I remember when I was little, 20-year-olds seemed so old. Now, as my 20th birthday approaches, I realize that 20 is not old at all. Twenty is just the beginning. I don't have everything figured out. I am still not completely sure who I am or who I want to be. I don't know how to pay taxes, the only thing I can cook is grilled cheese, and I still sleep with a stuffed animal every night. I am basically a child. Still, I have learned a lot the past 19 years. Through times of joy, heartbreak, mistakes and triumph, I have learned these truisms and do my best to remember them daily.

1. Putting yourself first is not selfish, it's healthy.
Do things that make you happy and surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Disregard the rest.

2. You should never feel like you have to prove yourself to people.
You are amazing just the way you are, and anyone who cannot see that does not deserve to be in your life.

3. That being said, just because you are amazing does not mean there isn't room for improvement.
Strive every day to learn new things and better yourself. Every person and situation you meet can teach you something.

4. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
Find joy in the little things like your morning coffee or getting a good parking spot.

5. I love social media, but no screen will ever replace in-the-moment adventures.
Put the phone down and experience the world first hand.

6. Smile at strangers, say I love you first, remind your family how much they mean to you, thank your friends for all they do for you.
Showing you care isn't weird, it's exactly what the world needs.

7. You will have bad days.
You will have stressful days. You will have days when everything feels broken. Cherish these moments, they make you stronger and someday you will look back on them and realize that they made you who you are.

8. Sometimes our dreams do not come true because bigger things are in the works.
Trust the process, everything really does happen for a reason.

9. Take the risk.
Every time, no matter how scary it may seem, take the risk. If you fail, try again. Never give up and never let yourself think “What if?"

10. This is YOUR life.
You really can do whatever you want. Chose wisely, but know that there are plenty of people who love you to help you along the way.