With my 20th birthday right around the corner and my life as chaotic as ever, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. And while my 20th birthday may not be as thrilling as my 21st will be, it's still a big mile stone. So I thought I would take some time to reflect and write down what I've learned in the past 20 years, in hopes of learning twice as much in my next 20. This is what I came up with:

1. Only you control your own happiness.

“Happiness is an inside job. Don’t assign anyone else that much power over your life.” –Unknown

2. Comparison really is the thief of happiness.

“I’m too busy working on my own grass to notice if yours is greener.” -Unknown

3. Everyone doesn’t love or think the same way you do.

“The only downfall of having a good heart is that you’re constantly looking for angels inside of demons. And they wonder why the goods knows so much pain…” –r.h. Sin

4. Growing apart from some people is a part of growing up.

“Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; ours roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” –Ally Condie

5. Holding your feelings in never does any good.

“Sometimes the words we leave unspoken are the most important ones that should have been said.” -Unknown

6. Don’t let your pride get in your way.

“Pride will always be the longest distance between two people.”-Unknown

7. Admit your own mistakes.

“The smartest way to be right is to know when you’re wrong.”-Unknown

8. Your attitude has everything to do with everything.

“When asked if my cup is half full or half empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” -Unknown

9. Actions really do speak louder than words.

“Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.” –Unknown

10. You can’t keep giving to people who don’t want to receive.

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” –Maya Angelou

11. Forgiving should not be confused with forgetting.

“Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.” –John F. Kennedy

12. Forgiving yourself isn’t always an easy task.

“Make peace with your broken pieces.” –r.h. Sin

13. Nothing beats hard work.

“Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” –Oprah Winfrey

14. Celebrate your victories – no matter what size.

“Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.” -Unknown

15. Go with your gut.

“When something feels off, it is.” –Abraham Hicks

16. No isn’t a bad answer.

“Saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to things and people that stress you out.” –Thelma Davis

17. Learn to love learning.

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” –Unknown

18. Remember that The Big Man Upstairs will always catch you.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” –Luke 1:45

19. Get outside of your comfort zone – even if you had to tip-toe.

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.” -Unknown

20. Follow your own rules and your own heart.

"Never be ashamed of how much you love, or how quickly you fall. Love fully, love completely, but most importantly, love naturally - and don't you ever apologize for it. Don't ever be sorry for loving the way your heart knows how." -Unknown