Today, the day I am writing this, is September 3rd, 2016. It is the day I turn twenty. I have been on this earth for twenty years. That is a little scary to think about, because I am no longer caught in the "teenage" years (which were getting old). I look back on these years of my life and honestly only think wonderful things.

I have amazing friends. I truly do. I would not be here today without them because they helped me become the person I am today. They have been there at my best and worst times, and they still accept me and love me for who I am. Seeing them through all these birthdays over the years just means they will also be here for the years to come and that to me is such a comforting idea in my mind. I love them so whole heartily and they all know who they are. :)

I started college a year ago and it was the most important-and one of the hardest- transitions in my life. It was not easy, but seeing where I was on my last birthday to this birthday just shows how much I have accomplished.

Life is so unexpected, and I have learned that the hard way these last couple years. The people who are meant to be in your life will always find a way to stay in your life. They are meant to be there and the people who are not are not worth the time spent worrying about them. These certain people do not deceiver your attention and for that reason, I have learned to stop worrying about people who do not even worry about me. It is a complete waste of my time and energy. I know this is a hard concept to swallow and even go through, but trust me, in the end you will feel so much better when you see who really matters. Some people might even turn out to be closer to you than you even thought. That is always a great feeling of unexpected joy.

Birthdays are milestones no matter how old we are turning. They represent how far we have come and how much we still have ahead in our lifetime. They mean we are all here for a reason and will continue to be here for many other birthdays to celebrate and enjoy.

Birthdays are also a sign of growing up. I am at a crucial time in my life. I'm getting an education for myself, I am learning how to be independent, and I learn how to handle whatever life decides to throw at me. As we get older, we learn more and more about ourself. We learn who we are and what we value most. These next few years are supposed to be the best. I will find a name for myself and I will eventually be successful once all the schooling is over. I am working for an education for a reason and that reason is to come in a few years. These years are important and I needed to reflect on them.

So, happy birthday to me and I have a feeling it is going to be a good one.