If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

After 21 years, I have made my fair share of mistakes. I have learned from heartbreaks, failed friendships, and a few denied job opportunities; but through the closed doors, I always find an open door. New opportunities and positive lifestyle changes have led me to discover 21 lessons over my 21 years.

1. It's okay to cry.

Crying means you are feeling. Feeling means you care. It's okay to feel emotions, and it's okay to express them. If you need to cry, DO IT!

2. Making mistakes teaches you lessons.

Making mistakes is part of life. Defying stereotypes and trying new things helps you learn. You will never learn lessons if you always do the right thing. Do not be afraid.

3. You might lose a friend or two.

Losing friends is hard, I speak from experience. When you lose a friend, remember the previous point. "Making mistakes teaches you lessons". You were meant to be, so move on, put on a smile, and always remember the good times.

4. Your family ALWAYS comes first.

This one is SO important. Family will be there even when no one else is. Call them, love them, spend time with them, and pray for them. Do not put anyone above them, because friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends come and go, but family is forever.

5. Being the designated driver isn't a burden.

You're keeping people safe, what could be more rewarding? I personally choose to be the designated driver almost every time. I want people to depend on me, and I want to keep my loved ones safe. Try it, you might actually like it.

6. Being alone doesn't have to be lonely.

Coming from experience, I can't stand being alone. But I have learned that being alone means spending time working on yourself. It is time that you can reflect on your day, your week, or even your life. Don't take it for granted.

7. Failing a test isn't the end of the world.

Failing a test doesn't mean you're a failure. You might have needed a little more sleep, so you studied a little less. Maybe you just did not understand the material. Or maybe it's time to change your major. Whatever the reason is, it's not the end of the world; I promise.

8. Quitting a job doesn't make you a quitter.

At some point in your life, you are going to try out a job and absolutely hate it. That's okay! You can quit a job if it isn't working out. You are not a quitter just because you gave a job your all and it didn't fit your lifestyle.

9. Find your happy place and go there as often as you can.

My happy place is somewhere that I visit very often. Whatever and wherever it is, go there whenever you can. Don't be ashamed, it'll make you stronger in the end,

10. It's okay to change your major.

I was blessed by coming into college with a preconceived notion of what I wanted to do with my life. Some people don't know what their future holds, that's why we have the ability to change majors. Some of my very best friends changed their major multiple times, and now they are happier than ever. Find your passion, and run with it.

11. Find your passion.

That bring me to my next point, find your passion. Whether it's college, your major, a job, a person, an experience...it doesn't matter. Find the things that make you happiest, and experience passion.

12. It's normal to be scared.

If you're never scared, you will never go out of your comfort zone. When you stay inside your comfort zone, you can't learn or develop. Being scared shows that you have compassion. It's all a part of life! My advice to you: do something that scares you everyday.

13. Take a leap of faith.

When you're scared, take the leap. Jump with your eyes closed and take the chance. Go through an open door, even if it doesn't have exactly what you want behind it. Try new things, you never know where the path will take you.

14. Let go of your past.

You know the saying "forgive and forget"? Do it. Elsa says it best "Let it go!" Move on and go through the next open door. Take the time you need to heal, then keep pushing forward.

15. Don't delete pictures.

Pictures are memories. You took the picture for a reason, so why throw it away? You wouldn't have taken a picture of something that you didn't care about in that moment. Keep them for later, you won't regret it.

16. Call your relatives.

With the tragedy that has been surrounding, we are reminded more than ever; tomorrow is not promised. Give your grandma a call, she will appreciate it. This is something that I am still working on, but it's a lesson that I have learned is one of the most important.

17. Try new food.

I am a big "foodie". I love foods of all kinds. I have found that some of my favorite foods are the foods I was a little scared to try. I encourage you to try some new food, you might find your very favorite!

18. Keep an updated planner/ schedule.

I would be lost without my planner! I need to have things written down so I don't forget them. It is vital that you have your loved one's birthdays written down, they will appreciate the call. Take time to plan your day, it will make your life much less stressful.

19. Learn how to save money.

I have learned that this is important, but I'm still learning how to save it... Find a good budget and stick to it. (and when you figure it out, let me know!!!)

20. Always make new friends.

Your very best friends will never leave your side, but don't forget to make new friends along the way. You don't need to change your friend group all the time, but making friends changes perspectives and gives you new outlooks on problems and lives.

21. God is holding your hand through it all.

Even when life gets hard, and you're at your breaking point; God is always right beside you. After 21 years, I have learned that life will throw you curve balls all the time. Sometimes it's harder to smile than cry. On those days, in those moments, at that point, look up. God is waiting for you to call on Him.