My 21st birthday was on April 4th, and those 21 years have taught me quite a few lessons. Some of them are simple, like not procrastinating before doing my chores. However, most of them have to do with my outlook on life. Being older means more maturity and this has definitely assisted me in my life. Life seems less difficult when you're more mature.

Although I still have quite a ways to go, I am able to share the lessons that I have learned so far. If you read one of these and it helps you, then I have done my job.

1. You don't need anyone's permission to love yourself.

2. Doing the work now is easier than trying to make up for it later.

3. You'll thank yourself for doing laundry before you need clean underwear.

4. Your parents are there to support you, so give them a break.

5. Nothing is permanent.

6. It's impossible to apply for too many jobs.

7. People don't care if you're wearing sweatpants at the grocery store.

8. Being afraid is usually a good thing.

9. You're doing better than you give yourself credit for.

10. It's OK to take a mental health day.

11. Don't be embarrassed about the music you listen to, or the food you like.

12. Other people are definitely feeling the same way you are.

13. You deserve the love that other people are giving.

14. Making mistakes is not the end of the world.

15. Don't let people stop you from making the art you want to make, not even yourself.

16. Making decisions can be really difficult.

17. You have so much life ahead of you to do what you want to do.

18. However, life is too short not to dye your hair and get that piercing or tattoo you've always wanted.

19. Eating junk is better than going hungry.

20. Don't expect to be perfect.

21. When you're having a low, no matter for how long, there is always a high in the future.