Don’t Wait

I wrote this over six months ago, long before I had this blog. It was one of those days I had too much on my mind and needed a way to unload it all. Writing has always been a great way to clear my head, which is a big reason why I started this blog in the first place. I guess you could say that this is my true first blog post, I just didn’t know what to make of it at the time. I wrote this during the end of my senior year of high school, but it’s things I wish I would’ve learned sooner, so I think there’s still a lot of truth to it. Enjoy 🙂

Don’t wait until Sunday night or 10pm every other night to start your homework or studying. You’ll appreciate having your work done on time and getting the extra sleep instead of cramming.

Don’t wait to stand up and give your class presentation. Be confident and volunteer to go first. Others will follow by example and be glad you broke the ice, and you’ll be glad you got it over with.

Don’t wait for your parents to ask how your day was, tell them, share, and ask how their day went. You won’t live at home forever and they won’t always be in a room just down the hall. Try to appreciate your proximity to them while you have it, even if they get on your nerves at times. If you don’t live at home anymore, the same idea applies. It’s good to make the effort first, (see next).

Don’t wait around for your grandparents/relatives to email, call, or text or call you first all the time. They’ll appreciate you reaching out to them for a chance and making an effort to talk to them, even if it’s just to tell them how your classes are going. Like your parents, they won’t always be around.

Do wait until the cookies/brownies are done baking, but don’t wait until they’re completely cool to enjoy them.

Do wait to watch the sunset or sunrise whenever possible.

Don’t wait for whoever *that person* is to text or call you. Either text them first, or accept that they aren’t making the effort.

Don’t wait to wear that new shirt/shoes/outfit, unless you have it set for a specific special occasion. The extra boost of confidence will make your day a little easier.

Don’t wait around for that one guy or girl you’re crushing on to maybe text you or snapchat you or like your picture. Don’t wait around for them to maybe notice you. It’s not worth the time spent wondering when they will reply or see your tweet or open your message. It’s not worth it.

Do wait for someone who wants to reciprocate your feelings and validate your relationship beyond what is seen on social media. The right person will put in the time and effort to make sure you know they care.

Don’t settle while you’re waiting. There’s plenty of people out there who relinquish in living below your standards, and will continue to do so if you let them. Don’t settle for someone you have to twist and tweak to “meet” your standards. Eventually someone will come around and you’ll be glad you never settled for less.

Don’t wait to try out for that team, go for that part, or apply for that scholarship/camp/program/job. Whatever it is you’ve been waiting for, whatever it is you’ve been wanting to do, do it now and do it the best you can. Even if you don’t succeed at first, you’ll gain experience you need to improve and try again, or learn from your mistakes and improve in your areas of weakness.

Don’t wait to tell someone how you feel. If you like how their hair looks today, tell them. If you like their laugh, tell them. If you admire their skill in acing that calculus/Spanish/history test, tell them. Wouldn’t you want someone to say the same to you?

Don’t wait to tell your family and friends you love them. Life is short.

Don’t wait to do what you want to do or be who you want to be. Today is just as good of a day as tomorrow.

Don’t wait around for your life to happen, because one day you’ll realize that life doesn’t wait. Your time is too precious to waste.