Quinceanera Lessons!

15 Things I've Learnt by My Quiñce

15. What a small number, with such large meaning. That number right smack in the middle. Ready but unsure. Not a child, not quite yet an adult. Turning a 15 is surely a big deal for most teenage girls, but especially in hispanic culture, turning 15 is a coming-of-age tradition, typically celebrated with a Quinceanera.  For my quince, I had a really fun Quinceanera photoshoot with my family. I love flipping through the pictures and remembering that special day. 💟🎉⓯

   Looking at the pictures made me remember just how much I've learned throughout these 15 years. All the ups and downs in life come to shape us to be the person that God has meant for us to be, and that is truly such a blessing in itself. So in honor of Quinceanera's, here are 15 Things I've Learned by 15.

1. Slow down! We tend to want to grow up so fast, even as little kids. Let's try to slow down and enjoy the ride!
2. Be yourself! There is no one else like you in this world! If you're not you, its like a little piece of the world is missing!
3. Be Confident! No one can be confident for you. So rock on girl! You are literally more amazing than you'll ever know.
4. Don't be Afraid to Take the First Step. Whether its from trying out for the musical or saying hi to the new girl in math class, you'll never know what'll happen if you don't take a chance!
5. Don't Hold Grudges. Next time you feel angry at someone, remember the times that you have messed up and were forgiven! No one's perfect, and the bible says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
6. Spend Time with Family. As we get older, we tend to want to hang out with our friends more and more. But family has been their from the very start! It's still cool to hang out with the siblings and 'rents to you know ;).  
   
7. Nobody's Perfect. Literally. NO ONE is perfect. And I know it's easy to forget that, but just remember that everyone has their days and be you!
8. Do Little Favors. Playing with your little brother, offering to cook dinner, etc. These things might all seem little, but trust me, they will be remembered and you'll remember how great it feels to help others.
9. School isn't that Bad! I know, I know, its hard to believe that when your at home studying for a biology test when you could be at the beach with your girls! But your knowledge is important, because it will always stay with you throughout your life, and it's something that no one can ever take away. You'll be thankful for it down the road!
10. Don't Worry So Much About Boys. Like most teenage girls, I've always been pretty boy crazy. But just being friends with a boy really gives you a chance to get to know him better without all the drama. God has someone just for you out there, so we just need to be patient and wait, cause trust me, you'll be glad you did. :)
11. Take Days Off. Growing up is tough. Working is tough. We all need to relax and unwind sometimes, so don't be afraid to take a little break every now and then. 
    
12. Work for Your Dreams. But know that things won't happen with you staring at a phone all day. It's all about a balance. Vacations are alright, but if you want your dreams to come true, then we have to get to work!
13. Go outside. Kayak. Surf. Mountain Climbing. You seriously have no idea just how fun these things are until you try them. 
14. Try Something New! Don't be afraid of change, that's how you'll grow! Try new things and expand your horizons. (Speaking of trying new things, make sure to check out our previous blog post on 3 Reasons Why Moving Isn't That Bad. . . make sure to share it with someone who might need it!)
15. Life is an Adventure. Life isn't perfect. It has it's ups and downs and all arounds, but that's what makes it life. Use those times as times to grow, and become the person that God has created you to be. He has so much in store for you and me, so let's just trust in him and trust this roller coaster of a Dulce Vida.