Advice To My Younger Self Continued…Mix Tape Day

Some fabulous 30-something women sent me mini-lists,so I thought I’d give you a “mix-tape” today of their advice. Also, if you are inspired by these lists to create you own, please let me know!

Paige Rauh is my sister-in-law, a teacher, a mom of three, and seriously one of the most authentic and gracious women I know. She rocks a yoga pant like nobody’s business.

Rhonda Sisson is a new friend. She is married to the children’s pastor at my church, has a heart for God, and for singing. She has a powerful story if you have a chance to connect with her sometime.

Amanda Weber is also on the worship team at Community Fellowship. She is an artist, gardener, and mother of three…and deserves an award for somehow gardening and creating art while mothering.

Hollie Smith is the only person in the world still not on Facebook (don’t even know if she’ll ever see this), a mother of two lovely girls (they actually sit and work on crafts and reading quietly–I can’t even imagine), and a great friend. She lives in Washington state, and it makes me jealous.

Paige’s (33) List

1. Choose your friends wisely. You (meaning me) spent so much time seeking out the “right friends” that you forgot to cherish and find those that had character, integrity and GOOD CLEAN FUN!

2. Talk to your mom more. Put yourself out there in that relationship. She really does love you and really does think your great. She may not understand you now or seems to have forgotten what it means to be a teenager, but what she does have to offer you is timeless wisdom that you will value someday.

Rhonda’s (38) List
I’m 38…and still learning that life is about PROCESS and PROGRESS not PERFECTION.

Don’t be afraid to try something new or follow through on a task or “Holy Spirit assignment” because you can’t be sure of success. My selective perfectionism often gets me in trouble.

God has used my meager attempts at obedience more often when I’m driven to total dependence on Him rather than reliance on my own supposed ” greatness”. :-). The older I get…and frankly, the more I practice parenting (the most humbling job in the universe!), the more I’m reminded that perfection is never the right motivation. The pursuit of perfection is wrought with the entanglements of pride.

And yet, the opposite temptation of passivity also sucks me in sometimes too…and that is equally destructive and disobedient. I’m always tempted to avoid/ignore things if I know I can’t do them perfectly…including house cleaning, ironing, disciplining my kids, reaching out to others, hosting…etc.

We tell our kids all the time: “It’s always better to obey.” It would be great if I could practice that perfectly, but I’ve learned (am learning) that it’s more honest, and effective if I admit to myself and others that I am a work in Progress…not to the credit of my own pride, but in step with the Holy Spirit.

Amanda’s (33) List

Don’t be so terrified of making mistakes, failing, or being “unwise”.

Be willing to risk embarrassment for the sake of what you love. “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself”

Don’t think so much about SHOULD…spend more time DOING

Learn the difference between respecting/welcoming advice vs. living out someone else’s preferences and opinions. Explore your options more, and keep looking until you find something that keeps your interest.

There’s no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed of the music you like or the things you enjoy. Your interests really ARE just as valid as someone else’s.

If your “friends” don’t reciprocate your personal attention and support, they’re probably either hurting or not worth your time. Try to figure that out.

The line between “teachability” and self-destruction can be fine…explore the differences.

Sometimes people you respect are wrong—just remember everyone’s human, so take responsibility for your questions and explore them as much as you want!

Hollie’s (35) List

Let’s see… when I was 16… perfectionism. Trying to be perfect in all things and this led to some problems for me. Dieting… way too much. Also, very legalistic in my faith and judgmental toward myself and others.

If I could go back, I would reassure that young girl that loving God does not have to mean being perfect or holding others to a perfect standard. We all screw up and that is why there is GRACE and that is why we need Jesus.