You're 18 now. Are you ready?

Ready for what?

The world. You've just been given a key to unlock a new door. This key comes with more than just responsibility. It comes with exposure to aspects of life you never knew existed, and brings so much more into your life, that words can't even explain it.

This new key, this new endeavor is going to bring you so much uncertainty about life. You're going to want the answer to everything. So I would advise you to not try to put a label on everything in your life because it will become so complicated. Learn to live in the moment because you're young and, trust me, it won't last forever.

There are going to be nights when you can't sleep because your day was so exciting that you can still feel heart racing. Then the following night, you won't be able to sleep because you're disappointed about life. So I would advise you not to get too attached to a lot of people because, you're still so young and vulnerable. I don't want you to get hurt by everyone who tells you three-worded lies. You deserve more.

There are going to be days when you feel like you're on top of the world. You're going to be ahead of all your classes, your family is going to be proud of you, you'll have money in your bank account, you'll get your first car. Then one day, you might get a grade you aren't proud of, you might get laid off due to budget cuts, you might get a ticket, your cat might die.

Wow, my cat? Really? You know I love my cat.

It's just an example. I just want to advise you to not be discouraged by what life throws at you. Never give up. Mourn your cat, cherish her, and remember she wouldn't ever want to see you depressed, maybe a year later you can get another cat. Not as a replacement, something new, but always keep the memory alive and learn from your experience.

You can apply this advice to any aspect of you life. Never replace something; if it breaks, it is broken, learn and grow and get something new.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.