19 years old. Fun fact: 19 is and always has been my favorite number.

My birthday is coming up, October 22, and I'll be 20, and that in and of itself is so scary. You're technically supposed to be an adult by then.

As I sit here and contemplate my almost adult-ness, I have to wonder what 19 things I have learned in 19 years of existing. These are just some things that I have found important. You might not agree or you might totally agree. Either way it's fine by me.

1) Cliché, but unapologetically be yourself.

You're going to attract "your people" by doing this, and I really hope that it helps you attract a ton of people. People are great to have.

2) Eat whatever you want.

Simply: life is too short. And I really like Cheetos.

3) But also work out.

I believe its good for the mind and body too. It relieves some stress for me. And to work off those Cheetos.

4) Put yourself out there.

I'm still really working on this one. I'm not the best at it, but I really am trying. I mean no telling what you're going to get yourself into when you do. Either way, it's going to be a good story. For example, I'm internally debating with myself whether or not I should join the wakeboarding club at my college.

5) Keep family close.

6) Know when to laugh at yourself.

And find people that always keep you laughing (maybe even at yourself).

7) Just go with it.

I was told this by a very special person in my life, and it's stuck with me ever since.

8) Don't be so hard on yourself.

9) Don't lose your fire.

10) Find a good book.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading. It takes you to a new world. If you're "not into reading" or "don't have the time" I urge you to try to find a book to read and enjoy. I promise it will be well worth it if you find the right one.

11) Find love.

You define love for yourself. It can be love for your job, a hobby, a person, a sport, anything that you desire to love. Love it and enjoy it. Don't let anyone make you question it.

12) Try something new every once in a while.

A big thank you to my boyfriend who introduced me to my something new: Pho. A delicious Vietnamese dish that I can never get enough of.

13) Lift people up as much as you can.

Praise people for the things you love and appreciate about them. Praise them for the things they love about themselves. Lift people up and you will be lifted up in return

14) Be grateful.

15) Sometimes you've got to learn something the "hard way" for it to really sink in.

16) Be thankful for the small things.

Because those are the memories that are going to stick with you for forever

17) Be serious about your future.

Because before you know it you're going to be 20 and you're on the brink of being thrown into the "real world"

18) Life happens entirely too fast.

19) If the music is good, dance.

Take that any way you please.

I really hope you got something good from and enjoyed the 19 things I have learned over 19 years of experiencing this crazy idea called life. I'm excited to be turning 20 just for the fact that I will get to experience new things and hopefully learn so many more valuable life lessons.