Sometimes we forget who we are. In a world where we're still so far behind in so many different cultures and societies, sometimes women forget how dedicated, talented, brilliant, and gorgeous we are. Instead, we remember the ways we're flawed and imperfect, and rather than shining through those cracks, we sweep them into the corner and try to pretend the flaws don't exist. We're waiting for someone else to validate us, discover us, love us.

Call them rules, call them reminders, call them whatever you want -- just don't forget them.

1. If something is both terrifying and exciting, do it.
2. Invest in bras, jeans, and shoes that actually freaking fit.
3. Good things don’t come to those who wait. They come to those who work. Don’t just sit there.
4. Yes, talking is important – but listening is even more important.
5. Try not to stay in one place for too long. Crossing physical and metaphorical borders is an experience everyone needs at some point in their life.
6. “There are two rules for success:
   The first? Never reveal everything you know.”
7. It doesn’t matter how sexy those heels are. If you can’t walk in them, you won’t look attractive.
8. It’s okay to be nostalgic; it’s okay to reminisce. Just know that living in the past hinders your ability to carpe diem that shit.
9. Don’t claim to have the answers for everything. You don’t.
10. Re: number 9, I don’t have the answers for everything. It’s probably a good thing if you disagree with half this list because that means you have your own rules.
11. The thought of being easily satisfied should scare you – never settle.
12. “Insecurity is loud. Confidence is quiet.” When you constantly feel like you have to put your success on display, you’re not as successful as you think.
13. Remember not to let your mistakes define you. You’re so much bigger than that.
14. You know the saying, “Open books, not legs. Blow minds, not people”? Screw that saying. Sexuality and intelligence are not mutually exclusive.
15. Get excited about little things. Revel in your basicness and enjoy that Starbucks; there’s a reason everybody likes things like that, and acting indifferent doesn’t make you any cooler.
16. Never stray away from something because you’re “not ready.” A lot of the time, you will never be 100% ready, and that’s a good thing. How else are we supposed to grow if we never leave our comfort zones?
17. It’s hard, but try not to be jealous of other people. Envy is poisonous, and jealousy is the thief of joy.
18. Don’t ever romanticize other people’s pain. Don’t romanticize your own either. Contrary to popular belief, it is cool to be happy.
19. You don’t always have to hear the words “I love you” to know that you’re loved. Sometimes love is quiet. Pay attention.
20. Ask people questions. Don’t be the girl who only talks about herself.
21. Don’t always take yourself too seriously. Dance like an idiot, make fun of yourself sometimes, learn how to take a joke.
22. Don’t ever let anybody else tell you what’s best for you. You’re the only one who really knows.
23. Accept the fact that friends come and go. Appreciate what you had and never let bitterness ruin a memory.
24. Being vulnerable is scary as hell, but your life will become so much fuller when you realize you don't always have to be strong.
25. Have an opinion. Read, form your ideals, know what you want to eat and where you want to go on a date. There’s a fine line between being “super chill and laid back” and lying or lacking perspective.
26. Know when to say that you’re sorry. But then do more than just say sorry. Make it better, too.
27. When a friend wants to talk, sometimes they don’t want advice – sometimes they just want you to listen.
28. Learn how to decide when to let go, and when to fight to save something.
29. Spend time with your parents and grandparents when you can. They won’t be around forever, and you’d be surprised at how much you can learn from them.
30. Being a people pleaser can be harmful; however, once in a while, it’s important to do something nice for someone for no reason at all.
31. Sometimes, it’s okay to be wrong, impulsive, or reckless. You can’t always have it all figured out. Don’t beat yourself up for being human.
32. It’s okay to fear rejection, but once you let the fear of rejection hold you back, that’s when you’ve got a problem.
33. Don’t dismiss other people’s problems by talking about your own. Trying to one-up others is rude, annoying, and self-centered.
34. It’s extremely important to learn your own body. Once you do, make-up, exercise, and fashion will come easier.
35. Put your phone down more often. Pay attention to what’s happening in front of you.
36. Remind the people around you that you love them. Lift them up all the time, and especially when they most need to hear it.
37. Life is too short to think that someone is “out of your league.”
38. When you ask someone how his or her day is, be genuine. Actually, listen to them.
39. To the college kids: making fun of someone’s major is an asshole move. Don’t take a stab at something that takes up an immense portion of someone’s life. Also, regarding the majors you label “easy,” remember… everything is subjective.
40. Once in a while, party all night, wake up and do an assignment that’s due in two hours.
41. If someone wants to be with you, they will be. No excuses. Ever.
42. The ultimate characteristic every woman should have something that isn’t on any other woman’s list.