This week I will be celebrating my 18^th birthday…crazy. At times, I can’t believe that I am actually an adult now, and at others, it feels strange that I am only now turning 18. In other words, sometimes I feel about 9 years old, and sometimes I feel 43. This year, as I reach what’s seen as a “threshold” age, I have been thinking back over the years I have lived so far. Here are 18 of the most important lessons I have learned in my first 18 years on this planet:

1. Life is fragile-We all know this, but we don’t always remember it.
2. Your love can do so much-Never underestimate the power of your own heart.
3. It’s less about living without regret and more about living without reason to regret.
4. Your body is a vessel-Your body is not all of you, but it is a part of you, and therefore your body deserves your love and care.
5. Holding onto hate harms you more than anyone else-Do not allow anger and grudges to take up valuable head and heart space.
6. Speaking of head and heart space, you control what occupies it
7. Potatoes work wonders, avocados fix most things, and chocolate heals-and meat and dairy just make me feel gross.
8. You can’t do everything on your own-You are strong and you are capable of so much, but you were not created to be a completely self-sufficient soul.
9. With regard to social justice issues, neutrality does not exist-Be part of the solution.
10. You have privilege, others do not-It is so important to, at the very least, recognize and acknowledge this and to think about what this means.
11. Heartbreak comes in many forms, and you can’t always stop it-Be gentle and give yourself grace.
12. The world needs fixing, but so do you-Sometimes you need to take the time to fix and spend time with your own brokenness and well-being in order to be equipped to give the world your all.
13. Home is not a physical place-You can find that sense of belonging in a place that you have lived your entire life, or in a town that you step into for the very first time. Home is about people, sensations, and whatever comfort means to you.
14. Go to the sea to discover strength, peace, wisdom, and gratitude-Always run toward the ocean.
15. Compassion is cool-Kindness is one of those great ‘win-win’ attributes; compassion toward others not only makes their day brighter, but it makes you feel good too. Cultivating a community of love and compassion around you is extremely rewarding, and the world needs more of that.
16. Some people are not supposed to be a significant part of your life-And that is okay. There comes a point where you have to accept that those are not your people. As long as you are living as your most authentic, loving self and projecting that out to everyone, you should never feel bad about moving away from people who either (a) don’t want that in their life for whatever reason, or (b) don’t encourage your journey of self-discovery and growth. This is a big one for me. Surround yourself with love and encouragement and support.
17. Feelings are more than natural, they are works of art-The human heart amazes me daily. What an amazing creation. I recently shared with a friend: “Feelings mess with you, but feelings also give you meaning. Everything you feel is natural and so incredibly beautiful. Every single expression of emotion is a gift to you, to others, and to the world. Live with fire and tears and joy and pain, and love every part of the chaotic, gorgeous, twisted, amazing human emotion.
18. And finally, here’s the best one…The world still has so much to show you.

My heart is full as I write this. I have nothing but gratitude for the years behind me and excitement for the years to come.