My 21st birthday was finally this past Sunday. I, like any other American youngster, was overly excited to transform into the age that permits alcohol consumption. With this special coming-of-age birthday, I’ve listed some lessons, not necessarily in chronological order, that have led me to form into who I am today. With these phrases of guidance (I shan't say wisdom, for I am only 21), I hope anyone could relate in that each year grants new experiences, new adventures, and new opportunities for personal growth (as I did during my climbing of Mount Camelback in Arizona, pictured as the headline of this article, depicting me dramatically glancing out upon the distance). Some of the 21 Lessons include my further deliberation. Some are for your own.

1. Let yourself be a child every now and then. Goof off in Target. Sing in your living room.
2. Let yourself be happy. When you feel joy, you don’t need to doubt it.
3. You’re going to be too intense for some people.
4. Not everyone is going to like you. That means you’re doing something that takes a stand; something that takes courage to outwardly express.
5. Accepting optimism makes life easier. Ah, my pessimism may try to get the best of me, but learning to let happiness in has been a struggle worth everything.
6. Every friend, whether they’re gone or still around, is meant to make a mark on your life.
7. Not every debate needs to be won. If you’re tired of debating, it’s okay every once in a while to relax from it all.
8. Pick your battles. Sigh. This one was hard to learn. It still is, but necessary.
9. Embrace your competitiveness. Competition encourages further strives toward your goals...
10. …But know that being “The Best” is not always realistic,and know how to be humble.
11. Practice your skill every day, even in little ways. Dedicate time to your passions and improve.
12. Dedicate time to yourself. You owe yourself lazy days! Let yourself snuggle in bed while watching YouTube videos every once in a while.
13. Procrastination only leads to suffering. Will I ever learn from this lesson and apply it to my life by working ahead? Absolutely not.
14. Treat. Yo. Self. Buy that expensive jacket. Splurge on coffee. You deserve it.
15. Whoever said “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!” is—undeniably—wrong.
16. Your parents dealt with a lot of crap during your angsty teen stage. Thank them for it.
17. Appreciate your siblings. This may take time, but understanding grows.
18. Call your Grandparents. You can never do this enough.
19. Laugh too loudly. And don’t mind the looks people give you when you do.
20. Don’t get too lost in your “Life Plan.” Let detours happen and grow from them.
21. Love unapologetically. Being the person who loves and trusts too much may be painful when hurt or heartbroken, but vulnerability brings opportunities for connections and healing.

21 years. 21 Lessons.

I can’t wait for the remaining lessons I’ll learn over my remaining years. Be excited for your years, too.