Just stuff: J

Life is hard, nobody ever said it was going to be anything but a challenge.  These are the 12 "Justs" I would tell my kid she needs to know to survive.  

Just do you:

There is nobody out there exactly like you.  You are unique and special.  Nobody has your exact passion.  Nobody can offer the world your exact talent. Don't apologize for staying true to yourself.  In the end, you owe nobody anything except yourself.  

Just do your best:

You don't have to be the best just do your best.  If you fail, try again. Realize your own potential and run with it. 

Just don't compare yourself to others:

Comparing yourself to others is the worst thing you can do.  You shouldn't try to be like anyone else because nobody else can offer what you do.  Nobody else has your exact experience or skills.   There isn't one person better than you.  They might have talents you don't but we really are all equal.

Just give yourself time: 

Nothing comes overnight or for free. You have to work hard to be your own best much less anyone else's.   You don't have to rush things, you will grow up soon enough as it is and before you know it, your life will have flown by.

Just keep learning:

You never know everything so be open to learning.  Be willing to take risks and learn from them.  Don't fear failure, embrace it and learn from it.  You will learn more from one mistake than one hundred successes.

Just sleep: 

Sometimes you have to just sleep.  Take care of your own needs and put them first.  Don't let worry take your peace. 

Just don't be your own worst critic:

There are enough people out there who will tell you that you can't without you telling yourself that.  There are enough people who will limit you without you limiting yourself.  Don't listen to the negativity and don't let it eat you up.  If you really want to do something, you can.  Except sing.  You can't sing if you can't sing. 

Just be kind: 

Nobody is getting out of this alive or unscathed by hurt.  How you respond to adversity and abuse determines your character.  Look at every challenge as an opportunity to show kindness.  It won't be easy but you won't regret approaching life from a place of love. 

Just find a hobby: 

Find your passions and use them.  You have certain talents that make you special and what you do, nobody else can do just like you.  If you want to paint, paint.  If you want to play sports, practice.  If you want to write, start writing everyday.  If you want to grow things, plant seeds.  

Just let go:

Let go of anything and anyone who doesn't work for you.  You can't control how others see you or treat you.  You can't control if others judge you.  Surround yourself with people who are worthy of being with you.  Never accept coming second in anything.  You deserve it. 

Just trust: 

Things will work out.  No matter how hard it gets or how many curveballs life throws at you, trust that you are exactly where you are suppose to be today. 

Just Breath: 

If all else fails, just keep breathing.  Whatever you are going through, whatever happens, good or bad, this will pass.