It has been a good six or so months since I turned 23, but I really wanted to take on this challenge of writing 23 life lessons learned from 23 years. But seriously, I think that I might just be a little bit of a slow learner, because this took me ages! But I hope that you can have a good chuckle at some of these!

But *drumroll* please! Here is my take on 23 lessons in 23 years!

23 Life Lessons Learned in 23 Years

1. Never be afraid to let out your laughter

Even if you have the shrillest laugh, don’t be afraid to bleat it out. You were created to express your joy!

---

2. Your daddy was wrong… you’re not the absolute best

There will always be other girls prettier than you, smarter than you and all-around ‘better’ than you… and even though you’re never going to be ‘enough’, through Him you are enough. Just thank God that He made you the unique beauty that He did!

3. NEVER get a fringe just ‘cos

IT’S A BAD IDEA. Baaaaaaaad.

---

4. People won’t always like you

It hurts. But no amount of perfect can ever get everyone to love you. Jesus was the literal definition of perfect and yet he had people who absolutely hated his guts! So always be kind, but forget about trying to please the world and live for the one who created you!

---

5. Words do hurt, but bring them to the cross

Whoever said that sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me clearly lives on an entirely different planet to me. Words do hurt. But bring them to the foot of the cross – whatever was said to you wasn’t ever meant to be your burden to carry.

---

6. Life will ALWAYS have a funny way of working itself out

Are you a lil’ bit of a stress muffin? Life ALWAYS has a way of working itself out – and even if you’re not laughing about it now, I betcha that you will in the future.

Hey! Just for you, I have designed a beautiful devotional on How to Find Your Identity in Christ! Simply click the image below to grab your FREE 20+ page devotional right now!

---

7. Gilbert Blythe will and forever will be the BEST

If you know him, you’ll fall in love with him. It doesn’t matter if you were twelve back then and you are in your twenties now, you’re probably still going to love him. It’s just a fact of life.

---

8. Your parents aren’t always right, but you should always hear them out

Your parents are human. They make mistakes. Big whoop. But they are so much older than you and have so much more life experience under their belt. So even as uncool as you think they are, they were twenty-three once too! And we are called to honour our parents 🙂

---

9. Hard times build faith, but good times test faith

Your faith might be built and strengthened through tough times, but it is in the good seasons that your faith is going to be tested. This is because it can be so easy to forget to remember how important your faith is to you when all is well and good. So, when you are in the midst of a good season, give your thanks to God and keep leaning in on Him!

You might like this blog post: How to Find God in a Difficult Season of Life (+ free downloadable devotional!)

10. Even though the world is hard, it is okay to be soft

Don’t stop being a softy in the world just because everything else around you is hard. And if anyone tells you that you’re a sap, just own it! Don’t harden up your heart just because people think you should be a certain way!

---

11. You will never regret listening to Him, even when it is hard, but you will regret ignoring Him

When He is pulling your ear and trying to grab your attention – just listen and do it! Even if it is hard, you won’t regret it. BUT if He is saying a little somethin’ somethin’ to ya and you flat out ignore it? Be ready to face some pretty huge regrets!

---

12. Mistakes do happen

Like staying up until 4am chatting with a friend before a test (I’m guessin’!) But don’t ever let mistakes rule you.

---

13. Give your old Facebook posts and photos and good sweep out – they might just come back to haunt you

Remember that old “like for a like” posts back in 2011? Or one of those old awkward photos back when you were 14? Maybe it is time to give that timeline a good sweep out!

---

14. Don’t try to fit square pegs into round holes

Not everything is going to work out the way that you want it to. So don’t go around jamming square pegs into a clearrrrrly round hole! Just go and find yourself that round peg God is setting aside for you! God’s got this. Trust God to write your story.

---

15. Jesus didn’t die for you so that you’d be ashamed of Him

Feelin’ ashamed about saying the gospel or even breathing the word Jesus in a conversation? Don’t just express your faith with a silver cross necklace and a WWJD wristband! He didn’t die on the cross for you so that you would be embarrassed talking about Him!

---

16. You’re only as embarrassing or ridiculous as you’re willing to let yourself feel

People rarely think or feel that you are as embarrassing or ridiculous as you think that you are. So, truly, you are only what you feel and don’t let those negative thoughts dictate you!

Hey! Just for you, I have designed a beautiful devotional on How to Find Your Identity in Christ! Simply click the image below to grab your FREE 20+ page devotional right now!

17. PG up your life

Dabbling in the R-13 or the R-16 will not bring you any joy.

---

18. Don’t ever say yes to someone because you’re scared of saying no

It is okay not to please everyone. You weren’t built to carry the burden of pleasing the world. Don’t let yourself be filled with regrets because you said yes to someone when you should have said no.

---

19. Don’t ever say no to someone because you’re scared of saying yes

Don’t cripple yourself from living your life to the fullest by being afraid of saying yes to someone. BE BOLD. BE BRAVE and chase after the unknown when you know it is right, even if you feel scared!

---

20. NOBODY can play the role as your best friend better than Jesus

When you have the worst day in the world, don’t go running to your girlfriends straightaway. Instead, find a place that inspires you and just start chatting with Jesus!

21. Talk to the strangers at the bus stop

E.V.E.R.Y S.I.N.G.L.E person has a beautiful and unique story. And more often than not, every person that you come across has a checkered past, a broken heart and soul that is hurting deeply – despite what they try and show you. Knowing this, don’t be afraid of talking to the strangers at the bus stop because you think that it’ll be weird or awkward. More often than not, these strangers end up being a friend!

---

22. Take a step back

It is okay to slow down! You don’t have to go about trying to set goals and achieve things all the time. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and just appreciate the little moments that God has created for you to enjoy!

---

23. Don’t ever ask “God, why don’t You do something?”Because He’ll say, “I did, yeah, I created you”

Yep! I just quoted Matthew West again! Seriously, if you haven’t heard his songs, you’ve got to! But taking that point aside, don’t wait around for change, you were created to be the change! Don’t hesitate and listen to God’s calling on your life.

Hey! Here Are Other Resources…

—> CLICK THE LINK TO READ … Signs of a Lukewarm Christian | Jesus Didn’t Die

—> CLICK THE LINK TO READ … How Living a PG-Rated Life Grows Your Relationship with God

—> CLICK THE LINK TO READ … 5 Creative Daily Quiet Time Ideas for the Busy Girl

or browse the blog HERE!

…

So before you go…

I hope you enjoyed these 23 lessons from my 23 years of life. Drop a comment in the comment section below and tell me, what is the greatest life lesson that have you ever learned? 🙂

Follow the Girls After Truth Instagram

Don’t forget to follow the Girls After Truth Instagram account for faith-filled hand-lettering + art, daily devotionals and a sneak peek behind-the-scenes look into the ministry life <3 And use the hashtag #girlsaftertruth to get connected!

—> CLICK HERE to Follow the Girl After Truth Instagram!

• 

• 

• 

Hope to see ya there!

.