Having a big sister is one of the greatest gifts in the world. You may think your big sister is a pain in the ass, or like a second mom, but sooner or later you'll realize that she's everything you need.

Big sisters lead by example. You see them make a mistake and you know not to try it for yourself. Your parents say she can't have a cell phone until a certain age or go to a certain place in town, so automatically you know the same applies for you.

After watching my big sister for the last 20 years I've learned so many things from her, even if she doesn't know I have.

1. Courage

From watching my sister, who is one of the ballsy-est people I've met, I've learned to be unapologetically brave. She showed me that sometimes life is full of scary or uncertain situations, and you have to face them head on. Putting off a problem won't make it any better, so buck up and do what you can while you can.

2. Individuality

She is completely her own person with her unique style, personality, and views on the world. I learned from her that you should be yourself 100 percent of the time and nobody else. She also showed me that I'll be loved and appreciated just how I am.

3. Sarcasm

This one isn't as touchy feely as the first two examples, but it's still dead on. She's really sarcastic at all times and it's pretty hilarious. Growing up and being around that all the time is pretty much where I got my sass and humor. So if you don't like my jokes or my sarcasm seems too mean, blame my sister.

4. Open mindedness

Our parents are pretty conservative people, so my only real source of a more relaxed and open view point was my sister. I saw from her that being very accepting of everybody regardless of shape, size, race, religion, etc was the best way to be.

5. Real love

We fought all the time, that's just what sisters do. She's nine years older than me, so of course I was the target of all jokes. She'd tease me about boys and being a little kid, and I'd steal her candy while she was at school as revenge. As we got older and started to have more in common and mature we got a lot closer. We text every single day, multiple times a day, and it's all about the most random stuff.

I know when it comes down to it that she is someone I can confide in about anything, and that she'll be there for me through thick and thin. I love having a big sister, and she hasn't even had close to the amount of proper recognition she deserves for putting up with me.

So sis, thank you for everything. I love you, and I'm so proud of you and who you are.