– being on this earth for 22 years now (I heart birthday’s!), I decided that it would be good to write down 22 lessons I’ve learnt. But then I thought… “just blog it, Bethany!”. so, here are my 22 lessons, x –

:: 22 Lessons Learnt :: 

1. There is a reason for every single season in life.

2. Hope, Love, + Vision are the power behind what will propel you into your best future.

3. fear, hate, + procrastination are powerful. If you give them time they will rob you of all your potential, dreams + life.

4. Always trust your “hunch”.

5. Your talent/calling/purpose in life will always follow you. Embrace it.

6. Look after yourself :: gym shmym, go for a walk/jog/run outside; make friends with salad, beef, + sugary cupcakes; get a haircut; smile lot’s; dress to impress, yourself… we were given this body for a purpose, treat + present it well.

7. Consistency is key to — character, integrity, friendships, leadership, + work.

8. Respect your leaders, supervisors, pastor’s, parents, elders, employers, + everyone who’s above you. They’re wiser, brighter, + have a wealth more knowledge. You may not understand what they’re doing or saying at the time, but you’ll look back + be thankful.

9. Don’t become so focussed on helping others that you forget to do something for yourself. Treat yourself to something special weekly – it makes you feel brilliant. Example: coffee date by yourself, favourite treat (hello vanilla slice!), visit your favourite location, watch a movie, see a band, etc etc.

10. A person’s word is credible, but a person’s action reveals + holds much more weight.

11. Joy is worth more than gold.

12. Travel :: the world is glorious + ruined + unique in every square inch.

  [all snaps taken by me -- island of lifou & new york city]

13. Listen more – people live amazing stories. Give them the chance to tell it.

14. Value + use your voice – you were given it for a reason.

15. Time :: is fleeting. Plan for the future. Live for the present. And smile at the past because that’s where it got you today.

16. Social Media :: it’s brilliant, intriguing, makes communicating easy, but it can seriously suck the life out of you. No-one is going to be at the end of their days wishing they spent more time on Facebook.

17. Community :: being part of a ‘community’ + something greater than ourself is marvellous + what we were created for. Cherish it.

18. You can’t do life on your own. Ask people to + for help, + include the lovely souls. Your life will be brighter + better because of it.

19. Be nice to everyone + show respect, always. Not because of how it will reflect onto you, but simply because everyone deserves to be treated nicely + respected.

20. Be wise with who you allow into your inner world. Friendships are in layers… like an onion.

21. Love your quirks :: it’s what sets you a part + stamps your you-ness on you.

22. and last, but definitely not least, Timothy Keller sums up my last thought perfectly: “we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope — at the very same time.”

:: time to share – what lessons have you learnt in your life thus far? ::