1. Stay true to who you are

Basic but important; your self-worth is not what others say or think about you.

2. Change is OK

This was the hardest for me to learn.

I never understood why people stopped asking me to hang out. I never understood why I had to move schools and make new friends.

But now, I understand it is all a part of life; this just opens the door to meet more amazing people. You will find YOUR people!

3. Always be the best version of you

Whatever your goal or purpose in life, put in all the effort you can give. Even if that means putting in 100 percent to try to get your crush to follow you back on Instagram.

If you want it, go get it.

4. Learn to let go

Nothing is that serious.

When your dad dedicates most of his time to embarrass you, embrace it. Yes, even when you have one chance to get the picture right and he makes a funny face, just let it happen. One day, you'll miss it.

But on a more serious note, if you continue to hold on to things that make you sad, you will truly never be happy. You will do far greater things in life than dating the boy on the football team (school can't always teach us life lessons, but Taylor Swift can), I promise.

Forgive and forget.

5. Being alone is not always lonely

Spend time with yourself.

Silence speaks a thousand words; use that silence to learn things about yourself.

This was one that was recently learned. I always felt like I had to have company to have a good time. Now, I feel like an old grandma who enjoys going to dinner or a movie by herself. However, with age there is wisdom, so maybe I am doing something right.

6. Just because you don't talk to someone everyday does not mean they don't care

Sometimes, when you are taking time for yourself, you don't talk to your friends every day. That IS okay!

We are all adults here; act like it.

I love hanging out with my friends for days straight, but what is even cooler is not talking for a week but still picking up where you left off like nothing happened. Those are the real ones. My younger self would have never believed me on this one.

7. You will meet some really cool people in life

Zac Brown Band, if you're reading this, just know I love you.

But really, there are things you learn about yourself through other people. Getting out of your comfort zone is, well, uncomfortable, but the benefits of meeting people are far greater than short-term shyness.

Younger Emma, I wish you would have stopped hiding behind people.

8. Nobody knows you better than your mom or sister

If my mom and sisters were reading this, they would probably laugh at me for this one.

I am so independent that they sometimes think I do not like being around them, but after some thought, they are always the ones I turn to for advice. I wish I would have realized their importance sooner.

You are never too cool to have family as your best friends. Yes, even you Kanye. Chill out with yourself.

9. Unplug more often

Turn off that TV, put down that phone, and go outside. There is a world to see and people to meet... not online. Crazy concept, I know.

You are not perfect

Yes, we all have those good hair days, and we think Hannah Montana could never be talking about me. Well, sorry if I am the one breaking this bad news, but nobody is perfect.

However, imperfection is beautiful. Love your flaws and stay humble. Compassion is far more important than judgement. If someone can't fix something in five minutes, don't point it out to them.

Make your heart the most beautiful thing about you.