22 things I’ve learned in 22 years...

  1.     Appreciate. This moment won’t always be here forever. Take the time to live in the moment and realize that, as my daddy always says “These are the good old days”. These really are, don’t forget to live the life you have at this very second.

2.     Girls, it’s ok to say no.

   3.     Take the risk. Do the thing that scares you, eat the weird food, say the tough thing, apologize,  take the trip you’ve been putting off, wear the funky hat everyone laughs at. Don’t be scared to be scared, it is what can make you feel the most alive sometimes.

4.     Boys, act like men. Show respect, don’t push and say what you’re both thinking. If you need more advice on this go read “Buckaroo Barbie”. She’s better at telling ya’ll stuff than me.

 5.     Worrying only takes away from this moment, don’t let the worries of tomorrow take away from the joys of today.

  6.     Eat the burger. Drink the beer. You are not a size 0 and probably never will be, lets face it. We all have different body types, and the fashion industry puts a completely unrealistic idea of how our bodies should look.

7.     At the same time, don’t quit being healthy just to be curvy. I’m one to talk.

8.     Don’t buy the shoes, buy the horse.

9.     Take a road trip. Listen to old country music, drink black coffee and let the windows down. Stop at smoky old diners and giggle in truck-stops.

10. Wear boots with dresses and heels with jeans.

11. Tell your family you love them.

12. Don’t be afraid to speak out for your beliefs. Whether it’s in school, at work or out at the feed store-don’t pretend you don’t believe what you do just because it’s unpopular.

13. Defend the underdog.

14. Learn how to change a flat tire, your own oil and take care of your truck like you’re an 80 year old man. You won’t regret it.

15. Read more books. Spend your whole paycheck on books and gas and coffee. This will never be a loss.

16. Don’t try to live a life someone else thinks you should. Create the world you want, set your eye on the goal and don’t be deterred from it.

17. Goals are what keep us going. Make a 6 month, a year long and a 5 year goal plan right now. Start working.

18. Find a drink you like and learn how to order it, if you hate beer-don’t order it because you think cowboys should all drink beer. Get what the heck it is you will enjoy.

19. Take the time out to watch an old movie cuddled up on the couch, no matter how long you have been married there is always time for a date.

20. Wake up early. If you’re not a morning person, make yourself become one. Sleeping your way through life is no way to go.

21. Don’t be afraid to say what you’ve been wanting to say. Don’t be afraid to do that crazy thing. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Your welcome.

22. Love. With everything you have. And don’t be afraid to get knocked down and try again. Love the people around you, love your life. Love your God. Love your horses, your dogs, your music, your job, your food, your art, your books, your boots. Love the life that has been given to you and don’t look back. Protect yourself and realize that you are worth loving. Don’t ever give up.