I am a mere five days away from the hollowed 21st birthday. The milestone is almost mine. I am far from old and wise, but I have picked up a few lessons here and there.

1. Surround yourself with goodness.

2. Be kind to others with no expectations.

3. Work hard at everything you do.

4. If he loves you, he will show it.

5. You will make mistakes, but you must learn to forgive yourself.

6. Getting over someone else is all about building yourself again.

7. Find the time to call your parents.

8. Feel your feelings. Do not deny yourself that.

9. You don't have to justify your choices to anyone.

10. Hair gets messy when it's curled. These are facts, please accept it.

11. Makeup almost never perfectly matches your face and neck.

12. The day you choose to be unconditionally yourself will be the start of something fantastic, I promise.

13. Toxic friends are very real, and there is no shame in distancing yourself.

14. Vent your grievances, but be weary of complaining. It's easy to convince yourself things are worse than they are.

15. Find happiness in the little of things of everyday.

16. There are far more intensely gratifying things to be than just beautiful.

17. Love and lust are two very different things.

18. Forgiveness is a trait of the strong.

19. Make time for the people that matter most to you.

20. Live with purpose.