When I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to be a young adult. Once I hit my 20's though, I realized life is not the way it's portrayed in movies and TV shows, or even books. It's not easy--it's actually the most complicated thing: figuring out your life, who you are and what you want. You most likely don't have a super cool job where you earn lots of money; you actually only have enough for Taco Bell, and your most reliable relationship is probably with your bed. Life is crazy and confusing and unpredictable, but also 100% real. Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives that we forget to take a breath and remember to look out for numero uno. Here are a few helpful reminders to you 20-somethings about life, love, health and everything else:
1. Not everyone is going to like you.
There will be people you meet (or even people you haven't met) who won't like you for whatever reason. The key is to not care. Obviously nobody likes not being liked, but, at the same time, you know you're awesome so forget about everyone besides those who love you.
2. You don't need to have your whole life planned out.
We all know that one person who has their entire life mapped out down to the day. After talking with them, you feel like a complete and total failure because all you're focusing on is what you're doing this weekend. Don't stress. Life takes you where it wants to so don't worry too much about creating a 100 step plan to success and happiness. Chances are you'll reach it without having it distinctly planned out. 
3. But, it's important to have goals.
Walking aimlessly through life will lead you nowhere. Knowing what direction you want to go in is great, but remember you don't need to get to your destination as fast as possible. So, have goals and have a plan to get those goals, but keep it loose and open, allow room for changes and question marks. It's amazing what will happen when you are flexible with what life throws at you.
4. You probably won't end up with your first love.
And, if you do, good for you. It's okay to love and to lose. It's not easy or ideal, but it happens. Life isn't a fairy tale and sometimes your prince doesn't make it to the end of the movie to ride off into the sunset with you.
5. Your family is your rock.
I've realized the older you get, the more you need your family. It's easy to get sucked up in your crazy life, but your family will always be there when it seems like nothing else will.
6. Tanning beds are the enemy.
An unnatural tan in January is not worth the risks. Embrace your wintertime paleness. Your skin will thank you.
7. Lotion is your friend.
Getting wrinkles is inevitable, but let's try to avoid getting them at a young age. One day our skin will lose it's elasticity (which is a really scary thought), so lather up every day now instead of looking like a prune later.
8. You should know your social security number by heart.
Seriously. t's time we stop asking our moms.
9. Not everyone will make it to the next chapter in your life.
And, that's OK. Some people are around for now, not forever. That doesn't mean they had any less of an impact on you nor does it mean they didn't care while they were around (or that they don't still care).
10. Don't compare yourself to others.
Not in looks, not in accomplishments, not ever, in any way. Everyone is at a different stage in life and it's not fair to compare your beginning stages to someone's experienced stages, or vice versa. And, as for looks, don't do it. You will rip yourself apart and you don't need that.
11. Fit exercising into your schedule.
We won't be young, naturally toned, and hot forever, so let's work out now in order to be old, toned and hot in the future.
12. Social media is not real.
95% of it is fake. The majority of people post things based on how they want to be perceived. I've personally seen people take a smiling, happy picture and then sit in the corner on the couch looking at their phone, not having half as much fun as portrayed in the picture. I'm not saying some of social media isn't real. I'm saying be hesitant to be jealous of someone's life solely because of what they post; it rarely is what it seems.
13. Don't let money ruin your life.
I know the feeling of panic when you look in your bank account and realize your balance is waaay low. It's OK. You're just entering the "real" world and you may be swamped in college tuition/loans; try not to stress. Money doesn't bring happiness, it just brings security. 
14. Following your heart will take you farther than following a boy.
And, no, these are not the same thing. Not in this case.
15. Love your natural self.
Nobody can make you love yourself besides you. And nobody can tell you you're not beautiful if you believe you are. It's time we start embracing our natural beauty and glowing through our fingers and toes with complete confidence. With confidence comes a strength nobody can take from you.
16. Just because people age does not mean they mature.
You may think that since you're an adult now with adult responsibilities and adult behaviors, everyone else who is over the age of 18 will be the same...nope. Some people act just as they did in high school. Don't let them distract you.
17. Appreciate the little things.
Not everything has to be a grand gesture. It's usually the little things that can take a bad day and turn it into a good one. Don't take them for granted, they should not be overlooked or under appreciated.
18. Nothing will be handed to you.
Life requires hard work. You won't receive anything worth having without putting in the blood, sweat and tears to earn it. There's a special pride that comes with finally achieving something you've put your heart and soul into.
19. You weren't nearly as prepared for life as you thought and that's OK.
When you're a teenager, you think you can conquer the world. It's not until you have classes to study for, bills to pay, a job to work, and everything else life throws at you when you realize that maybe you don't have this all figured out after all. Take a deep breath. You can do this. Take it one step at a time.
20. Everything has a way of working out.
I don't know how, but it always does. Maybe it's life's way of giving us some hope and a little bit of happiness before throwing more unexpected obstacles our way. Just know that everything will be OK.
