I've been alive for nearly two decades.. Crazy to think about, right?! Within the past 20 years, I've had a lot of ups and downs, experienced many new things, and made countless memories that I will keep with me for a lifetime.

Growing up forces you to learn a lot of things-- whether it's about yourself, those around you or just life in general. And as much as I wish I could be a toddler again, and be innocently-captivated by the world-- getting older is inevitable.

However, just because I'm about to be 20 doesn't mean that I won't continue to learn new things. I'm at a point in my life where I can become someone new each and everyday. I will use my twenties as a time to find myself.

Here are just a few of the most important lessons I have learned during my journey to adulthood.

1. Do what you love and focus on what you're passionate about, and don't care for a second what others think about it.

2. Step out of your comfort zone.

3. Be a hopeless romantic, but don't let boys dictate your life.

4. Be the better person.

5. Put in the effort.

6. It's OK to put yourself first sometimes.

7. Say "yes" more & appreciate spontaneity.

8. Remain positive, even when it seems like everything is bringing you down.

9. Always make time for family, you never know how much time you have left with them.

10. Know that everything happens for a reason.

11. Not everyone is going to like you or accept you.

12. Accept criticism, and use it as motivation.

13. Most people are really great at pretending they have their life together.

14. The world is a beautiful place, and you should take every opportunity you can to explore it.

15. Social media does not define a person's happiness, success or worth.

16. College will be the place where you find yourself and discover who you want to be.

17. Finding genuine friends is not easy, but once you do find them you will realize that they were certainly worth the wait.

18. Believe in karma.

19. Do everything with the kindness of your heart.

20. Cherish every day as if it's your last.