Reflecting on the last year, I'm realizing just how much I've changed, and with that, how my life has changed. In three months' time, I'll be leaving my hometown, starting fresh somewhere else. It's a daunting thought.

With that in mind, here's 26 things I need to remind myself of as life changes (sometimes faster than I would like it to).

1. Spend all the time you can with your mom. In three months, you will be hugging her goodbye as she leaves you in your dorm room.

2. Be nice to your dad. I know it's hard, but he's still your dad, and he wants the best for you.

3. Don't forget to, officially, tell him "see you later". It's okay if you cry when you do. Hug him even if he pushes you away. Hug him tight.

4. Tell his parents thank you. They helped you through the worst time of your life thus far. Don't forget that, and don't ever forget them.

5. He really loved you. He was in love with you. Don't forget that, either. I hope it brings you comfort to know how genuine and rare it was. Thank him for everything, if you ever get the chance. He deserves to hear just how he was your light in a world of darkness, your first love. After all, he truly was. You can admit it now. (And you really are a fool if you didn't realize that your love for him shined off you like the freakin' sun.)

6. Take that coffee mug off of your desk. Please put it away somewhere. Having your happy, in love faces staring you in the face every day is not healthy, no matter how much you miss it. Put. It. Away.

7. Realize that each day is a gift. You didn't have to wake up this morning, and yet you did.

8. Tell him you're proud of him. Eventually. He would like to hear it.

9. Spend time with your niece and nephews. Eventually, they will be grown up, and that quality time will be something you want back.

10. Seriously, nothing good ever happens after 2 A.M. "If it's after 2 A.M., just go to sleep."

11. Sometimes, that third cup of coffee is not a good idea. If you're tired, sleep, don't caffeinate.

12. But on that note, sometimes that third glass of wine is a good idea. Go for it. (In moderation.)

13 Change is inevitable. Stop trying to keep everything within your comfort zone. Life doesn't work that way.

14. "If you can't stop thinking about it, it's probably worth going after."

15. When it comes to college, you made the right choice.

16. I know the opinions of others really matter to you, but do what is best for you. Always.

17. Don't let rudeness break you.

18. Spend as much time as you can with your friends before you go. I know you have to be up at 8 AM tomorrow, but go to that late night dinner or movie. You'll regret it if you don't.

19. Take chances. You'll never know if you don't try.

20. Visit your grandfather more often. He would like your company.

21. Sometimes, a person really does need a little corrupting. But don't change yourself too much.

22. Seriously. Don't change yourself to meet someone else's ideal. It's never worth it.

23. You are loved. You are enough.

24. Cherish the memories, but don't live in the past.

25. Realize that you are exactly where you are meant to be, doing exactly what you are meant to be doing. If it is meant to be, it will be. It will find its way.

26. Please, just go after it already.