With my 19th birthday only a few days away, I've had time to reflect (I should have been studying) on all the lovely life lessons I've learned so far. I recognize at the ripe old age of 19, I am not a life expert yet, but I know enough to share.

1. It's okay to like being alone

There’s something beautiful about finding company in the presence of yourself. You shouldn’t have to feel the need to be with other people all the time. Spending some time by yourself allows you to reflect on all the things going on in your life.

2. Appreciate the people who do the little things for you and to you

I think the best example of this is your parents and grandparents, the people who do the simple things, like pick you up from school, listen to you complain (especially prevalent in my life) and make you dinner. They are the people who love you unconditionally and deserve a thank you or I love you once in a while.

3. See the best in every moment

This took me quite a while to learn. No matter where you are in life, there’s something to smile about. If we constantly dwell on the bad things, we fall into a life of misery. So next time you have a bad day, remember how good your butt looks in yoga pants or how much fun you have with your best friend.

4. Make fun of yourself

Never take life too seriously. If we fail to see, and ultimately enjoy, our own flaws, we become wrapped up in the desire to be perfect. It’s okay to want to look like Beyoncé, but remember you’re fab the way you are, so stop stressing.

5. Become best friends with your sibling(s)

One of the most underrated friendships you have is with your siblings. My brother is my absolute best friend and having his unconditional support and love is a feeling that truly cannot be described, so start bonding!

6. Work hard for what you want

Whether that’s a 4.0, to run a half marathon, watch all of Grey’s Anatomy, or just be a better person — work for it.

7. Write a letter, card, note by hand and give it to someone important to you

One day you’ll be disappointed if you don’t tell the people you care about just how much they mean to you, so write it down and hand it to them. I can guarantee that sending someone a note with your true sentiments will make their day every time they read it.

8. Make new friends

You’re cool, you’re fun, you’re friendly, so stop letting your inhibitions deter you from just saying, “Hi, my name is blah blah blah”. But don't actually say "blah blah," actually say your name.

9. Keep an old friend

Have a friend that you can say you’ve known for 10, 20, 30 years. Constantly remind yourself what made you friends in the first place and work to make those things last.

10. Find people who you look up to and hold on to them

Find a role model who exhibits something that you want to be: tenacious, strong, funny, loyal, for example and keep yourself close to them.

11. Never sacrifice what you want for what other people want

At the end of the day, you’re your own person and if you’re living a life on a basis of what other people want, then you’re not truly living — you’re just existing. Explore what interests you, feed your own soul, not others.

12. Eat the cookie, the donut, the pizza

A life of deprivation from things that taste good, for lack of a better word, blows. Eat the cookie, it won’t kill you. Eat some kale tomorrow.

13. Go for a run

I think running is one of the best ways to clear your mind. Blow off some steam and pound the pavement (or treadmill). No one ever regrets going for a run.

14. Find something that makes you forget all the not so great things going on

For me, this is exercising. When I’m lifting heavy weight there’s no room to think about the C on my statistics exam or my friends being annoying. I urge you to find something that you can do when everything seems wrong to make everything seem right.

15. Trust your instincts

I don’t care what anyone says, no one knows you like you do. If you feel that something in your gut is right or wrong, act on it.

16. Call your mom

Tell her about your day, ask her about her’s, tell her about your classes, or maybe just call and complain. When you leave for college, it becomes clear how important your mom is and how life without her a few rooms over is rather strange. Call her, hearing your voice will put a smile on her face.

17. Listen to the stories that your dad tells

My dad is one of the smartest men I know. Take time to hear what your dad has to say. My dad knows a lot about books, but maybe yours knows a lot about basketball, or tools, or art — so listen closely and learn enough to tell your kids someday if he can’t.

18. Find a song that speaks to you on a spiritual level

Take a song that reminds you that you’re alive. This may sound strange if you’ve never found a song that does this, but when you do, it’ll feel like the artist is speaking straight to you and in the moment, everything will be clear. If you’re looking for suggestions, mine is Awake Your Soul by Mumford and Sons.

19. Stop being so hard on yourself

You are human. Remember that.

“Do things that feed your soul, not your ego, and you will be happy.”