I am entering my 20's and I am entirely shocked by how quickly life is flying by. It honestly feels like yesterday that I was graduating 8th grade ready to go to high school, then being in high school and wanting to be in college. Now that I am in college I have realized that I need to stop wishing for the next part of my life to begin, and start appreciating what I have right in front of me. Even though life is passing by quickly, it is also teaching me very important lessons. I have learned to not take things for granted, love the people around me as much as I can, and take the bad things in my life as lessons to help me appreciate the good when it comes. Even though 20 years is a very short time to be on earth, I have learned quite a few things during them.

1. Love what you have before life teaches you to love what you lost.

2. Stop trying to please everyone.

3. Do things without expecting anything in return.

4. Stop looking for a relationship if you are single, and focus on yourself and who you want to be.

5. You are not better than the person next to you.

6. Try to look at things from another person's perspective.

7. Most fights are not worth it.

8. It's okay to ask for help.

9. Do not let your failures define you.

10. Sit down and listen to someone talk about something they are passionate about.

11. Never give up on yourself.

12. Stick up for someone.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I stuck up for a girl who was getting bullied by a group of boys. It's a wonderful thing to be there for someone who needs it, even if you don't know them.

13. Your feelings are valid.

14. Beauty is more than what is on the surface.

15. Do not look for happiness through other people, start by looking for it with yourself.

16. Surround yourself with people you can truly be yourself around.

17. Watch a sunrise.

18. Say please and thank you and hold the door open for strangers because respect and manners still matter.

19. Nap time is still important no matter how old you get.

20. Never let your age define you, you can always be as young as you want to be.