By the time this article is published, I will have begun my nineteenth year on this planet. I have learned so much, both about myself and the world around me this year, and I'm so excited to embark on my last year of being a teenager. Here's what my first year of being an "adult" taught me.

1. No one else cares what you're doing, and the people who do don't matter.

People who waste their own time worrying about what you're doing are just that, a waste of time. Don't let people who don't matter keep you from investing in what does, and in who you are.

2. Sometimes no makeup is the best kind of makeup.

Your natural beauty is just as beautiful as when you are all made up. Don't let yourself get so caught up in how you look that you forget that it's what's on the inside that counts.

3. It's okay for not everyone to like you.

The only approval that matters is your own. Don't get so caught up in trying to please other people. Not everyone is going to like you or agree with you, and that is more than okay.

4. It's so important to spend time investing in yourself.

It can be easy to get so caught up in helping others and worrying about what they're doing, but don't forget to take time to put yourself first once in a while. Self-care is extremely important, and at the end of the day, you're the only one who has to live with you.

5. Just because you're an "adult" doesn't mean you have everything figured out.

You're only 18, you definitely still have a lot of growing up to do. Let yourself learn as you grow, and don't let yourself fall to the illusion that you know everything just because you're technically an adult now. You still need help and advice from others, that will never change.

6. There's no time like the present.

Don't waste time talking or thinking about what you will do someday, but focus on what you're going to do now. Take things one step at a time, and don't waste time worrying about the future. Take what you want to happen and make it happen. Period.

7. Let the past be the past.

Holding grudges is not harmful to anyone but you. You are the only one who gets to hold onto that anger, and the only one who it effects quite frankly. Allow yourself to move on, and unless what has happened in the past is effecting you in the present, don't let it be a part of it.

8. Dance parties with your best friend are really important.

Let yourself go.

9. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best parts of you.

Don't waste time investing in people who make you something you don't want to be. Being the best version of yourself starts with you, but who you surround yourself with effects that person immensely.

10. Don't fight battles that aren't yours.

Getting into things that aren't yours to begin with is detrimental to your mental and social health. Don't make other people's business your business. Save your energy and leave yourself out of things that don't involve you.

11. Things will happen if and when they are meant to.

Don't waste time worrying about what might happen. If things are meant to work out they will, and if they don't there's a deeper reason for that.

12. Don't be scared to be your crazy, unapologetic self.

You were meant to thrive and live to the best of your ability. Don't let what others might think, or how you might feel keep you from acting that way. Be you, and don't think twice about it.

13. Life is too short not to drink all the milkshakes you can.

This one is self-explanatory, treat yourself.

14. Appreciate the beauty in every season.

Whether that be a season concerning the weather, or one that you're going through emotionally, let yourself feel and embrace everything that each part of your life, and the weather, have to offer you. There is beauty in every stage.

15. God has got you through everything.

Whether you're extremely religious, or don't believe in God at all, He's got you. There is a plan for your life that is greater than you could ever know, and He is working in your life. You were made with grace, and you are loved, no matter what.

16. Keep an open mind.

Things don't always go to plan. Let them fall into place rather than stressing because they aren't going exactly your way.

17. I do not have good luck with lotto tickets.

Being 18 and finally being able to play in the lottery has made me realize that I am not a lucky person.

18. Growth is a constant state, not just a stage of life.

You will constantly be learning and growing, that's a given. Don't convince yourself that you will not always be moving on your journey to becoming the fullest version of yourself. You will always be growing, remember that.