Today is my birthday (Monday, August 1st) and as the headline states, that makes me twenty-three years old. There's no milestone that goes with turning twenty-three. We've passed the thrills of getting our driver's license, buying our first lottery ticket, and going off to college. We're over being asked for our ID's whenever we want to have a drink with our friends (yes, and sadly I still get carded every single time. Never fails).

By the time we are twenty-three, most of us have left the nest and found flying on our own to be a breeze. Others may have found they needed a flying lesson or two before they got it right. What we all have in common is that we've each learned things along the way that have helped us survive.

Below are 23 things that I've learned these past 23 years. They've helped me navigate my way through friendships, relationships, school, and life in general.

1. It's okay if you don't have your life figured out yet.

I'm twenty-three years old, and I've changed my major at least four or five times. I still don't know what I want to do, and sometimes that can be a bit daunting, but that's okay. I enjoy learning new things and I want to continue doing that, because I'm still finding myself.

2. Going out all the time isn't as cool as it seemed back in high school.

Sure, it's nice to go out every now and then to have a drink or party with some friends. However, you're an adult now. There's a budget you need to think about. It's the struggle games out there, and suddenly getting dressed up every weekend and making sure you have enough money for an Uber seems like a hassle. It's okay to stay in, binge watch Gilmore Girls, and have a glass of wine or a nice cold beer.

3. Always keep at least $40 cash on you for emergencies.

Whether you're going out with some friends, on a road trip, date, or just out and about. I've found myself in many situations where those forty dollars could've been a big help, either in getting a taxi out of a bad situation, or paying for gas when the ATM's are down and you're at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. This may be the era of technology and mobile banking, but better safe than sorry.

4. It's okay to be single.

Enjoy the time you have to yourself. Go to a movie, museum, or a fancy restaurant...alone. It's a different experience when you don't have to worry about small talk or wondering if the other person is having as good a time as you.

5. Speak up.

You won't get anywhere in life if you're afraid to say what's on your mind. For example: Don't sit at the back of the class if you know what's good for you, and raise your hand. I know you have something to say about that lecture you took 8 pages of notes on.

6. Pick your battles.

You'll come across a lot of people that haven't seemed to have fully left high school. People can be petty and fight over the smallest things. It's not your problem. Let those comments roll off of you. You're an adult now, and something that's not going to matter in a few hours isn't worth your time in the first place.

7. You're going to lose friends.

This is inevitable. People change. Friends move away, grow apart, start their careers, or start families. It's okay to be sad about it, but don't dwell on it for too long. Just remember that you'll always have the memories and the impact they made on your life.

8. Say thank you.

I think people sometimes forget how meaningful those two simple words can be. Whether it's to the waiter pouring another glass of water or a stranger holding the door open, believe me it makes a difference.

9. Let the moment seize you.

I know people always say 'seize the moment' but I think it's the other way around. Things just happen, and you find yourself in the midst of it. When that happens, say yes and you might find yourself on an adventure of a lifetime.

10. Be responsible.

If you're like me, you might have school, deadlines, taxes, and more. It's good to have fun, but remember that you still have a load of dishes at home that aren't going to wash themselves, bills to pay and a job to be on time for. These aren't things you want to find yourself behind on.

11. Smile more.

I know, I know. You've probably heard it a thousand times, but I honestly have to say there's something to it. You never know how well or bad a day a person is having and a friendly smile can make all the difference.

12. Don't make it your mission to please everyone.

For years I did this, trying to please my family, my friends, and my teachers. It was exhausting and at times depressing. The only person you need to please is yourself.

13. Don't sign up for classes with your friends.

When you start college, you'll be tempted to ask around and see what classes they're taking, and at what times. This isn't high school anymore. This is the time for you to figure out how you work best. Join a club or sport while you're at it. You can always hang out on the weekends.

14. Contacts are not worth the hassle.

Unless you're into sports, in which case go for it, know that glasses are probably going to be way easier to get on when you find you've slept through your alarm clock and your class starts in 10 minutes.

15. No matter how bad things may get, remember that you are capable of amazing things.

You're only twenty-three. You have your whole life ahead of you, and yes! It gets better.

16. Accept that some things are out of your control.

All you can do is push through and hope for better.

17. When someone tells you to act your age...Don't.

If there's anything I've taken from my twenties, it's that a childlike outlook on life gives you a unique perspective of the world, one which adults tend to lose.

18. Eat what you want, and eat a lot of it.

You won't have this metabolism of a teenager or twenty-something year old for long.

19. Try new things.

Food, music, fashion, or travel. There will never be enough time to see or try everything, but that doesn't mean you can't try. There's no better time to start than when you're in your prime.

20. If your mom (or dad) calls, answer the phone.

You're on a new chapter of your life, but remember that they are too. If your parents want to check up on you, don't get annoyed, it's just because they care.

21. Going to Starbucks (or Dutch Bros) every morning is not a good idea.

Not only are the lines super long, but you're spending money that you could be saving for next semester's books. Buy coffee grounds in bulk, and learn to make it at home. Let Starbucks be an occasional treat.

22. Use your common sense.

Remember, just because you can doesn't mean you should.

23. Say Hi.

It's such a simple word yet it can start friendships, conversations, friendly debates, and relationships. There are so many people that are just waiting to be a part of your life, if only you have the courage to say hi.