Alopecia (AA), for those of you who don't know, is defined as the "sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches...". Essentially, people who suffer from alopecia can range from having patches of hair on their body, to having no hair on their body. While the illness itself is not terminal or physically taxing, it is not uncommon for people who suffer with alopecia to mutually experience problems with self-image or physical appearance. It is known to aggravate anxiety, depression, eating disorders and a variety of other psychological conditions. In short, alopecia is no cakewalk. For years, my best friend has lived with this condition and has inspired many people with her perseverance and raw honesty about her experiences. Here is a list of just 5, (although there are infinitely more) things that she has taught me in my time of knowing her...

5. New Terminology...

More often than not, the word "alopecia" is met with raised eyebrows from people, and as every good friend knows, their struggle is yours too. Throughout the years I've found myself self-educating about every type of medical anomaly and medicine that exists just so she'll know that someone out there is making the effort to understand...

4. How to Help Others...

My best friend has gone out of her way to contact people who live with alopecia and spend her summers working as a camp counselor at alopecia camps. From her doing so, I've learned that one of the only silver linings that come from personal struggles are that they can be translated to help others who's problems are silenced. And that's pretty rad if I do say so myself.

3. Laughter is the Best Medicine...

Whether its tagging each other in outrageous memes on the 'gram, or embarking on wild adventures, if there's one coping mechanism I'll always take from her, it's that while laughing hysterically won't make your problems disappear, it will give you the motivation to move on for the time being.

2. That Sometimes It's Okay to Break Down...

In the times that laughter just isn't enough, crying like a maniac to your best friends is a suitable alternative...

1. How to Accept Yourself...

Contrary to popular belief, loving yourself is far easier said than done. But in the wise words of Steinbeck, once you realize you don't have to be perfect, you can be good. And having your homies, no matter how many issues they may have, to remind you of that, its always enough.