The age of 19 is one of those awkward in-between ages. You’re already old enough to vote and be considered a legal adult, yet you’re not quite in your 20s, a “turning point” for many people. However, 19 is still significant in that you’re old enough to have more than just a handful of lessons that you’ve gathered over the years. Here are just a few of the life lessons that I deem most significant at age 19.

1. You will grow, sometimes without even trying.

You will look back and just see the difference, sometimes just over the course of a few weeks. Sometimes it’s subtle, but sometimes you will grow immensely in just a short period of time.

2. It’s okay to not be okay.

We often force ourselves to think that we’re okay, trying to convince ourselves that whatever it is that’s bothering you, huge or not, is just something stupid and miniscule compared to what lies ahead. Sometimes that’s a good mindset to have, but sometimes… it’s okay to not be okay.

3. You may find the one you love, and you may lose them too.

You may have your first real love. Maybe you’ll have your second real love. You may have lost them as well. It’s a pain that’s so hurtful, you’d rather do a dozen other immediately painful things than endure heartbreak. But it makes you stronger, wiser, and more loving in the end.

4. Laughter is the best medicine.

Sometimes you just need a good laugh, and that’s all it takes to feel better.

5. Sometimes you just need to do it.

You may take forever deciding whether you should or should not, but often times you just need to step up and take the experience over worrying about failure versus success.

6. Remain faithful to what keeps you going.

Whether it be to God, your passions, or your friends, remain faithful. Be open to new ideas and new hobbies, but remain faithful. Always. It speaks true to your character.

7. Take time to show love to those that are close to you.

We often get wrapped up so much in our own problems that we forget about those around us. Show them their value and their worth, and you will realize yours.

8. You never know what tomorrow holds.

We can plan on tomorrow, the next week, or even several years from now, but when it comes down it, we don’t know what tomorrow will hold. Make the most of today and let others know it too.

9. Age doesn’t always matter when it comes to wisdom.

I’ve encountered 45-year-olds that have led me in the wrong direction, but I’ve also encountered 12-year-olds that have taught me some of life’s most valuable lessons. Age isn’t a number when it comes to life lessons.

10. God may throw the most insane curve balls your way.

You may not understand. It may make you confused. It may make you angry. But you just have to go with it and stay true to yourself and faithful to Him.

11. You may look back and think, “How the heck did I end up here?” maybe more than just a few times.

Several weeks could go by, maybe even months, and you just wonder how you got from point A to point B. Just keep going. You made it. Time flies.

12. There’s more to this world than just your hometown.

There’s an entire earth on which you live. It’s not just your town, your state, or your country. Adventure is out there. Seize it.

13. Academics are really important, but so is taking time for yourself and for others.

It’s important to stress about your academics in a healthy way, but when it becomes unhealthy, sometimes you just need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and use that time for yourself and for pouring into others.

14. Be humble.

You weren’t the only one that got you to where you are today. Be humble. There are many people on this earth, and you aren’t the most important human being, or even the best. But you sure can be grateful to others and to God that you are where you are today.

15. There’s a reason for everything.

Life’s not just one big bowl of chance. With life comes both pain and joy, but you will look back one day, and it will all just click. You will see the chain of events and how it opened doors when others closed.

16. Don’t judge others.

You don’t know everyone’s stories. That person may be going through a difficult family crisis. That other person may be struggling with his/her self-esteem. Build others up. Don’t judge them.

17. Don’t be naïve.

It’s sometimes okay to give the benefit of the doubt, but often times just don’t be naïve. People aren’t always the most predictable, and neither is life.

18. Find joy in the little things.

It’s often the little things that matter most in life -- the little things that you appreciate. Find joy in those little details.

19. You’re young.

You don’t know what next year will bring to you, so make the most of your young life. There are better things to come and more doors to be opened.