My 20th birthday just recently passed. I'm no longer a "teen". I'm considered a real adult, but I still can't drink like the adults. I'm starting to have my own responsibilities, and I'm finding my own independence. I'm finally where I desperately wanted to be. As a child, I wished time would fly so I could be my own person, to do my own thing.

But that's what I knew then, or what I thought I knew.

I learned so many things during these past 20 years. I've been through many happy, good times. There are so many of those great, heartwarming memories that I will forever store in my heart. However, this heart has been through more tragedies than it ever expected, and I have hopped over tough obstacles. There are too many to count. But, after living graciously through 2 decades, I'm thankful that I made it this far. I still have so much more life to look forward to, and I'm very excited. 20 years can seem so little, but it's quite the opposite.

At 20, I know that life indeed moves forward. Every day is a new one.

At 20, I know that money doesn't grow on trees. I need to earn it. I have to work for what I want in life, because it doesn't just get handed to me for free.

At 20, I am aware that I cannot rely on anyone. I can't expect to hold someone's hand forever. Although support is appreciated and needed, I must figure things out by myself. That's what being an adult is.

At 20, I know you can't pick your family. Part of mine has failed on me during the past 2 years, and they've broken all of their promises. I have learned to move on from them. If they don't need me, then I don't need them. Adult problems call for adult solutions.

At 20, I know that there are too many worse things in life. So when I'm having a tough time with something, I constantly remind myself that I can't stress over the things I can't change. It's just a bad day, not a bad life.

At 20, I've realized that if a guy only spends his time on making me feel inferior, then he's not the one for me. He's not worth it. Your prince is supposed to ruin your lipstick, not your mascara.

At 20, I know it does take time to find the perfect guy. Perhaps I've found mine. You're not meant to go look for your future husband as a teenager; but if you do find him when you're that young, kudos to you. That is God's plan.

At 20, I'm confident that God does have a plan for me. He has good things in store for me. I trust Him and love Him.

At 20, I know I must be patient with things.

At 20, I know it's okay to cry. I've been through hell and back, so I've come to the conclusion that crying is acceptable.

At 20, I have to remember to be kind. I'm already a nice person, but I should be kind to the people who don't even deserve it. Kill them with kindness; they hate that.

At 20, it's alright to eat as much ice cream as possible for whatever reason.

At 20, I know to open the door or hold the door for people. Be courteous, make them smile. Do good for others. Maybe they're having a crappy day. Something so little could brighten up their world, and it could have the biggest impact.

At 20, I have learned that tragedies strike at the worst times, especially when you didn't expect it. I must know to get through them. I know to be strong for myself, my family, and my friends.

At 20, I know to hold my loved ones near and dear to me. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

At 20, I know to say "I love you" every chance I get.

At 20, I have realized that college is hard, and expensive. But I don't sit alone on that struggle bus headed towards a diploma, a job, and debt.

At 20, I can take risks. I know to take advantage of every opportunity I receive. I really don't know how life-changing that could be if I say yes.

At 20, if that opportunity actually changes my life for the worst, I know to make the right choice and leave it.

At 20, I know my worth, and I'm capable of doing anything I want.

At 20, I will take on the world.

At 20, I will follow my heart, and live the best life possible.

So much has happened in 2 decades.

And that's what I know now.