I recently turned 24 and as I accept that I am another year older I also realize that what they say about being another year older and another year wiser is true. In every year of life, we learn new things and new lessons; some are simple and may seem odd or silly when we think about them, and some are deep and emotional, but regardless every little thing we learn as we get older is meaningful and important. While not every experience I have had so far in life was not exactly a pleasant one, I am grateful for them because they have helped shape me who I am as a person and have taught me how the world works. Here are some things that I have learned through my experiences.

1. Not all of your friends from high school are the friends you have forever.

2. Everything happens for a reason.

3. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

4. Your emotions are not a sign of weakness.

5. 9 out of 10 times your mom is always right about everything; at least mine is.

6. Your true friends love you no matter what your little quirks are.

7. You are NEVER too old for Disney.

8. Don’t love a movie character just because you like the actor portraying that character.

9. You don’t have to love pink, dresses, make up, and other girly things to be feminine.

10. Drink water.

11. Be grateful for what you have in life.

12. Family is not defined by blood.

13. Stay away from Fireball Whiskey.

14. Laughter is the best type of medicine there is.

15. You can’t love others until you love yourself first.

16. Treat yourself.

17. Life is short, take advantage of every second that you have.

18. Spread love and kindness, not hate.

19. Be careful with what you post on social media.

20. You can walk away from a toxic relationship.

21. People do absorb emotional energy from others.

22. Be careful with your spending.

23. Faith and confidence make a difference.

24. No matter how upset and down you may seem, go on, there is so much to live for.

These are only a few of the many things I have learned in my 24 years of life, I know that I still have much to learn, and that every day I will learn something new. I know that I can continue to grow as a person from all my experiences, past and future, and I am blessed to have this kind of opportunity. Remember, no matter how hard things may seem at times, life is beautiful and we are all lucky to be living it.