This past year has been interesting. It has been full of ups and downs. And even though there has been a considerably higher amount of downs than ups, I have learned a lot. Although random, and some completely pointless, these are some of the things that I have taken away from my 20th year of life:

1. If your shirt isn’t tucked into your pants, your pants are tucked into your shirt.

Absolutely mind-blowing. This changed the way I think about getting dressed forever.

2. Essential oils ARE useful.

I started using them and was surprised when they began to help me. We have been inseparable ever since.

3. Just because someone is nice to you, does not mean they are your friend.

Fake smiles and kind gestures can camouflage harmful intent.

4. Driving a tractor is a lot harder than it looks.

There are too many paddles and levers and other stuff, and not enough hands and feet.

5. Political views can destroy relationships.

Everyone has opinions, and we are allowed to disagree with them, but allowing them to sever friendships is not worth it. Agree to disagree.

6. “Nada” is actually Spanish for “nothing."

It isn’t just made-up slang. Turns out I’ve been bilingual for quite some time. Not really, though.

7. I am slightly obsessed with American Horror Story.

When I found myself wanting to explore abandoned insane asylums, I knew it was time to seek help.

8. Using a planner is actually life-changing.

Why have I never done this before? Everything I need to do, laid out in front of me, telling me exactly when I need to do it—but I’m still working on the actually getting it done part.

9. Consuming alcohol is good for absolutely nothing.

It ruins lives, relationships, families, and livers.

10. To stop asking God “why” and starting asking Him “how."

Rather than wondering why He put me in a situation, I have begun asking Him how He is going to use this situation to change me and further His plan.

11. Sonic’s peach tea is pretty bomb.

You have to ask for it to be made with sweet tea, though, or it will be less bomb.

12. Invest in your church.

If you invest in your church, they will invest in you, and let me tell you, it is more than worth it to have the support of an entire congregation of Christ followers.

13. I never want to be president.

I don’t think this one needs a description.

14. Puppies can ruin your life.

Well at least until they are done being a puppy, then your life can go back to being not so ruined.

15. Crazy comes in all shapes and sizes.

There is not a set physical appearance for crazy. I have seen some real crazy this year, and let’s just say--I didn’t see it coming.

16. Greek yogurt isn’t actually the worst thing ever created.

Stir it up really good and throw in some granola and peanut butter and it’s actually slightly desirable.

17. Even friends that you thought were forever can still walk away.

There is no legally binding contract that states that your friends are tied to you for eternity, and even the best of them may not last as long as you thought they would.

18. We are killing our planet.

I always knew that we weren’t exactly taking the best care of our home, but I did not realize the serious impact of climate change, deforestation, oil spills, and the death of the coral reefs is having on our survival.

19. There is no such thing as enough sleep.

Even if I get a good eight hours in at night, you better believe that I will be making time for a nap one way or another.

20. My plan is probably not His plan.

As much as I try to make them align, He will always know what is best for me more than I do. It doesn’t matter how much I plan out, He is always going to redirect me in the direction that I need to be going, and I can find comfort in that.