It's your birthday. So first of all, Happy Birthday. Twenty years ago, you were brought into this world. I remember looking at you through the nursery window, surrounded by our aunts and uncles. You were perfect. You were my dream come true. I remember wanting a little sister so badly, and there you were. And now, today, you're 20. It's amazing how fast time flies.

I cannot tell you how proud I am of all your accomplishments. You are one of the smartest, kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We're related, but you're also my best friend. You may feel as though you have learned everything there is to know in the 20 years you've lived, but there is so much more ahead of you. No longer being a teenager comes with its perks, but you must also be ready to face new challenges and decisions.

Here's what I've learned since entering my 20's:

Nobody is going to make excuses for you anymore.

You must be ready to accept responsibility for ALL of your actions. Mom isn't going to be there to pick up the pieces for you for much longer, so you must be confident and strong in your decisions. If you make a mistake, you have to be mature and professional and take responsibility. And trust me, you will make mistakes. Some may be life changing. You must be ready to accept consequences, no matter what they may be.

The person you date/are dating, you will either marry or break up with.

This is something I've only recently learned. This isn't high school anymore, so relationships you enter into will have more pressure on them. It sucks, but it's the truth. Dating in your twenties is a completely different experience than dating in high school. You may not have the luxury of seeing this person every day. You may have to endure the hardships of a long distance relationship. There may even come a time when you have to make decisions on where to live, whether or not to start a family, etc. That being said, you must never settle for anyone less than what you're worth. Never succumb to being treated poorly just because a relationship may be convenient. Find someone who loves you for who you are, and who believes in your dreams.

Living on your own is fun, but it all depends on who you choose to live with.

I have unfortunately had to deal with awful roommates, which is more stress than you need when living on your own. Paying your own bills, furnishing your apartment, buying groceries, taking care of cleaning and everything else that comes with living on your own is already enough to deal with. Make sure you think long and hard when deciding to move in with a friend or a significant other. If you are typically neat and they are messy, it will cause a riff in your friendship/relationship. Also, make sure that ALL of you sign the lease. This will put your mind at ease when it comes to paying rent or taking care of security deposits. Pick someone you've known for a long time, or someone who you know you'll get along with. Spend time with them alone at their current place of residence, and gauge how good of a roommate they will be by paying close attention to how they keep their room. You will save yourself a lot of money and a lot of aggravation by doing this. Trust me.

This is the time of your life, so live in the moment and take chances.

This is the time to do the things you want. Eat the food, wear the clothes, go to the places. Don't hold back, because you will never be able to get this time back. Will you do some things you regret? Absolutely. But it's always better to take a chance than live the rest of your life wondering "what if?". Have as much fun as you can. Remind the people that you love that you love them, because life is just way too short. Don't worry so much about the future, just live in the present and live every moment like it's your last. Work hard to achieve your goals and dreams, but live your life. There is so much ahead of you, and I know that wherever life takes you, you will succeed at whatever you set your mind to.

Happy Birthday, Booger. I love you.