Once age 18 hits, the world is your oyster. You are, basically, officially in charge of your life, and it is an amazing feeling. With this new found freedom, you have choices to make. These choices regard your future, your career, and possibly even your happiness. So, why not make the most of your young adult life?

1. Close the yearbook

If you don't close the yearbook, then you are already off to a bad start. You can reminisce, don't get me wrong, but don't live in high school. Let those years go and allow yourself to mature, grow, and learn.

2. Choose a path

Whether you want to take a year off, attending trade school, joining a branch of the military, or attending a university, make a choice. Sometimes your first choice won't always be the right choice, but trial and error works just fine. Show initiative, take life by the balls, and begin your future!

3. Work

Nothing in life is free, as much as we would like that to change. Save up, but also spoil yourself a bit. Work hard for the things you want, but never forget to save for the things that you need.

4. Travel

I honestly cannot stress this enough. There is so much more to life than that little one-stoplight town you grew up in. Spend a little cash (because traveling on a budget isn't impossible), and see the world. The amount of culture and knowledge that is out there for you to explore is unbelievable.

5. Stay healthy

For God's sake, do not throw yourself away. Don't stray away from the gym, remember that hygiene is important, and always eat your veggies. Your momma didn't raise a fool, so keep her sweet little voice in the back of your head and take care of yourself.

6. Choose your friendships wisely

Realistically, you will be friends with 1 to 3 of your high school friends when you are in your 40's. There is absolutely no reason to stay in toxic friendships or relationships. You literally get to choose what you do with your life, so don't let unnecessarily damaging people ruin that.

7. Learn the importance of independence

Although you do get to make all of these choices for yourself, "adulting" can be really hard. You will have to rely on peoples help to get started, but take their help and learn from it. Once you know how to do it on your own, then actually do it on your own.

8. Stay organized

You are responsible for yourself now, and you don't want to make it seem as if you are a hot mess (even if you are). Make to do lists, have a routine, and keep logs of all your passwords and other important information. In my eyes, a happy life is an organized life.

9. Never forget about family

There will times where you are busy, tired, or just down right stressed. That is totally understandable, but remember that you literally have a built in support system. Confide in them, reminisce with them, and always appreciate them. They love you way more than you can imagine.

10. Enjoy life

Whether that means having a cup of tea every morning while you read, meeting up with friends, or other little things; you should always find a way to make your day enjoyable. Being happy should be everyones overall goal, so enjoy the little things and the big things.

Whatever path you chose, wherever you decide to go, and whoever withstands the journey with you, remember that you get one life. Don't waste it!