You learn a lot in 21 years.

1. It’s natural to grow apart from people. As you grow up you realize things about yourself and you change. This growth is inevitable and in that process it’s okay to realize that people who you once were close to you’re not anymore.
2. Don’t sell yourself short. It’s the easiest thing in the world to discount what you truly have to offer and what you are capable of — don’t take the easy way out, believe in yourself.
3. Don’t mix drinks and feelings. Listen there is going to come a point when your best friend is going to try to get you drunk, so you can forget about your problems for the night. That’s fine, but do not attempt to solve those problems via text message, snapchat, or phone calls that night. Sober up before you face those feelings or people.
4. I’m happy for you, but not with you. You can let people go and still hope they’re doing great and be happy for them.
5. Embrace your flaws. They make you, you.
6. Fix your own problems. Handle your business, no one else is responsible for your happiness except you.
7. It’s acceptable to not be okay some times. Every single person has good and bad days.
8. Tell people you love them. Life is too short to make people question what you feel for them, so tell them.
9. Wander. Whether you travel to a new part of the city you live in or take a trip across the world- do it. Those new places help you discover new pieces of yourself.
10. Take the time to get to know yourself. Read a book you want to read, take a night for yourself, keep a diary, whatever you want just make sure you take the time to figure out who you are and what you want. No one can answer those questions for you.
11. Call your Mom. Whatever person you associate with as your family call them whether it's your Mom or your cousin, call them. Take the time to fill the people that matter to you in on what’s happening in your life or what you’re struggling with.
12. You’re not alone. I know you think that you’re the first person to experience heartbreak or failure, but the truth is you’re not.
13. Follow your passion. You’ll be so much happier in life if you make decisions based on what you love rather than what pays the most or what other people want you to do. Never let go of that passion for anything.
14. Don’t you dare sign over your autonomy. You are the boss of your life, no one can ever take that title from you.
15. Do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do. Go to class, go to work at that part time job that you hate, study hard, do all those things so you can get to that place you want to be.
16. Don’t cry over spilt milk (or vodka). Stuff happens, but complaining will you get you no where so clean up your mess and actively try to improve your situation.
17. Mint chocolate chip ice cream may not fix your problem, but it makes most things better. No explanation needed.
18. Give back. Take some time to find some ways to give back. You don’t have to volunteer everyday or donate tons of money, but you do need to make the time.
19. Count to 10. Don’t allow an emotional moment to make a permanent decision. Walk away, breathe do what you have to do before you make a decision or a statement based on anger.
20. Your word is you, so be honest. Mean what you say and do what you say you’re going to do.
21. Find good people and don’t let them go. This is important. Don’t under-appreciate good people in your life, keep them close and take the time to keep the relationship or friendship healthy and strong.