I'm turning 18 soon and it's an exciting yet scary thought all at once. There's so many changes going on right now, that all I want is to be able to slow down time and live 17 a little longer; but that's not possible. Therefore I will reminisce on the year I was 17.

1. Home is what you make it.

Home isn't always a physical structure but more of an emotional comfort. (Whether that be your bed or your friends) To build your home on what you have, is to create your happiness.

2. I don't know it all.

I make mistakes and I chose to accept and learn from them. I'm finding knowledge in everyday and it all just takes time.

3. It's OK to stay in on a Friday night.

If you want to take some time for yourself and maybe watch a movie or something, that's OK. Take time to be alone and discover things about yourself.

4. Go out.

Staying in is good, but going out gives you a chance to explore and find new things to love. You will never again be as young as you are in this moment, therefore you have to enjoy the hell out of it.

5. Heartbreak doesn't last forever.

It may seem like the end of the world at the moment, but time WILL heal. It may take you a while to find that peace with yourself after the storm, but you will find it. You will be happy and you will eventually fall in love again. This time you will know better and be a better person.

6. It's OK to cry.

I try to be such a hardass but I've come to find that at times it's OK to let it all out. Holding in what you're feeling will end up feeling worse. So if you have to cry or yell, then do that.

7. Health.

Drink water. Eat healthily. Exercise. But also, that cupcake will not kill you!! So eat the damn cupcake!! Don't stress so much about how you look, that's not all the world will notice about you.

8. Have happiness as one of your main goals.

There are many important things in life, but happiness should be one of the most important to achieve. Give things that bring you happiness a priority in life, because those are the things you need.

9. People come and go.

I wish all the "forever" people were actually forever but that's not always the case. Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that not everything lasts forever and not everyone will always be there like you planned. Just don't close the door to other people that could come in, dreading the people that left.

10. Take pictures.

Take lots and lots of pictures. You can't capture all the moments, but looking back at one picture can bring back so many memories. So if you have the chance, snap a picture.

11. Don't stay in toxic relationships hoping things will change.

Any type of relationship whether it be romantic or friendship, don't stay in it if it's not healthy. No matter how much you try and hope, some things never change. Do not blame yourself for the actions of others or what they may have done to you. That is not your burden.

12. Always bring an extra bag with clothes.

I've learned that plans change a lot and adventure is always a possibility. One minute you can be having dinner and the next jumping into a pool.

13. Listen to music!

Make playlists and show your friends that new song you found. Music brings people together.

14. Put your phone down.

A great moment could be happening and you're on your phone. Don't be that person. Stop worrying about what could be happening instead of what is happening.

15. You're going to fall in love a lot.

Whether it be with that new song or with the new flavor of ice cream, youre going to find things that make your heart happy.

16. Don't let your problems consume you.

When you think of how big the world is, the universe, you'll understand that your problems are not that big.

17. Live your life to the fullest.

Don't live your life restrained by the limits of others. This life is yours, make it the best out of it.