Though I'm not 21 at the time this article was written, I will be when it's published, so let's just pretend I'm already in some dive bar sipping on a Jack and Coke, okay? Therefore, in honor of me becoming legal this weekend, I'd like to grace you guys with some of the knowledge I've acquired over the last 21 years.

1. Life will not turn how you planned.

It’s totally okay not to know what you’re doing in life because it wouldn’t turn out how you planned anyways. I thought by this point in my life I would be in a long term relationship, thinking about getting married and having babies after college like my mom did. Instead, I’m planning to go to graduate school to further my education and putting off the babies for right now.

2. Quality over quantity.

It’s better to have a couple great friends than a bunch of acquaintances.

3. Spend time doing the things you love.

Personally, if I didn’t take time during the week to write in my journal, cook a home-cooked meal or binge watch Netflix, I’d go crazy. In college, it’s necessary to take a break from the hustle and bustle to stay sane.

4. Spending money on food is so worth it.

No explanation needed on this one.

5. Take time out of your day to be with God.

Having a relationship with Christ is awesome. My favorite part of the day is cuddling up in bed with my prayer journal and talking to God about whatever is on my heart. Whenever you need to talk, He is there to listen and His answers are always accessible in the Word. He is the best BFF and forming a relationship with Him is so important.

6. Carbs are the best thing in the world, but can also be your worst enemy.

My thighs are living proof.

7. Exercise.

Your body will thank you.

8. Some friendships aren't meant to last forever, but family is.

Our lives are filled with people that come and go but what you should realize is this: that it is totally okay. Some people are only meant to be a stepping-stone to move us to the next place in our lives and we need to accept that. In contrast, no one will be there for you like your family. From the day you were born, you have had unconditional love and support from them. I like to think of life as a tree; even though we might branch out in different directions, our roots remain as one.

9. Memories are more valuable than material things.

This may stem from the fact that I’m not a materialistic girl, but for a gift I’d rather get concert tickets over anything from Kendra Scott. Just think about it: at the end of your life, are you going to be reminiscing about the fact that you had an iPhone 6 Plus or are you going to recall memories you shared with the people who shaped who you’ve become?

10. Don't wear anything you don't feel comfortable in.

Yes, I know the dress is cute but I'm sure you'd rather spend the majority of your night shaking your groove thing on the dance floor instead of worrying about keeping your dress up.

11. Buy the shoes.

Or the earrings. Or the dress. Or the purse. If it’s an item you know you’ll get good use out of, stop weighing the decision and buy the thing.

12. Falling in love is inevitable, but so are heartbreaks

You can’t control who you fall in love with and you can’t control who breaks your heart. People are going to hurt you but just remember, life goes on.

13. Sometimes you need to be a recluse.

It’s okay to take mental health days. Occasionally, you need to pass up happy hour and retreat to your couch for some ice cream and quality Netflix binging. Your liver and wallet will thank you.

14. It's okay to be a biotch sometimes.

Own your RBF.

15. Pay no attention to the people trying to bring you down.

Any time you try to do something great in your life, there’s always going to be individuals that want to keep you from getting there. People will be threatened by your success. Pay no mind to them and just keep swimming!

16. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to dating.

A relationship involves two people. You have to take into consideration two lives, two sets of feelings, struggles and emotions. If one of those people are not at the place in their life, physically or emotionally, to be in a relationship, it’s just not going to happen. No matter how bad the other person wants it.

17. Never downplay your intelligence.

PLEASE never degrade your intelligence to try to seem more interesting or funny. It’s not cute to act like a ditz. Being smart is beautiful.

18. Earning your own money is the best feeling.

Yeah, mooching off of your parents is great and all but nothing beats working hard, earning money and using your income to buy your own things. That’s when you really start feeling like an adult (until you blow it all and have to mooch again).

19. It’s okay to cry.

I’m not even going to try to hide the fact I’m sensitive. I cry when I’m happy, sad, angry, frustrated, hungry, you name it--I’m a gold medal crier. Weddings, babies, kind gestures, a song…I even cried during "Lilo & Stitch". The “'ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind” part gets me every time. Even though you may feel like you’re an emotional bundle of stress to others, never apologize for being sensitive or emotional because that just means you have a big heart and that’s nothing to be sorry for.

20. It's okay to say no.

This was, and is, still a huge problem for me because I’m constantly putting the happiness of others before my own. It’s just who I am. I’ve really struggled with learning that you cannot please everyone. If you don’t want to do something, just say no. It’s okay to be selfish and put your happiness first.

21. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Sorry to break it to you, but you are not a superhero. Stop worrying about how to correctly wash your clothes and just call your mom already.

And an extra just for fun….

22. I am truly blessed.

Words cannot express how wonderful these last 21 years have been. I’d just like to give a big shout out to my parents for creating me and another one to my friends for making life fun. Here’s to another year of memories!