With each year I get a little older, I like to reflect on how much I have changed as a person and what I can improve on in the future! I Know my birthday was a few months ago, but I have been thinking long and hard about what all I have learned in my 21 years of being on this Earth.

I am still trying to figure out my life one step and one day at a time... But, I think I am heading in the right direction!

I have to say that I am pretty happy with the woman I am now but also, who I am slowly becoming. So, I took great pleasure in writing down what has made me me in the last two decades!

1. I Have l Learned to Accept the Messy-Silly Gal that I Am

What I mean by that is, for the longest time I was always afraid to open up to others and let them see me for who I am. That person is messy; my room is always upside down, I usually have a mysterious food stain on most of my clothes, and I am always fabulously late to everything. When I was in high school, I covered up the person I was and tried to fit the mold with my peers. But, I knew I was always an outsider and that is what made me such a "Nervous Nelly" all the time around people. I have learned to finally say- "To heck with it!" I am going to be the person I am and everyone else can suck it. I know it sounds easy to do, but trust me when I say it is a lot easier said than done. It is one thing for people to accept you for you, but it is another for you to accept who you are. I have finally escaped the cage I was putting myself into for the longest time. I am messy, I am silly... I am goofy, and I am happy, I am free to be who I am and have no regrets about it.

2. I Am Not Afraid to Move Around and Start Anew

Those who are close to me know, I have moved a good bit back and forth on both the east and west coast of the United States for the majority of my childhood. Which was fun and exciting, but also dreadful and scary. But, it has made me stronger. I am no longer afraid to start somewhere new whether that be moving to a new place, taking a job outside my comfort zone, or going to school far from home. I have learned you can make anywhere your home if you open up. There is something to like about every place you ever go (even some of the worst places have their perks). There is so much out there in this world to discover and I want to uncover as much as I can in this life. I urge everyone to take that job outside your home state, move some place new... Because you will grow so much as a person. I know I have.

3. It Is Okay to Ask for Help

Last year I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety *takes deep breath*. It has taken me a few years to admit to myself that I was not okay, and that it was okay not to be okay. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends, I sought help and counseling and have gotten so much better since I have started my junior year of college. For a long time I felt like I was spiraling out of control and soon I was starting to act out of control. I finally said enough is enough. I did not want to live in a dark place anymore. I wanted to move forward and so I owe a lot of thanks to my friends who have been nothing but supportive and helpful throughout my situation. Do not ever be afraid to get help if you need it, we all struggle in some way or another. Just know that you do not have to be alone.

4. Going Out on Nights I Did Not Feel Like Going Out, But Did Anyway and Had the Time of My Life

I can't tell you how much of a stick in the mud I can be about going out sometimes. It is a lot of work for us girls, we gotta look cute! Do our hair, our makeup, and what not... But, I will say the times I kicked myself in the butt to put on pants and rock out with my girlfriends downtown... I have met some of my best friends by just going out and letting myself have a good time.

5. Take Chances on Love and Relationships

I think people spend way too much time worrying and looking for a significant other. Everyone is afraid of being alone, which is completely understandable. But, do not go searching for something- let it just happen! Go on that date with that guy in your philosophy class, be open to meeting new people! Some of the best relationships I have made have been on accident, and just by taking a chance on getting to know someone. Put yourself out there, what do you have to lose?

6. I Have Made Some of My Most Fondest Memories By Just Staying Up and Talking into The Wee Hours of the Morning

One of my favorite things to do is just hangout with a group of people, have a couple of drinks, and chat. I don't think I have laughed or had more of a better time than just staying in with a few friends, listening to some good music, and just talk about anything and everything.

7. Always Try to Take Your Education Seriously

I promise you, it is never too late to start new and learn something. I have finally decided to take the steps in pursuing a law degree. I thought I didn't have what it took, so I majored in education because other people said I would be good at it. Well, I finally said no to that! Do what you want to do! Because I promise, when you love what you are doing and studying- you will ultimately love yourself and be a much happier person for it.

8. Do Not Focus On All the Bad Things Happening in Your Life, Have a Little Perspective

For instance, I ran cross country in high school. Was I ever any good? No, not really. In fact, I came in dead last in a race once out of 200 people... But, you know what, I had so much fun with all the people on my junior varsity team. I would see other girls on the team freaking out because they were half a second slower than another girl on some other team, or if they did not place well enough in a race they would not qualify for state. I still laugh about it! Because, does any of it matter now? No... See? You survived! Learn to have fun. 'Cause if you are no longer having fun in whatever you are doing, just stop doing it. It is totally not worth being miserable.

