There is something absolutely beautiful and satisfying about working towards and doing what you love. Chasing your biggest dreams and pursuing your greatest passions – it’s an amazing and you’re never too young to begin.

Work is a gift. I know, it seems crazy, but it really is. God created us with the need and desire to work, and not just work, but work hard. I am the most satisfied and grateful for life after a day full of hard, productive work. I am most frustrated and discontent when I feel unproductive and lazy. See a correlation? Here’s the key to staying satisfied and not burning out – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” You’ll never win and you’ll never be fulfilled when working to please others. But when the Lord is your goal and your guide? You’ll never lose.

Our society pushes and encourages young people to “live it up” and neglect responsibilities as long as possible – as if responsibility is a bad thing! Isn’t it a blessing? I’d say so! Shirking responsibility and adulthood only does harm. It prolongs (if not kills) any sort of success, and sets you up for a much more difficult and complicated adult life. Why not start now? The Lord implanted dreams, desires, gifts and talents in every single person on this earth. We all have specific things that ignite our hearts and fuel our passions for living. Do you want to go to college to become an engineer? DO IT! And do it well! Do you want to become a teacher and have the opportunity to invest in and mold the lives of young children? Do it! But do it well. Do it differently. Do it with passion. Do it because you love people and because you want to bless others.

You can choose the life you want to live. It shouldn’t necessarily be an anomaly for a young person to start and run a business. Why can’t that be the social norm? Why can’t we aspire towards great and awesome things? Friends, you were created to work hard, and to work hard at the things that fill you up. Why don’t you go for it? There is so much satisfaction in saying, “I accomplished that. I dreamt big and worked hard and made it happen (all with the Lord’s help!).” It’s a gift!!

I want to summarize this post with an incredibly inspiring quote I read recently…

“Change your thoughts and you’ll change your world.”

Isn’t that so simple but so profound? All we have to do is think differently – change our perspective. We don’t have to cave to society’s low standards. You are never too young to pursue your dreams. The worst thing you can do is fail… and you know what you do after that? You get back up and try again. And I can promise you, you’ll be just fine. ;)

Much love,
Jessica Lauren

(Photos courtesy of my sweet friend Courtney!)