The past 19 years have been filled with learning experiences and opportunity. Nineteen is an odd age between adolescence and adulthood, but there are a lot of lessons that

1. There is value in honesty.

I've realized that if someone wants an opinion to just be direct with things.

2. Be vulnerable, but cautious.

Don't be afraid to share your story.

3. Fear is trivial.

This year I realized that everything I feared was unnecessary and only held me back from what I hoped to accomplish.

4. Sometimes people are only meant to be in your life for a season.

I realized that friends will come and go with time, and that's okay. Certain friends are there to help us grow, change and learn for a shorter time, than other friends that will last a lifetime.

5. Failure is an option.

We mess up, and that's okay. Failure is a chance to truly learn from your downfall. You desire to succeed should flourish through your mistakes.

6. Do what makes you happy.

This really should have been common sense. It's time to stop wasting time on the things we don't find joy or growth in doing.

7. Stop. worrying about other people.

Our lives were meant to be lived by us. There is value in compassion, caring and watching out for other people, but at the end of the road, I've realized that my primary concern needs to be myself.

8. Stick to being you, you're awesome.

It's easy to get caught up comparing yourself to others, but just don't.

9. Respect and love yourself.

There are so many incredible things about you that make you interesting, hold on to those. Self respect and dignity says a lot about an individual's integrity.

10. You cannot properly function on 4 hours of sleep.

You would think, I would have learned this by now, but nope.

11. Searching for ways to love yourself adds to your overall confidence.

Find ways everyday to grow and remind yourself that you are capable of greatness.

12. Things happen for a reason.

Everyone differs on this belief, but I have learned that God is up there watching out for me, leading new experiences and people into my life everyday.

13. Appreciate the people in your life.

There is joy in appreciating the great friends, supportive family members and all the positive affiliates in your life.

14. You're going to find ways to heal the emptiness.

Alcohol, drugs and sex won't make feel better in the long run. Facing that emptiness head on through prayer, self-reflection and finding something new to invest in brings more value than temporary relief.

15. You don't know everything, so keep learning.

As hard as it is to admit you're not a genius, life is a journey.

16. Growing up is weird.

17. Live.

Remember not to get caught up in the craziness of time, I've learned the value of pausing, so I can fully live.

18. Saving money is a good idea.

Your post college, 23 year-old, job searching self could really use that few thousand in savings.

19. You're going to endure thorough every growing experience, every heartbreak and every new friend you make.

Life goes on, but I'm sure you already knew that.

Nineteen was an age of grow, exploration, new discoveries, a lot of firsts and change. Twenty will be even better.