Seventeen years ago, just nine days after my 3rd birthday, I got one of the greatest birthday presents I could've imagined: a little sister. Being a big sister has been one of the biggest blessings, and although I don't always act like it, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Through the tears, the fights, the laughs, and the love, being a big sister to such an amazing young woman has been one of the greatest honors in my life. I've gotten to watch you grow up, succeed, out-shine me, and most importantly, become my best friend. As your 18th birthday quickly approaches, here's 18 things I want you to keep in mind as the big day rolls around.

1. It's okay to mess up.

Life won't always be perfect and things won't always turn out the way you planned or wanted, but that's okay. Take each mistake as a lesson; grow and learn from it.

2. You don't always have to be the best.

Take it for me. I went from being one of the best in high school to just another average college student, but that's okay. You don't always have to be the best, as long as you try your best.

3. When you find true friends, hold on to them.

Real friends are so hard to come by, so when you find good ones, hold on to them, and hold on tight!

4. Experience new things.

Like seafood, for example!

5. Always stand up for what you believe in.

You've never had trouble with this one, but it can be harder to stand firm in your beliefs the older you get.

6. Live in the moment.

Whatever you have to do later can wait.

7. Don't bottle up your feelings.

Always tell people exactly how you're feeling. It'll do you and them a huge favor!

8. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Who cares if your eyeliner wings are perfectly symmetrical, or if your top doesn't match with your shoes? Just enjoy life!

9. You don't have to have your whole life figured out.

It's okay if you don't know what you want to major in, or what your plans are for after college. You have time to figure things out, just enjoy life right now!

10. Don't take the things our parents do for granted.

You'll understand this more when you move away for college!

11. Put your all into everything you do.

You never want to get the end result and feel like if you would've done more, the results would be better.

12. Step out of your comfort zone.

Some of the best things can be found outside of your comfort zone.

13. Don't be afraid to fail.

Sometimes you're going to fail, it's a vital part of growing up, but don't let that stop you from trying.

14. Treat yourself.

It's okay to splurge every once in a while, especially if it's on something you really want!

15. Be kind to everyone, no matter what.

I know this can be so hard to do sometimes, but you'll be rewarded for it in the long run.

16. Stay positive.

It can be so easy to focus on the negative or what might go wrong. Try to keep an optimistic, yet realistic attitude. Anything is possible, but not everything is possible.

17. Leave the past in the past.

Learn from it, reflect on it, but never dwell on it.

18. I'll always be there.

I don't care what time it is, where I am, or what I'm doing, I will always drop whatever I'm doing for you. No matter how badly you've messed up, how sadly you feel, or if you just want to talk, I'm only a phone call away.