Dear Maddie,

Happy freaking birthday! I hope your birthday was as good as you thought it would be!

Though I've only been in my 20's for a year and some odd months, I feel like I learned a lot so far. When I turned 20 I thought it was just going to be another year. I learned a lot in my 20th year.

Here are 20 things that I learned in my 20th year.

1. Always say "I love you"

There's a lot of great people in your life. Remember to tell them what they mean to you. They might not be there one day.

2. Some people who claim to be your best friend, will not be your best friend.

People change and that's okay. You'll change too and that's okay. Sometimes you just have to let people go to become a better you .

3. Your true friends will love every inch of you, inside and out.

Your real friends are supposed to love you for who you are. If they don't, they are not your friends. They are not supposed to tear you down or make you feel poorly about your body. They should make you feel special and loved.

4. Moms are usually right.

True story!

5. Actually read the chapters you are supposed to for your class.

I promise it will make school much easier.

6. Ignore people who talk about you.

There's no use in wasting your time worrying about that kind of stuff. There are better things to worry about like saving the bees, or global warming.

7. Don't take yourself so seriously.

Make sure you laugh at yourself every once in awhile. It makes you a better person.

8. Give everyone at least one chance to prove themselves to be good.

No one is perfect and people make mistakes. Give them a chance.

9.There's no such thing as a stupid question.

Ask away. There could be someone who is thinking the same thing. Be the person to ask the questions.

10. DON'T LET BOYS GET IN THE WAY OF A FRIENDSHIP.

This one is self explanatory.

11. The baseball boy in your art class won't matter in a year.

He'll graduate and move on with his life and you'll still be stuck in school. Go for the guy who actually talks to you.

12. Being the mom friend isn't as bad as it seems.

I complain about it a lot, but it really isn't that bad. I've always put people first and I truly don't mind doing it. Just make sure you put yourself first every once in awhile.

13. Make time for yourself.

Watch a movie. Eat a whole carton of ice cream. Take a long shower. Take a shower. Do whatever makes you the happiest.

14. Zayn Malik leaving One Direction is not the end of the world.

I just wanted to throw this in there.

15. Cooking is a life skill.

I know you know how to cook, but it really is a skill that you need.

16. Crying is okay.

Everyone needs a good cry. Never feel like it makes you weak. It doesn't.

17. Spinach is actually really good.

You can put that sh** in anything AND it's good for you.

18. Be honest.

ALWAYS.

19. Enjoy the little moments.

The little moments will one day be the big moments. Cherish them.

20. Love yourself

This is the main thing I learned. Life is too short to hate yourself. Be who are and love that person. She'll be with you forever.

I'll love you forever and I'm always here for you. I hope your 20th year is all that you wish it to be.

Love always,

Your older sister.