Traffic, appointments, work, deadlines, dating, school, etc. These are just a handful of things we are consistently rushing through. Many of us spend our entire life rushing and wanting to quickly transition to the next season of our life. It’s time that we embrace the changes and the challenges in the season we’re in right now.

Teenagers:

I understand how frustrated you are with the rules your parents have set for you. I know all about running up the stairs, slamming the door and mumbling all kinds of sassy remarks. I know about being in trouble, because you stayed up until 5 a.m. on a school night talking to your teenage significant other. I know how it feels when your parents say “no” to you hanging out with your friends at the mall. I know exactly how you feel when your parents ground you from your phone. And yes, I know that you are probably counting down the years until you’re 18. Trust me when I say that YOU WILL SURVIVE this season. Your family loves you unconditionally. They want what’s best for you. The rules, the discipline and the constant no’s are a lesson. Learn from them!

Embrace these teenage years, because you will never get them back.

When I was a teenager I remember constantly saying that I could not wait until I was 18 years old. I was so eager to move out of the house. My parents often laughed when I said this, and now I understand why.

When I was 18 and out of the house I missed my family—and yes, I even missed their rules. I went to college three and a half hours away from home; and didn’t have my mom with me to cook. I didn’t have my dad there to wake me up for class when I accidentally snoozed my alarm five times. When I was sick I had to deal with it on my own. Mom and dad weren’t there to remind me to do laundry. Sure, I could stay up until 4 a.m. everyday, but there were nights when I desperately wished that my parents came into my room to tell me to “go to sleep.” Your teenage years are really not that long. It only feels like forever, because you’re rushing your season.

Singles:

I’d be lying to you if I said that I haven’t rushed my way through this one. I’m now at the season in my life where I have friends getting engaged, married and starting a family. Yes, it’s a beautiful thing to witness, but I understand how frustrating it can be for you. It may seem like you’re stuck in this season and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel—I know the feeling.

The truth is why are we so fixated on escaping this season of singleness? Your worth and satisfaction is not found in another person. Chase after your dreams instead of chasing after a relationship. The right person will come when the time is right. Your life isn’t over, because you aren’t with someone. Excel and become an expert at the things you’re good at. Use this season to catch up on your favorite books, TV shows and movies. Spend time with your family and friends. Understand what it truly means to be on your own.

Parents:

Embrace this season with your little ones. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to be the perfect parent. Love matters more to your child than your flaws. Create memories. Bake together. Take time to play with your children. Don’t let an iPad or tablet take your place in their life. Don’t get so caught up in work to the point where you forget to bond with your little one. Embrace the cuddles, the sloppy kisses, the messy fingers, the paint-stained floor, the gum in the hair, the crying, the kicking, the screaming. Cherish who you are in your child’s life. Time is not going to slow down. Make every second count. Being frustrated and overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, it only means that you are human.

Everyone:

Embrace your journey. You can’t have summer until you go through autumn, winter and spring. Whatever season you’re in right now:

1. Keep a journal and write! Write about your day-to-day routine. Write about your frustrations, your hopes, your dreams.

2. Make the most out of your life. Take time to travel. Love yourself before you try to love someone else. Be spontaneous.

3. Challenge yourself. Say yes to the things that scare you.

Let’s stop rushing and start accepting the seasons.