The other day (June 28th to be exact), I turned 21 which I admittedly had been waiting for, for some time. Now that I am officially in my 22nd year, I look back and am amazed by the amount of growth that I have gone through and the lessons that I have learned. Like every other person on this planet I make mistakes, and from those mistakes I learn and have morphed into the person I am today. I am in no way shape or form a perfect individual and I never intend to become one, but I would like to address some lessons that I have stumbled across over the years that I feel will be not only a friendly reminder to myself, but possibly beneficial to you.

1. Being kind is way underrated.

Being sassy, rude and emotionless is a common trend nowadays that seems to be spreading like wildfire. Being unkind and unapologetic is something I come across daily in my college classes, the grocery store or out at a restaurant and can be seen all across social media, especially Tumblr. It is so easy being kind and genuine that it's confusing when not everyone agrees with this simple ideal.

2. Carbs are not your worst enemy.

I honestly wonder when people will realize that carbs are nothing to fear but something to embrace. As a vegan the amount of carbs that I consume daily would see shock in the faces of "health gurus" across America. Carbohydrates are needed for energy, and without it our bodies will feel depleted and lethargic. Try eating a high carb diet for a day, I'm sure your energy levels will soar and you'll even see a slight skip in your step.

3. Quality over quantity- (In terms of friendship).

I never had a large group of friends in High School or College and it was something that always bothered me. More recently I realized that the few friends I do have are people that I trust wholeheartedly and would do anything for, and is reciprocated back to me. I rather have a small group of close friends then a large group of friends that I have nothing in common with.

4. Don't rush into the real world.

Society pushes this on us, but it will be better worth your while to take your time and really figure out what it is you want to do.

5. Mistakes are your best friend.

This one is kind of a given but a nice reminder. Without mistakes we would not be shaped into the people we are today, so embrace them, be grateful for them, and then move on with your life.

6. Complaining will get you nowhere.

It can be extremely unpleasant to be around someone who is constantly complaining and being negative. Not only can being positive make the people around you feel good, but it also can help increase your mood and quality of life.

7. Fake it till you make it.

When I am struggling with anxiety, sadness or nerves, the best remedy is to pretend you are feeling the opposite and force a smile. For example, if you are feeling nervous, talk about how confident you are and continue with what you're doing without an ounce of self doubt. The more you fake it the sooner those feelings will turn into reality.

8. Adults are not always right.

This was somewhat of a challenge to accept, as when you are a child anyone who is older than you is a portal into the vast endless expanse of knowledge which you have not yet been granted. You place adults on pedestals as those who are never in the wrong and will forever hold the secrets to the universe. As I grew up I began to realize that adults don't know everything, and you might hold more maturity than them in reality.

9. It is okay to ask for help.

This is something that my mother always told me throughout school, due to my lack of communication with teachers when I was in need of help. We are taught to not ask for help and to deal with things on our own, but it's important to ask for help when needed and reach out to those who are available. Without the support of others we are no one.

10. Everything does happen for a reason.

The first article I ever wrote for the Odyssey was on this subject, and is an ideal that I live by. Believing that everything happens for a reason can relieve any worry that you are "on the wrong path" in life.

11. Worrying is a waste of your time and energy.

Another one that seems self-explanatory but is often needed as a reminder to take a deep breath and realize that some things are just inevitable.

12. FOMO is real, but it shouldn't be.

FOMO is usually an irrational fear and chances are the activities that you are "missing out on" can be repeated again sometime in the future.

13. Sleep is important.

That is all.

14. Everything is temporary.

This is something that I tell myself when I am having a panic attack or feeling a bit of anxiety. It tends to help with not only this, but other things in life as well.

15. Thinking positive thoughts will bring positive things into your life.

If you have not yet taken the time to read "The secret", I would absolutely recommend it as it talks about the power of the Law of Attraction and how it can bring amazing things into your life.

16. It's okay to give yourself some TLC.

People tend to forget that without some self love we are living a below average life. Buy those new heels you wanted, eat that cake you've been eyeing, and most importantly, take time to relax.

17. Having alone time is necessary for self growth.

How can we get to know ourselves when we are around people all the time? We must spend some time alone so we can blossom into the people we are meant to be without too much influence from others.

18. Learn from others but go to your own school.

In other words, listen to your loved ones with open ears but make your own decisions.

19. It's okay to not know your passion.

It is difficult to be around people who are already aware of their passions and what they want to accomplish in life, because I am someone who does not know my own. But what's the fun in that? It is nice to not have one single end goal in life, because then what happens when you reach that goal and the fun's all over? Take it slow, explore your options and enjoy life.

20. Don't waste time being jealous of others.

Instead, be grateful for what you have and that you are your own person, unique in every way. Embrace and love yourself.

21. Believing in yourself is the best thing you can do for your mind, body and soul.

It's not cool to bring yourself down and you will feel way more confident when you have respect for yourself. You will feel a change in your mental as well as your physical well-being.