Here are 10 important facts and suggestions about living a Christian life, which I have learned through friends, family, teachers, and spiritual books. They are things that I often need to remind myself, so perhaps these are things you need to be reminded of today too:

• 1. Cast all your anxieties on him for he cares for you (Peter 5:7).

• 2. God is constantly pursuing you and will never abandon you.

• 3. You have God’s grace and immense inner strength.

• 4. Walk (be confident!) in your womanhood (or for you men, in your manhood).

• 5. God says you are beautiful and valuable; He created you and said it is “very good”; He would have died on the cross just for you.

• 6. Keep innocence, kindness, and humility (it’s what much of the world lacks and really needs).

• 7. Keep being yourself–don’t look to others for confirmation.

• 8. Open up some so others can see your light (love, passion, compassion, and hope) shine.

• 9. God has plans for you to prosper and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11), plans beyond your wildest hopes and dreams, for He “is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

• 10. Put your relationship with God first–talk to Him, share your heart with Him, read and ponder His Word, His words to you; and pray the Rosary with your Mother in Heaven, for she desires to pray for and guide you.