It was not the best of times...in fact it was possibly the worst of times.

Yes 2017, I'm talking about you. I don't know what your story was, but 2017 was definitely a rough year for me. I completed my first year of college, got my first job, supported myself for the first time, and dealt with more than a fair share of rough stuff. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly blessed and there were great times, but 2017 hit me hard.

I turned 19 this past year. I think 19 is an interesting year because you're not new to adulting, however there's so much you are still learning about being an adult. It's hard!! Looking back, I experienced so much this past year that has changed my perspective and how I handle life situations moving forward.

In the spirit of being 19, here's 19 things I learned (and re-learned in some cases) this past year:

1.Living without a phone for at least a week can be the greatest thing ever.

2. Taking 18 credit hours while being a student-athlete is a mistake.

3. Sometimes people have things they need to figure out before they can be in a relationship. And maybe you do too. And as much as it hurts, that’s okay.

4. Supporting yourself is hard. Sleeping on a deflated air mattress for 3 months is even harder. Spend the $100 to get a mattress!!

5. Working in the restaurant industry is way more tiring than you think. Tip your servers-they deserve every penny.

6. One of the most selfless things you can do is let go of someone so that they can live the life they are striving for, no matter how much of a part of your life they were before. If you love something, sometimes you have to let it go.

7. Be a responsible adult. In all situations.

8. I need God in my life. Period.

9. Going to sleep early is necessary to run well.

10. Sometimes you need a break from what you love to realize how much it means to you.

11. Apologize when you are wrong, even if it is hard. These things define your character.

12. I need running in my life. Everyone needs something to cope with the stress of life- find your thing and invest in it.

13. Life is going to happen…be strong and take things day by day.

14. Little things can mean the world to someone.

15. Stand up for yourself when someone is taking advantage of you.

16. A good roommate is hard to find. Keep them around and treat them well!

17. Dancing, no matter how badly it may be, does wonders for your soul.

18. Invest in people who care about you. At the end of the day, they are going to be the ones picking up your pieces when everyone else is gone.

19. Keep pushing forward. No matter how many times you mess up, tomorrow will come bringing new chances. Take them, along with what you’ve learned from the past, and continue on.