In 18 years, I've found that growing up means being honest about what you want, what you need, what you feel, and who/what you are. Here are 18 life lessons that I've learned (so far).

1. You only get one childhood, so make it memorable.

2. (Most) Situations are temporary, good or bad.

3. Time can heal almost anything and it is very important, especially in a healing process.

4. You are not your mistakes. Everyone makes them and will make them for the rest of their life, you are no exception.

5. You will not win every argument. Let it go or agree to disagree.

6. Change should be embraced, not feared upon.

7. Even as cliche as it sounds, reach for the sky. You aren't limited in what you can do.

8. You can't be perfect. Perfection is unattainable, so work with what you do have.

9. Some people don't deserve more than one chance. Be careful in what you do and how you go about these "chances".

10. Know when your (mental and physical) health is at risk. Your health is so important and your body deserves to be well taken of.

11. Actions definitely speak louder than words.

12. You aren't always going to have successes. Sometimes things don't work out and there's usually a reason for that. The best is yet to come.

13. It's never too late to do the things you always want to do. Go read that book or go learn another language. Don't use the "it's too late" excuse.

14. Not everyone you encounter will like you and that is O.K. Sure, it'd be nice for everyone that you come across to like you, but it isn't going to happen. Don't try and please others for their benefit.

15. Always be honest, whether that's with yourself or with other people. Sometimes the truth hurts, but sometimes it also sets you free.

16. Always follow your gut, you'll thank yourself later.

17. Mom is (usually) always right. Don't doubt her.

18. Always check your drive thru order before leaving the restaurant. You'll be mad once you get home and see that you've been given the wrong food.