It seems that the world gets a lot bigger when you turn 21. It seems that it can be really easy to fall into the excitement of going out and partying and drinking. Life has been great for me thus far, and so when I make that big change, there are some things I would like myself to keep close in mind. I’ve watched this birthday come for some people, and it radically change their lives. I’ve felt the impact of this birthday that is linked to new legal freedoms on many of my relationships.

These are 21 things I want to remember when I turn 21:

1. Jesus is sitting beside you. That is a life rule. It's a hard life rule for sure, but it is really good to keep in mind. Try and act accordingly.

2. You have great friends who are not yet 21. Do not spend any less time with them than you have your whole life. Don't spend all of your time at the bar and let go of amazing friendships because they are not old enough to be there with you. That hurts. Friends don't do that to friends.

3. Yes its Saturday night, but remember, you have mass in the morning. Make sure you are good enough to be present, not just there.

4. Don't let a drink change who you really are. Don't become someone that you are not.

5. Don't let the bar take time away from God. He is always first.

6. Let yourself go out and have fun sometimes. You work hard and you deserve it.

7. Don't leave everything else that you do behind because the world has suddenly gotten a little bigger for you. You have been living an involved and exciting life for 21 years. Don't let go of those things that bring you happiness and joy. Keep meaning in what is important to you.

8. You still want to remember all of the good times that you are having. What is it worth to get dressed up and spend money on a night that you will have no recollection of?

9. Getting so trashed that you act like someone you aren't isn't really something you are attracted to, so don't get there.

10. You don't have to go out just because everyone else is. You are still allowed to stay home on a Friday night and watch "Friends" in your pajamas with your dog whenever you feel like it.

11. Don't you ever, EVER, put a life in danger by being stupid and getting behind the wheel, by getting in the car with someone who has any amount of alcohol in their system, by letting anyone drive home without trying to stop them first. Don't be stupid and don't be selfish, ever.

12. Your life is reaching many other new places right now too. You are looking for your first "big girl" job. Remember to carry yourself respectfully. You never know who is watching.

13. No drink is more important than your relationships. If you are making the people closest to you uncomfortable through your actions, spend some time thinking about what really matters to you.

14. Remember how to have fun without alcohol, and remember how easy and possible that is. You have been doing it your entire life, and life has been an absolute blast so far. You have found happiness elsewhere for 21 years. You can find fun with alcohol involved, but you do not have to.

15. Never use alcohol as an excuse for mistreating others or acting out. Don't let yourself get to the point that it even becomes an issue. That's not you.

16. Please, please treat yourself once in awhile. Take a bath, read a book, and drink a glass of wine. That is a fun adult thing to do, right?

17. Wine bottles are great for crafts, so save them.

18. Know your limits. Don't overdo it. It's not a good thing; nothing good comes of it.

19. Be conscious of what you are doing. If you won't be happy to remember you did it in the morning, just don't do it. Why put yourself through the stress and regret?

20. Whatever you are doing, make sure you are happy and make sure you are comfortable. If you do not feel content, safe, and happy, why are you there? What is the point?

21. Make your own decisions.