Don't Waste The Pretty

In my freshman English class, my teacher gave us life advice on the regular. Every day it was something new. I loved how authentic she was. She didn't care, she spoke the truth about the things regardless of what anyone thought. One day she was specifically talking to the girls saying, "Don't waste the pretty."

What she meant by that was that one day, hopefully, if we're lucky; if we are fortunate enough, that we will be old and not so pretty anymore. We'd have wrinkles and experiences. She advised us not to waste years of your life, especially in your youth, not taking care of yourself emotionally and physically. She was wise.

Don't waste the pretty on young men or women who don't treat you right. You'll spend so much time regretting all that time you wasted when you do find the right one. The second they show you how ugly their soul is, leave. They will not change.

Don't waste the pretty on doing all those hard drugs out there. The drugs don't love you, your family does. Those drugs will steal your youth and your beauty too and you can't get it back when it does. They will suck the life out of you. They will steal your joy and who you are as a person.

Don't waste the pretty begging people to be a part of your life or seeking approval of people who don't care about you. The right ones will find themselves by your side and one day you will shake your head wondering why you ever were desperate for those people who wanted nothing to do with you in the first place.

Don't waste the pretty spending years in the same place doing the same thing. You must get out and explore, see the world, travel at least a little. Experience a different culture, see a different part of the country if anything.

Don't waste the pretty doubting who you are. Don't let others speak for you. You have a voice. Do not be afraid to use it. Don't be afraid to speak your truth. There are people, specifically men who will try to silent you and dismiss you and your thoughts and opinions as if yours have no value. Speak anyway.

Don't waste the pretty spending years at a job you hate just because you need money. Quit that job and seek what you want to do. Don't let others tell you that your dreams are futile. That you should get a real job with a real paycheck. Live your passion. Even if you're not making the big bucks, you will still be happier doing what you're passionate about than someone making six figures at a job they hate because it was "safe." Too many people are miserable stuck in careers and jobs they hate because it was considered "safe."

Let go of fear. Let go of the fear of not succeeding at what you want to do. Start doing it and learn as you go. You'll waste years of your life worrying about if you're good enough for it or not. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Envision your success and then put it into action .

Go with your heart always. The biggest regret you'll ever have is not trying. That goes for anything. Always try. If you fail, you can get up and try again or move on to something new, whatever that is .

Most importantly though, remember that time is fleeting. Each one of us is given an hour glass filled with sand. When the sand runs out, you can't flip it over and start again, so always remember, "don't waste the pretty."