A little over a year ago, I graduated from high school. I was on the brink of 18, starting college, and taking on the world...or so I thought. I had no idea that the year I was 18, an actual adult, would hold some of my best moments, as well as moments that weren't so great.

I am in no way an expert in terms of giving life advice, but I would like to share some things life has taught me as I approach the big 1-9.

1. Mental health is just as important as any other aspect of your health.

Don't be afraid to seek help if you need it with depression, anxiety or anything else. Before you can take care of anyone else, or any other aspect of your life, you need to make sure you're doing well yourself. Don't be ashamed of who you are; there is no reason to be. There are lots of resources and hotlines out there to help you. You don't have to be alone.

2. It's better to have a small, close group of friends than to be preoccupied with whether or not every single person you meet likes/befriends you.

Find people you really click with and who are like you. Don't worry about being the most liked or well known person around. Just be you, and the people you want to be friends with will gravitate toward that.

3. Be prepared for changes.

Many things in terms of jobs, relationships, schooling and more changed for me this year. I realized that this is a part of growing up, as more aspects of life will change as I get older. To make it in life, you must be ready to take on and adapt to these changes.

4. Love yourself! You're all you have, after all.

Even if you're close with friends and family, they're not always around. Flush out toxic and self-deprecating thoughts that can take away from you loving yourself. This also goes for cutting out negative people in your life who hold you back.

5. Be happy and do what makes you happy...don't care what others think!

Pick a major that you want to work with for the rest of your life. Embrace that crazy laugh you have that you hate because you think others hate it. Watch "The Office" on Netflix with a box of Cheez-Its instead of going out because you're a broke college kid OR go out and flaunt those super cute new shoes you bought and dance your troubles (and the night) away because you've spent the past few weekends babysitting. JUST BE HAPPY!

6. Let go of little things!

You're still young, and they won't matter in the long run. My mother always used to tell me, "Don't sweat the petty things."

7. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot be.

It's up to you, and you alone, to make those dreams come true!

8. It's perfectly fine to treat yourself every once in a while.

We're all doing our best after all, and deserve a treat from time to time... whether it's dessert with dinner, or that super cute dress you've had your eye on for weeks. TREAT YO' SELF!

9. Someone you love can end up turning into a stranger and that's OK because it's all about growing up.

This applies to friendships and romantic relationships. I like to think that you grow apart from people to grow closer to others who are meant to stay in your life.

10. You may legally be an adult, but there's still growing up to do! You have yet to experience so much in life...

11. ...But growing up can suck at times.

Studying for three exams that are on the same day, having bills to pay, being stressed at work... No thank you!

12. College is a totally different world, whether you commute or you live on campus.

It's a taste of the real world, and even if you think you're prepared for the worst, things may sneak by you. Welcome to the rest of your life. (Refer back to numbers 10 and 11.)

13. It takes more effort to be rude and negative than it does to be nice and have a positive attitude.

Generally speaking, people would rather talk to/befriend someone who isn't constantly complaining and being mean about EVERYTHING. It costs nothing to be nice to people. Just do it.

14. You're doing a lot better than you think you are in terms of adjusting to life and adulthood, so slow down and take it easy. Just. Breathe.

15. You'll miss the days you had totally free and could sleep in, watch cartoons, and eat cereal all day in your pajamas.

They were regular back in the day, but as responsibilities of adulthood constantly loom, you'll find those days are a rare treat.

16. You may be frightened of the unknown or what lies ahead because of the past, but the future should excite you!

There is SO much to look forward to, it makes all the bad stuff seem...not so bad! Don't look back as you journey forward in life.

17. You are allowed to change, just like your life is/may be changing.

As you grow up, you realize your opinions on various stances or beliefs may be different than they were when you were younger. This could also go for things such as who you choose to hang around or what you want to wear.

18. Bad things/where you are now in life is temporary.

You can't rush growing up, and there is so much ahead of you. If you find yourself in a rough patch now, know it will get better and this isn't permanent. If you're in a great place, that's wonderful! Be prepared for changes and obstacles to occur. You never know where life is going to take you.

I still have a lot more learning to do, but at least this year made me grow up more than I thought it would. I look forward to life teaching me 19 more lessons this year.