Like me, you’ve probably been looking forward to your “finally legal” birthday since you were in high school or even younger. It seems like turning 21 is one of the most important rite of passages, especially in American culture. You can finally drink legally or apply for a horizontal driver’s license in New Jersey. You know, whatever floats your boat.

That’s not all this day represents though. By now, you have experienced enough of life to be considered a legal adult in the eyes of the law, your friends, co-workers, boss, family, and even your parents. (Note: If you have Hispanic parents like me, the term “adult child” is probably more fitting.)

After graduating high school and embarking on your college journey, you have most likely faced a number of difficult situations, stress inducing decisions, heartbreak, losses, gains, disappointments, and mistakes. You probably don’t look the same, have the same friends, or wear the same clothes as you did ten years ago. Life may have taught you to protect yourself, be kind to others, take pride in your accomplishments, and be welcoming of change. You don’t have it all figured out and you’re not exactly close either but you do have the benefit of a considerable amount of personal growth on your side.

You’re not a teenager anymore. You make your own choices.

You have learned to mourn, to love, to give and take, to handle letdowns and pick yourself up when you’ve fallen. The life lessons you’ve learned up until now have made you the person that your friends and family are so eager to celebrate on your special day. This day isn’t necessarily special because you get to legally drink, it’s worth celebrating because it commemorates you and who you are as a person, along with every contribution, big or small, that you’ve ever made to the world.

Not everyone will have the luxury of spending their 21st birthday in the same way they imagined when they were younger. Distance, time, and changes may get in the way of that. However, sometimes life gives you more than you ever asked for while you were busy being stuck on the past. Today, as your turn 21, is the perfect day to appreciate everything and everyone you have in your life. Everyone who’s well wishes, positive vibes, and loving hearts have helped you grow into the person that you have become.

It ultimately doesn’t matter if you spend the night taking shots at the bar or cuddled up at home. You shouldn’t stress about the where or what as much as the who. It’s the people that you choose to surround yourself with and that choose to be there for you that will undoubtedly create a memorable day for you.

On any birthday, I hope you celebrate your day, enjoy your mojito, laugh, and radiate all of the positivity in your life.