17 Candles

I am now only a couple hours away from turning 17 as I write this post. Not to sound cliche, but it really is crazy to think about how time flies by. I’ve wanted to be a teenager my entire life and here I am. After being at this for a couple years now and experiencing what I have, it’s been absolutely nothing like I expected. Shocker right? As years go by, we always have something to show for the time that’s passed. Maybe not a physical manifestation, like me finally getting around to starting my own blog but there’s always some form of wisdom we gain from the challenges and experiences we face.

If I’m being honest, this piece was originally meant to be “17 Things I’ve Learned in 17 Years” but I couldn’t think of 17 life lessons to talk about. I guess I’m not that profound yet. Rather, I’ll give you guys the top two “things I’ve learned” that I was able to come up with. A bit incohesive as a single post, yes, but each important in their own right. Here goes:

  1. You won’t be good at everything you attempt at first. And that’s okay. Sounds harsh I know, but bear with me. I’ve known I wanted to be a writer since basically the beginning of time and I don’t think I’m too bad at it. But even within that broad category there are a number of types of writing that just aren’t, and may never be, for me. For example, I was in poetry club for a school year and my work was kind of a trainwreck, really. And I’m supposed to be a writer! Point being, it wasn’t my thing and it doesn’t matter. I’m no less creative than a grade A poet, or a visual artist like a painter or a photographer, just because poetry wasn’t my thing. I’m not saying you can’t become good at what you really want to do. If you set your mind to something and keep working at it because it genuinely interests you, there’s always room to improve your skills. But not being the jack of all trades, juggling acrobat, well-rounded student or otherwise doesn’t make you any less special.
  2. Relationships are more than just physical attraction. To most of you, this is probably a “no, duh” but keep in mind this is something we all had to learn at some point. In elementary and middle school, all dating was was two people that thought the other was cute walking around holding hands. So what were we to think? As I got a little less ugly duckling, a little more swan, I began receiving attention and actually talking to guys and hearing what they have to say. And let me say, not all of their thoughts were gems. Don’t get me wrong I’ve come across very attractive guys with decent attitudes but actually making a relationship work is more than attaching yourself to the idea of being with this ridiculously attractive person. It involves communication and common goals and interests. This was, at the time, more than my 15 year old brain could possibly fathom.

As I mentioned before, those were totally random thoughts but I guess this is a brief reflection of things that I’ve learned. As far as having something to show for time, I realized I have more than I thought. After receiving thoughtful presents from two very sweet ladies at my job, I found that every year I have more positive influences in my life. More support and more people who believe in me and my endeavors and that’s so important to appreciate.

Happy learning, Nia Shalise

83 comments

  1. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will
    often come back at some point. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!

  2. I was very pleased to discover this website. I want to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!!

    I definitely savored every part of it and I have you bookmarked
    to look at new information on your blog.

  3. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal.
    I must say you’ve done a superb job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Safari.

    Outstanding Blog!

  4. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during
    lunch break. I love the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look
    when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!

  5. certainly like your website however you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very
    bothersome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come again again.

  6. After checking out a few of the blog articles on your blog, I really like your way of writing
    a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be
    checking back in the near future. Please visit my web site too and tell me your opinion.

  7. I do believe all the ideas you’ve introduced on your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work.
    Still, the posts are very quick for beginners. May just you please extend them a bit from subsequent time?
    Thanks for the post.

  8. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading
    it, you may be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I want to encourage you to
    definitely continue your great work, have a nice day!

  9. Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  10. My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I may as well check things
    out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to looking over your web page yet again.

  11. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take
    a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, great blog!

  12. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.

    You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  13. A fascinating discussion is worth comment.
    I do believe that you should write more about this
    topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically folks don’t discuss these topics.
    To the next! Cheers!!

  14. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely
    long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
    your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
    Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  15. Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest
    authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same
    information you discuss and would love to have you share
    some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

  16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home
    a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read.
    I will definitely be back.

  17. First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
    I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.

    I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to
    begin. Any suggestions or hints? Thanks!
    natalielise pof

  18. This is the perfect site for anyone who wants to understand this topic.
    You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a new spin on a topic that’s been written about
    for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

  19. My brother recommended I might like this web site.
    He was once totally right. This submit actually made my day.
    You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  20. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
    Nevertheless imagine if you added some great photos or video
    clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent
    but with images and clips, this website could definitely be
    one of the most beneficial in its field. Good blog!
    natalielise pof

  21. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired!
    Extremely useful information particularly the remaining part 🙂 I deal with such info a lot.
    I was looking for this particular information for a long
    time. Thanks and best of luck.

  22. Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a
    quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your posts.

    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects?
    Many thanks!

  23. Helpful info. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I am shocked why this twist of fate didn’t came about in advance!
    I bookmarked it. natalielise pof

  24. Howdy! This article could not be written any better!
    Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He constantly kept preaching about this. I will forward
    this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good
    read. Thank you for sharing!

  25. Hello! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which
    blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting tired of
    Wordpress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  26. Someone essentially lend a hand to make seriously posts I would state.
    This is the first time I frequented your website page and so far?
    I amazed with the research you made to create this actual submit amazing.
    Wonderful activity!

  27. Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it
    has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, superb blog!

  28. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, great blog!

  29. Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired!
    Very useful information specially the closing part 🙂 I take care of such information a lot.

    I used to be seeking this certain information for a very long time.

    Thanks and good luck.

  30. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.

    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  31. I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading incredibly slow
    for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end?

    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  32. Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make
    my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme.

    With thanks

  33. Hey! Quick question that’s totally off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My blog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to
    find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this problem.
    If you have any recommendations, please share.

    Appreciate it!

  34. Hey there are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need
    any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

  35. Hey there superb website! Does running a blog such
    as this require a great deal of work? I’ve no expertise
    in coding but I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyway, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.

    I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply needed to ask.
    Thanks a lot!

  36. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how could
    i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable
    deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vibrant clear concept

  37. I simply couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting
    that I really loved the standard information an individual provide in your guests?
    Is going to be back incessantly in order to inspect new posts

  38. Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read
    stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this web site.

  39. Thank you for another great post. The place else may anybody
    get that type of info in such an ideal method of writing?
    I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for
    such information.

  40. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently.
    I am fairly sure I’ll be told plenty of new stuff right right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  41. I think that everything published made a lot of sense.
    However, what about this? suppose you added a little content?
    I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your website, however what if you added a
    post title that grabbed a person’s attention? I mean 17 Candles – Nia Shalise is a little boring.

    You could look at Yahoo’s front page and see how they
    write news headlines to get viewers to click.

    You might add a video or a pic or two to grab people interested about what
    you’ve written. Just my opinion, it could bring
    your posts a little bit more interesting.

  42. Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance
    from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With
    thanks

  43. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend
    your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little
    bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  44. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
    guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa?
    My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look
    forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *