So I've turned 19, and it literally feels like I just turned 18. Time flies by so quickly as I get older, and it has led me to reflect on what I've learned during my 19 years of life.
1. Your family is one of the most important things in life.
You can't choose your family, but at the end of the day, they are the ones who are there. Despite what you go through together, in the end, they are most important.
2. Friends come and go, but you'll always know who your true friends are.
People come and go out of your life, but it's important to cherish the people who are always there for you. Friends can be mean, and it's one of the hardest struggles to get through in life, losing a friend. But, just know you will eventually meet people who are there through thick and thin.
3. You're gonna get your heart broken, not just romantically, but in other ways, too.
People let you down, whether it's in a relationship or not. You're not going to get everything you want in life, but you'll be okay. You have to remember who you are and learn from the experiences life throws at you, even if it breaks your heart.
4. Mondays are the worst.
Mondays are the absolute days of the week, all year long. There's not much explaining to do there.
5. Free food is the best thing ever.
There's nothing more satisfying than eating good food, knowing it's free.
6. You realize how many stupid things people do, including yourself.
People are stupid, and as horrible as it sounds, it's true. We're all a little stupid in the things we do, and you realize that it can be very frustrating to come to terms with. You realize other people's stupidity, as well as your own.
7. Socializing can be challenging.
Sometimes you just don't want to deal with people. Whether it's in person, talking on the phone, or just socializing in general, it can be a challenge.
8. You learn to start accepting yourself and who you are.
Whether it's appearance or personality wise, you become more comfortable with yourself as you get older. Once you get out of high school and awkward teen stages, you learn that there is so much to embrace about yourself.
9. Naps are great at any age.
Taking a nap is one of my favorite activities, and when I can squeeze in a long nap in my day, it's the best thing ever.
10. Getting up early never gets easier.
I tend to set several alarms as I get older, especially for class. Hitting the snooze buttons tends to be a daily activity.
11. You don't have to be happy all the time.
Sometimes it's hard to put on a smile and be happy. It's okay to be sad sometimes and let yourself be upset about little things.
12. Some of the simplest activities become almost unbearable.
Sitting in class or cleaning may feel like the most boring and exhausting activities, but they have to be done.
13. Compliments can literally make your whole day.
I've learned that even the nicest gestures from people and compliments can make a bad day turn into a good one. I try to compliment and be nice to everyone as much as I can be, because I know how great it feels.
14. People's opinions don't matter.
I've learned not to care about what other's think, because in the end, and as cliché as it sounds, all that matters is your perception of yourself.
15. Sometimes you just gotta laugh at yourself.
. 
We all make mistakes, and as much as we don't want to admit it, we have to. I've learned to laugh at stupid mistakes and realize that life is to short to regret every little mistake.
16. Being a little weird and crazy is fun.
I've learned to let myself do weird things and and be crazy once in a while, because doing normal things all the time is rather boring.
17. Smiling more makes you a much happier person.
I've learned to smile at people I pass, and through rough times. It honestly helps, because even if things are bad, putting on a smile can help you through it.
18. It's okay to be emotional.
Growing up I've learned that it's okay to be emotional. You can't bottle everything up, and it's best to get it all out.
19. You are who you are for a reason.
There's no one quite like you, and I've learned that you are who you are and where you are for a reason.
