As I said in the title of this article, we’re halfway into 2017, which means it's already JUNE and 2017 is halfway over (what?). This year has already been totally awesome, but it has also presented me with many trials and life lessons. In these six months, I’ve learned to love so many different things, some important, some maybe not. I thought I would share a few with you:

1. You're never too old for new friends.

I always heard from people that after high school is when you meet your permanent friends, don't get me wrong, I keep in contact with some people from high school and this may not relate to you, but as for me: Yes. I have met some of the most amazing people in the past year, but specifically in the year 2017 (most beginning at the end of 2016). Making these new friends and sharing my heart with them over the last six months has been neat. I think people forget that making new friends doesn't have to be something that only happens when you're a kid, it’s just as fun (and for an introvert, surprisingly easy) to make new friends when you're 20. It’s never too late to make a friend, and at this stage of life that we are in as young adults, most everyone is looking for someone to connect with.

2. Having a small circle doesn't make you an exclusive person, or antisocial.

As I grow closer to people, I have realized that a core, foundation group of people is so necessary. Sharing your thoughts and heart with everyone can be slightly exhausting. Honestly, everyone doesn't need to know everything about you, and it’s fine to have a friend that’s closer than others. Don't let people make you feel guilty for not sharing things with them that you don't want to. Guard your feelings and be aware.

3. Document the important moments.

I have always known that I love photos, and if you know me, or follow me on any form of social media you probably know it too. However, the past couple of months I've really fallen in love with documentation. Not just taking an ‘artsy’picture for Instagram, but taking photos of my everyday life, and the not so ‘Instagram worthy’ moments. I know that parents and some people get super annoyed with people who always take pictures and videos of things, but there are few things I love more than reminiscing. Memories are so great and while living in the moment is so important, seeing the exact movements and hearing the exact words in a moment is so neat. Take pictures! Take videos! Don't let people make you feel annoying by doing so!

4. The world is filled with different than yourself.

I have come to find out that the common phrase, "I could never be friends with that person" is not really a real thing. The majority of my best friends now are people I never would've deemed to be my closest people. I didn’t even know some of these people six months ago. I have completely fallen in love with people different than I, and I have fallen in love with the individuality of each person because of this. People are so cool and unique and vast and it is so cool to know the hearts of others far different than I am. If I could give one piece of advice on this it would be to stop only being friends with people who look, talk, act, and think just like you. Be friends with people who challenge you and differ from you because in the end you will find out new things about yourself.