Title: 21 Thoughts Before 21

Oh my literally goodness. I’m 21 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME. Never in a million years would I ever think this day would get here. But just as excited as I am about being 21, I’m absolutely terrified. So, instead of writing all about me, my love of Halloween, and my birthday, I’m sharing with you 21 thoughts before I turn 21.

Adam, I promise I won’t say I’m 21 until 8:34 pm, okay? I’ve had 16 years of you kindly reminding me that I cannot properly celebrate my day of birth until that exact moment. Oh and thanks to my parents for loving me every single day. Thank you for putting up with me crying and calling you and worried I’m not going to succeed. Thanks for always being here for me even when I’m overly dramatic and worry about frivolous things.

I’m literally so in my feels, I just can’t believe this is my 21^st day of birth.

1. Before you turn 21 it’s okay to stay up late and wake up with makeup ringing your eyes because you stayed up studying for economics and French. BUT once you turn 21, it isn’t acceptable. Our personal hygiene and teeth brushing skills are not something we can just brush off from now on.

2. Once you turn 21, you’re like an adult adult. Since I’ve been at school in Columbia, I’ve handled many “adult roles” from my job, to taxes, to financial aid, to paying rent, getting groceries, and my car payment. But if I slipped up or forget about a payment I could use an excuse that “I’m still a kid”. But now, that excuse isn’t going to fly. We can vote, we can drink, we can get married, and we can go into the military; we are old now.

3. Being reliable, trustworthy, and responsible are 100% musts. We don’t have time for flakey people ya’ll.

4. First impressions are extremely important but also don’t be afraid to walk out of the door with your hair thrown up occasionally. I mean it is only college.

5. Guys are literally going to tell you whatever you want to hear. Make sure that you make them prove themselves to you. Seriously you can never be too careful with your heart and your love.

6. Give out love with all of your heart. Love your parents, love your siblings, love your aunts and uncles, and love everyone with all you have so that you cannot have hate in your heart.

7. Find a religion and love God will everything you have. Life is too short to be lost. Let him lead you and you will find your way in life.

8. Find the beautiful in every moment. Find what you love in yourself and in others and fill your heart with joy. Inspire those along the way. You will never know what the value of a smile will be to others.

9. Always trust your gut and don’t forget your morals. Don’t let others challenge the good in you. If so, walk away fast.

10. Do your yoga AND eat your candy corn. Seriously ya’ll, enjoy it!

11. Write down your goals and do something every single day that will get you closer to those goals. Don’t let life slip you by and have regrets.

12. Be proud but stay humble.

13. Be kind, compassionate, and stay grounded.

14. Trust your parents. I should have never taken French but I did and you both warned me. I wish I could have listened.

15. It is OKAY to stay in and have a movie night on Friday nights. Enjoy a nice cup of tea, a facemask, and turn on some Spice Girls. I can promise you that you will not regret it! Those extra zzz’s and your refreshed face will really glow the next morning!

16. Make sure to give some extra love to your friends and appreciate those who help you. Moments of kindness are NEVER overratted.

17. Relationships Do Not Define you. It’s perfectly okay to be single and appreciate yourself. You define you, you define your happiness, and you alone define your success. Another human never should harm that, but enhance it. Learn to love yourself and what makes you unique and beautiful.

18. Being successful takes hard work. It isn’t something that you can just achieve overnight. Work hard because you’ll appreciate it so much more than if its just handed to you.

19. Keep going. Nobody really has it all figured out. Change your mind, do what makes you happy (within reason) and accept why you are friggin cool! Yet in the same note, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your mental and physical health is important.

20. Don’t stress the little things, stop comparing yourself, and focus on yourself.

21. Happy Birthday Cass! Enjoy each minute like you are not promised tomorrow. Lay off the beans and eat some extra cake for Morgie since you can’t mail a piece. Sending happy vibes to everyone reading this :)