These are some of the things I have learned along the way. Not only did I want to share these, but I needed to be reminded of some.

I'm a twenty year old woman/girl that has made mistakes, screwed up, and hurt others. I've struggled, failed, fallen down, and hurt myself. I will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
But I'm learning.
It is a never ending process, and it isn't always pretty. In fact, it rarely is, and may never be.
I'd be lying if I said I had no regrets, but it would be dishonest to say that they didn't mold me into exactly who I am today - And I like the person I am.
I have grown, and will also continue to do so for the rest of my life - This will serve as my promise and reminder to myself.