The big 2-1. What can be argued as the most exciting and eventful birthday you'll ever have, turning 21 is like walking through a door to a place that's been locked our whole lives. That place? The bar.

But, before we start indulging in different brews and liquors, let's reflect on what 21 years has turned us into. For some of us, we turned into hard-working, respectful human beings. While others, well, they chose the path less traveled and turning 21 has no affect on the life they've been living thus far.

They say, "you learn something new every day." But, it's turning those learning opportunities into life lessons that will stick with you once you crossover to the '21 and older' section of the bowling alley.

1. Take everything one day at a time

Don't overwhelm yourself with stuff you don't need to worry about quite yet.

2. Hold your composure in person, scream into your pillow at home

Remember the quote Abby Lee Miller made famous, "save the tears for your pillow."

3. Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game

This may be an old baseball quote, but it's still very relevant.

4. Life isn't always fair

Sometimes the best outcome doesn't happen, and that's OK. That's life.

5. Don't take life too seriously, you won't get out alive anyway

Even though you may be the best salesman at the office, that shouldn't be your life's goal.

6. Do not compare your success to the success of others

Your success is not determined by another's success. Do you.

7. Family will be the only ones there for you at the end (family is not limited to blood relation)

The one's who truly care about you will stick by your side through it all. Don't waste your time on people who use you, hurt your feelings or who only care about themselves.

8. Make peace with your past

What's done is done, moving on is the best option. Keep your past in your past, and focus on the now.

9. 20 seconds of courage

It only takes 20 seconds of courage to: ask for a raise, ask somebody on a date or decide to adopt a puppy. Scary decisions made easy if you keep a stiff upper lip.

10. You are the only one in charge of your happiness

Don't let other people take over your emotions, you are the conductor of your emotion train.

11. Time doesn't stop for anybody

Keep up with what's going on around the world. Stay educated, stay informed.

12. Time heals

Even if Dwight couldn't forgive Ryan right off the bat, he was soon able to tolerate him. And that's a part of growing up and moving on.

13. Live the life you want, not what others want for you

You're in charge of where your life goes. Not only are you the conductor of your emotional train, but also your life train. You are the only one who decides how you handle each day.

14. Think before you speak

Don't be a Trump in a world that needs more Bernie's.

15. Being popular means nothing

Oh, you had a bunch of friends in high school and always had a clique? How is that going to help you in the real world?

16. Change is inevitable

OK, maybe I don't mean a new hairstyle is inevitable. But, hey, no one's stopping you.

17. Your past does not equal your future

What happened then, what you did then, does not determine the person you are today. How you present yourself today in your actions is what matters now.

18. Experience anything you can

Go to college, explore new cities, try new foods from different cultures, dance like nobody's watching even if the whole office is recording you. Be you, and get out there and experience this world of endless opportunity.

19. Good things come to those who wait

Patience, young Padawan.

20. You will never have all of the answers (nobody does, nobody will)

It's impossible, let's just accept it. Dwight, calm down.

21. The best is yet to come

You're 21, you are an adult. A lot has happened these past 21 years, but you made it this far, let's see what you can do next. I'll be rooting for you.