1. Your life isn't a mess.

So what if you lost your wallet, shoes, and may have misplaced your keys. You probably even skipped Sunday's laundry, and have yet to wash your bedsheets. Guess what? You're human. Odds are, your best friend has done the same thing. Stop apologizing for being flawed, because we all are. Not everything has to be perfect. Where's the fun in that?

2. You're still young.

You may assume 19 years old is the awkward age where you are patiently waiting to turn 21, which, it totally is. You are no longer a kid, but not quite an adult just yet. You are, however, still a teenager experiencing the same sh*t you've been dealing with for years. There is so much life to live. Don't rush it.

3. Stop trying to impress everyone.

To be frank, we know you're in college, and we know you're bound to have a great time (hopefully). This isn't high school anymore. Stop putting forward a perfect image, idea, or notion about yourself. Exaggerating your personality and accomplishments only hurts you in the long run. Stop being dishonest with your true self. People value authenticity and truth, and if they see the real you, everything else will fall into place.

4. Use your phone a little less.

It's time for a technology cleanse. I understand it's an extension of you; however, look around. Phones disconnect you from those sitting beside you. Connections develop through body language, facial expressions, and conversation. How can we establish relationships when our heads are staring at a screen? I promise what's happening in front of you is much more interesting than an irrelevant Snapchat you can reply to later.

5. Stay in shape.

I'm sure it's hard to balance your social life and schoolwork with the gym, but making a routine with a friend will motivate you to stay active. Also, eat less junk food, eat three healthy meals, and cut down on soft drinks. You will mentally and physically feel better about yourself.

6. Letting go is OK.

Exes will disappear. High school friends will leave your side. However, this is a part of growing up. Stop worrying. Clear your mind of past regret and look forward to the future. The world is in your hands.

7. Forgive.

I'll admit, it's hard to forgive someone who has wronged you before, although forgiveness is essential for your well being. Holding grudges will become a heavy burden to carry through your life. I'm not saying to let them off easy, or excuse them from what they did. But forgiveness is a resolution for yourself. Be the bigger man and unload all that baggage. You have a long journey ahead.

8. Vent without seeming selfish.

Everyone is going through something, even if it is left unsaid. If you need to let out your words of distress/anger, by all means talk to your best friend about it. However, do not make this a one-way street. Do not let your problems hold up everyone else's. Quit turning their problems around so they can point to your life issues. No one wants to be that selfish and emotionally draining friend, so don't be that person.

9. Stay positive.

Even when you're at your darkest place, stay optimistic. It may seem like the end of the world. However, trust me, it gets better. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you, and leave your toxic friendships in the past. Put the negativity aside, and establish positive relationships to lift you up even at your lowest. Only you have the power to change your negative thoughts into positive ones. Remember that.

10. Don't let anyone tell you how to live.

At age 19, you're independently finding your place in the world. Don't ever let somebody tell you what you can and can't do. The sky is the limit.

11. You are in control.

Why let someone else take charge of your feelings and have you conform to their standards? It's your life. You set your own rules. We ourselves choose to live the way we live, so push the boundaries and focus on improving yourself. Do things that make you feel the way you should feel, even if you are afraid to do so. No one but yourself can create your destiny so make it worthwhile.

12. Change is healthy.

The first step in improving yourself is to understand it's OK to outgrow your friends. Many times you realize that those who once had your back are no longer behind you anymore. It's important to recognize that those who don't encourage your growth and exploration are not the people you should surround yourself with. Stop spending time with those who hold you back, and find people who will elevate you to your highest potential.

13. Disappointment is normal.

As us college students transition into adulthood, disappointment is inevitable. People will not always live up to our expectations and standards, because no one is perfect. That's life. Misery, however, is optional. Yes, we may be disappointed with our significant other, roommate, family member, professor, etc. However, it is our choice to decide how it will affect us. You can either let it drag you down, or move on and learn from it. Regardless of what life brings, it's how you deal with it that matters most.

14. Heartache hurts, but won't stick.

I won't lie and say a broken heart doesn't tear you mentally, emotionally, and physically apart. Because it does. However, time will heal. It may take a while, but a new chapter in your life will begin. There will be days you overthink and wish to change the past. However, everything happens for a reason. Day by day, it will get easier. Believe me.

15. Someone loves you.

You may not think this now, but someone out there loves you. Whether it's a relative, friend, partner, etc., you mean something to someone. Don't think because you aren't in a relationship right now means you aren't desirable and special. You will find that person soon enough. There are people in your life who care about you. Don't ever forget that.

16. Solitude is OK.

Loneliness is a battle most of us face as we move into adulthood. You can surround yourself with a group of friends, laughing and joking, and yet have an aching sense of solitude. However, solitude is often cherished when sharing a community bathroom, a room, and a dorm with over 200 students. People can be overwhelming and start problems that weren't there in the first place. Most times, individuals need a slight detox from the world. Alone time gives you space and freedom to focus on yourself. A little break can go a long way.

17. You don't have all the answers, and that's all right.

Life is full of highs and lows. We all make mistakes that we desire to take back. Through this, however, we grow to be self-reliant and independent. We find ourselves through the obstacles we face. Life would not be meaningful if we had all the answers. Without this uncertainty, there would be no growth. We may not know what the future has in store, but that's fine by me.

18. Stay determined.

Sustaining determination is definitely tough for a college student. Motivation is a struggle when you have tons on your plate, like community service, exams, working out, having fun, etc. However, there are ways to hold onto that determination. Organize your thoughts, because no one will succeed with a cluttered mind. And second, always have a plan B in case things don't go as planned. Even if it's a different direction you were going for, stay determined and you will achieve greatness.

19. Be whoever you want to be.

Don't follow what the rest are doing. Be different. Be unique. Everyone has their moments, but you learn and grow from them. Just do you.