I can’t possibly choose the wisest person I know. There is so much wisdom to be found in so many of the people that I associate with on a daily basis. I would say that I gain the most wisdom at church, to be honest. My pastor, and even pastors I’ve had in past to include my uncle, is such a wise man of God. The sermons touch my heart and spark thoughts in my mind that make so much sense. I always leave church wiser, every time. I have a lot of friends and family who aren’t religious, which is totally fine and none of my business, but I promise you that there are so many life lessons taught in church that everyone can apply. Reasoning that often comes in metaphors (my favorite!) on how to live your life to the fullest and also make a difference in the lives of others.

The best advice I’ve ever been given actually came from my little cousin. He’s four years younger than me but he’s a really wise young military man. One day, when I was wallowing in self-pity, loathing everything in my life, and making a big deal out of every little thing that wasn’t going exactly my way, my cousin told me to knock it off. I can’t remember his exact words, unfortunately, but he advised me to start being happy. He told me to stop focusing so much on the bad things and just appreciate my life, just be happy.

I was actually offended at first, another chosen negative emotion that was exactly the opposite of his advice. As a sat and let it marinate in my mind, I realized how right he was. I gradually started living that piece of wisdom and it’s been golden for me. Today, I feel like such a happy, bubbly person. My uncle, that cousin’s dad, has even referred to me as a “breath of fresh air” and I like to think that’s my personality now. When things go wrong, I search for a silver lining and often I just laugh, and I always try to take a piece of knowledge away from a bad moment.