1. Smile.

Smile in public. Smile while driving. Smile while talking to your friends. Just smile; I promise that it can really change the way your day will go, and it may be all that the grumpy woman in the drive through needed to soften.

2. Do not refuse that chocolate.

or that piece of cake that you were offered at your cousin's birthday party. Do not deny yourself the simple pleasures in life. You deserve it. Foods play a part in memories you have.

3.Sing in the car.

Singing is such a relief of stress for the soul. Sing at the top of your lungs the songs that describe your current place in life. It feels so good.

4. Live for yourself.

Wake up for yourself. Think for yourself. Breathe for yourself. This is your life; remember that.

5. Trust your instincts.

Your gut always knows what your heart may not allow you to believe.

6. Take time for yourself.

It's so healthy and important to make quality time for you. Lay in bed and write, doodle, or think. Take a bubble bath. Go for a walk. Take these times to listen to your thoughts, and understand who you are. Sometimes, we rush through life so fast, we ignore so many things inside our head.

which leads me to...

7. Stop. Relax. Enjoy the moment you are in.

I totally get that life can be fast-paced, and there's so many things to get done in one day, but sit down at Starbucks and enjoy that coffee (rather than sipping it while you speed walk to work). Enjoy the view at the top, rather than snapping some photos and preparing for the hike back down. Live in the moment, the future will follow.

8. If your friendship has lasted longer than 5 years, it will last a lifetime.

We all have a friend or two this pertains to. I am still best friends with my best friend from middle school. She saw my awkward stages, my first heartbreak, and all of the things that have followed. She's a soul sister, and I know I will have her until the end of time.

9. Eat breakfast.

It really is the most important meal of the day. Plus, who wants to be that kid sitting in class with the growling stomach?

10. Be gentle, yet strong

Have a kind heart, but have the strength to stand your ground and prove your worth. You will be respected, trusted, and overall a better person.

11. Spend time with your family

They loved you before so many had the opportunity did. Have game nights, cook dinner for them, listen to them ramble about their day; it means so much to them.

12. Write.

and I'm not saying this just because I love to, I'm saying it because it's so good for your soul. Keep a journal and write your thoughts. Log your dreams. Write a word each day that describes your current mood.

13. You must do the things that scare you

*within reason*

14. Do not rush.

Some of the best things in life take time, patience, and persistence.

15. You cannot change people.

and you are not obligated to. Let toxic people go.

16. Love yourself.

So simply said, so hard to accomplish. I understand. Focus on all of the beauty you bring to this Earth, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

17. Everyone's life moves at a different pace

That does not make your journey wrong. If your friends are in serious relationships, does not mean you are obligated to, at this point in time. Take life as it comes to you.

18. If you cannot go a day without thinking about it/them, it's worth fighting for

or waiting for, or working for. Just don't give up.

19. What you think mattered in high school

REALLY DOESN'T MATTER AFTERWARD. I'm here to tell you that this legendary advice all parents tell us is true.

20. It is never too late to be who you want to be

So close your eyes, take a deep breath, and continue on, a better, changed person. Nothing is set in stone. Life is too short to live between those stupid lines high school drew you into.