You don't really realize you're growing up until you're pretty much grown up. I've grown and changed so much in one year that it's hard for me to register sometimes. You wake up, check Instagram and see the first of many people you went to high school or college with posting engagement or baby pictures and then you get ready for the day and see a pile of bills. When did we stop playing with Polly Pockets and Littlest Pet Shops? Or trading Pokemon cards? When did we stop playing pretend and start getting... old?

To be honest (and I'm sure you'll agree), it's so surreal growing up in this age of technology. You literally *see* yourself grow alone just based off old Facebook posts and Snapchat memories. I remember when the ACTs were (supposed to be) my sole concentration or when I thought my first high school boyfriend was a forever thing. I remember getting my first job and blowing every penny like any irresponsible seventeen years old would. I was free of the chains of debts, bills... free of the pains of adulthood.

As scary as this realization can be, I think it's important to enjoy every moment. The old memories are important, yes, but so are the moments to come. It may be weird seeing kids we used to play with on the playground getting married and having babies or moving away, but it's also exciting to see those people begin new chapters. All of us young adults are. In the midsts of all this growth, we also have to remember to keep the child in us alive. We may have bills, but we still have room to make messes, learn from them, and have fun while doing it. It may be scary, but what's life without a little scare?

So yeah, pay the bills, but keep the random dance parties in your room alive. Laugh with your friends until your stomach hurts. Plan crazy trips and just go through with one - money is an object, memories aren't. Smile and wish your friends congratulations as they go their own journeys, find love, and create more humans that will grow to help us do good on this crazy planet.

Before I know it, I'll remember writing this. How ironic. I'll leave you this week with one last request: do something you would never have done yesterday.

Congratulations to all my married couple friends - ignore the satire in the beginning, I am so happy for you!! This message is specifically for my angel of a friend Hunter Neilan. My heart melted seeing your ring and seeing you so happy. We always joked about how we were always the "bro", but look at what God had in store for you all that time. One last congratulation!! Can't wait to see all of the pictures! You have a friend in me always.

A huge congratulations to the new mothers I see that I went to school with! May your children grow healthy, happy, and strong. I know they have good mommas.

X,

Ana