9. Always Find the Humor in everything

I try to wake up every day and find something to laugh about. Life can get you down sometimes, but do not take every thing so seriously.

10. Do Not Put Up With Bad People

It is just a big waste of time to try and wait for someone who is never going to respect you or care about your feelings and time. It took me a few years to get this through my head, but honestly you cannot have every one as a friend. Some people are not always conducive to your well being. I promise, if you are just you- the right kind of people will find you.

11. Do Not Let Someone Tell You Your Hobby is Stupid

If you like doing it, then do it! I have a lot of weird hobbies I like to spend my leisure time: unicycling, playing guitar, writing, scrap booking... The list could go on and on for like ever and ever.

12. Talk To Everyone

I have made some of my best friends by just introducing myself to random people. My friends have had to pull me away from some strange individuals because of this fact about me, but I will talk to anyone no matter who they are or where I am. I like nice people, what can I say. When you get to college, it becomes extremely helpful to go up to people, especially in your classes and just chat: 'Hey, we both got this really hard homework assignment to do... Wanna do it together? Also, wanna grab a pizza?' Oh yeah. I have asked that question numerous times. For instance, I adore all of the people I have met in the Philosophy Department at University of West Georgia and have never hesitated to ask or set up a study group to try and understand whatever concepts I have learned in class. Whenever all my classmates get together to study for a test we are always having way too much fun.

13. Be Positive and Nice

I am a firm believer in karma- how you treat other people and the environment around you is a big character reflection of who you are as a person and how other people will treat you in turn because of how YOU behave. I have always been a lighthearted, caring person. I love to help others and I know that whenever I am in a pinch for anything, I have people around to help me out. Remember to focus on the things you have rather than what you don't have and always be kind to other people, and you will always receive kindness in return.

14. You Do Not Have to be A Jerk to Get What You Want

If you can just do the best that you can and strive to do a little better each day, no matter what it is... I promise it will all pay off. If you believe it, you can do it. Just do it!

15. Learn To Laugh at Yourself

This is something I am pretty much an expert on now at this point. I am chronically late to everything so I am always the target for jokes on that with my friends and family. I am also messy and silly as I mentioned before... So, I am pretty good about taking jokes. I hate those people who try to say: "You cannot take a joke," when they basically just insulted or embarrassed you in front of a group of people. There is a definite difference between making a harmless joke and outright trying to hurt someone else. Know the difference.

16. Do Not Ever Have a Discussion With Someone When You are Angry

I have had trouble learning this principle over the years, because often times when I get heated or feel attacked I pounce. Just take a step back from the conversation, take a few deep breathes, and express your concerns to whomever you are talking to in a rational manner.

17. Love Your Body

I struggled with this concept for a long time. But, recently I have really come to terms with it. If you properly nourish your body with good, healthy foods and try to exercise when you can... You are doing a pretty good job. It is okay to have that cookie or piece of cake. There is no food or exercise police. Love you for you, and know that if there is anything you want to change about yourself- do it in the right and healthy way.

18. Appreciate Family Dinners

This may seem like a random thing to add to my list, but I truly enjoy sitting around at a table with people I love and just laughing and eating to our heart's content.

19. Do Not Be Afraid To Experiment With Hair and Makeup

I have been dying my hair and changing up my makeup look all year long. I think it is a fun and healthy way to express your fun and creative side. I went from long, naturally blonde hair to short brown hair, to red, to black, back to brown, and now an auburn-ashy, blonde. Somehow, my hair hasn't fallen out yet! I am going to keep pushing it, of course.

20. Learn How To Cook, Somewhat

The past year I have been really getting into cooking my meals because Ramen Noodles and 5 minute microwave meals just were not cutting it anymore. It is actually really fun and Pinterest has thousands of easy college friendly, walk through recipes.

21. Learn How to Take Care of Yourself Both Physically and Emotionally

As a college student (as I am sure many can relate) I often get so wrapped up in school and work, I sometimes forget how crucial it is for me to take a step back and take care of myself. Take a hot bath, cook a nice meal for yourself, watch some Netflix, go to bed early... The list could go on and on. School and work can be very taxing, so treat your body like a temple- it deserves to be respected and cared for.

I hope my list of 21 things I have learned was both helpful and kinda funny! I cannot wait to see where my life takes me in 21 more years!