Things I've learned in 2011

I've learned some big things this year. I don't particularly like making resolutions because I don't keep them. Instead, I'm making a list of things I've learned. Some of them will seem random, but I'd love for you to tell me what you think in the comments :)

1. Dare to wait. Dare to be patient. Dare to keep in mind what you want and what you're waiting for, and dare not to settle for second best. It's worth it in the end. (yes I am talking about boys here, but this lesson applies to many things in life.)
   
2. Seeking knowledge is one of the best things you can do for yourself, because not only do you become wiser and more intelligent, you gain a greater appreciation for God. (Example: As a writer, I've learned so much about myself, and about God's genius and creativity because He wrote my story, and it's perfect. My stories will never reach that level of perfection. But striving for it and writing about people teaches me about how God works in my life, and how my life affects other people… etc.)
   
3. God is faithful. Period.
   
4. You have to start somewhere, so why not start here, and why not start now? Sometimes we're afraid to start something because we don't want to go through the hard part (you know, the part where you suck at it?) but you have to start somewhere. So just jump in and do it!
   
5. Write every day. Read every day. Over the summer, I wrote a 60,000 word novel in three weeks because I went to the bookstore/coffee shop every single day (seven days a week!) and wrote several thousand words. At first it was really hard, but after a while, it got really easy. It was like as soon as I sat down in that coffee shop, my creativity turned on by itself! I pumped out those words like they were nothing. (okay there were some tough parts, but really, it works.)
   
6. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. So for goodness sake, take care of yourself. Eat right, stay healthy, exercise, read your Bible. Find an accountability partner for whatever you need accountability for.
   
7. You're always either going into a trial, in the middle of a trial, or coming out of a trial. Always. So know that this too shall pass.

What have you learned this year?