As 2017 ends, I notice that my life has changed a lot from the beginning of the year to now. I have lost relationships and gained ones, changed my major, starting writing for the Odyssey (WOW) and so many more experiences.

I have learned a lot about myself and life, but there are some key thoughts that stand out to me.

1. Be Yourself

This mantra can be cliched, but I cannot think of two better words to live by. The right people will come to you and love you just the way that you are. Do not change or altar pieces of yourself to please unnecessary people.

2. Love yourself

Self-confidence and self-love are beautiful. If I do not love myself, then how can I expect others to love me for being myself?

3. People will come and go

Some people are only meant to be in a season of your life and that is okay. Do not cling too tightly to relationships that are not there. Life constantly changes and the people that come in and out of your life change too.

4. Family really is forever

No matter how annoying I can be, my family cannot get rid of me (LOL, sucks). By blood or not, your family is the people there for you through thick and thin. Cherish and love them with your everything.

5. Do not be afraid to use the “L” word

Love. This is a word that takes a while to leave my lips. But, I really do love the people in my life and I want my love for these people to be something unquestionable to them. If that means saying “I love you” loud and proud, then so be it.

6. Do what makes you happy

If this means eating a pint of Ben & Jerry’s at 1 a.m., running in fields barefoot or singing the lyrics to every Ke$ha song with windows down for the world to hear, DO IT. It is the little things that make us happy and keep us living the amazing lives that we do.

7. It is okay to spend a Friday night curled up in a blanket, wear plaid pajama pants, snuggle your teddy bear, and binge-watch New Girl

Make all the memories in college that you can, but it is okay if those memories include lazy nights in and rejuvenation time for yourself.

8. A couple of cheat meals are okay and there is no reason to fall off the wagon completely

Having a few cheat days and eating crappy food with friends (or by yourself) is super fun and I advise everyone to go out and splurge on a Cinnamon Sensation from Macado’s occasionally! Cheat days are the definition of enjoying a balanced lifestyle.

9. I am not perfect AND THAT IS NORMAL

I have acne. My hair gets frizzy. My skin is super oily. I have stomach rolls when I sit down (DUDE sometimes even when I stand up.) I am super awkward. Embracing the many flaws that I have is a beautiful and freeing thing.

10. Be spontaneous

Spontaneity puts a grin on my face. Go with the flow of life and freely take part in the memories that it gives you.

11. Homework will always be there

Homework is important, but homework should not make up your life. It is okay to put the book down at times and experience life.

12. I am so incredibly loved

Romans 8:39

There is absolutely NOTHINGthat I can do, good or bad, that will stop God’s love for me and that is a beautiful thing!!!