Since my 20th birthday (January 24, 2015), I have been keeping track of daily lessons I've learned. Every night at 11:00pm for the past year, an alarm has gone off on my phone reminding me to write down what I learned that day. And every night at 11 (or the following morning), I wrote a short sentence in my notes app to summarize what I learned. On the first of every month, I've posted screenshots on Twitter of everything I wrote the month before in a thread. Now it's been 365 days, I am 21 years old, and I'm so glad I can look back and read over everything I learned at age 20. I can read one of my entries and remember exactly why I wrote it. It helped me pay attention to time passing because I would reflect about my entire day at the end of the night. Now I want to share everything I learned with you. There are 365 entries so...please bare with me.

WHAT I LEARNED AT 20 YEARS OLD:

January 2016: don’t drink too much on your birthday

February: always go out of your comfort zone

March: don’t always listen to other’s opinions

April: try not to let unpredictability and surprise scare you

May: never leave with unfinished business

June: always go with your gut instinct

July: never doubt that everything happens for a reason

August: you deserve to be treated like you're important

September: put your heart into any job you're given

October: it's okay to be swirly

November: don't allow yourself to be the reason for someone to change, but it's okay to help someone grow

December: the gym will always be your happy place

January 2017: open your heart and you will be rewarded

JANUARY: THE MONTH OF ACCLIMATING

1/24: don't drink too much on your birthday

1/25: 90's music is so much better than today's music

1/26: Louis Tomlinson sucks at naming babies

1/27: the flyers aren't as bad as i thought they were

1/28: being civil is smart

1/29: teamwork is important

1/30: it's okay to miss out sometimes bc there will always be more times to go party

1/31: going to sleep early is always a good decision

FEBRUARY: THE MONTH OF BEING BOLD

2/1: reading the textbook actually helps

2/2: every once in awhile you need a night out with just your girls

2/3: a day at the pool cures a nasty hangover

2/4: working out with friends makes a hard workout a lot easier...and more fun

2/5: always go out of your comfort zone even if it doesn't work out in the end

2/6: work responsibly

2/7: you know you can't have too many nitrates--don't underestimate the power of a migraine

2/8: privilege is invisible to those who have it

2/9: change your passwords often

2/10: eating after 10pm is the devil

2/11: study study study

2/12: study more study more study more

2/13: it's okay to miss your mom

2/14: being single on Valentine's Day is so much fun

2/15: understand that other girls will have feelings for the same guy you do

2/16: don't go out on tuesdays

2/17: when you're upset take a step back and ask yourself if it's worth being so upset over because it's usually not

2/18: timing is everything

2/19: ALWAYS go out of your comfort zone because it WILL work out eventually

2/20: they always come back

2/21: have high hopes, not high expectations

2/22: good things will continue to happen if you continue to let them happen

2/23: i love my friends

2/24: a good friend will put your health before their pleasure

2/25: change your passwords often

2/26: sometimes all you need is a nice refreshing nap

2/27: life is so much greater without expectations

2/28: a lot

2/29: february was the month of bold moves

MARCH: THE MONTH OF PLOT TWISTS

3/1: you don't always need to understanding why something is happening. just let it happen

3/2: never miss a day for this note

3/3: self reflection is extremely healthy

3/4: hanging out with old friends is really refreshing

3/5: doing things alone can be fun and needed

3/6: boys are hella emotional

3/7: apologize when you know you've done something wrong

3/8: you don't always have to listen to others opinions

3/9: do what you want

3/10: take one step at a time

3/11: when your favorite artist gets taken off of a tour, it's because something even better is coming for that show

3/12: girls come first

3/13: don't leave large papers until the last night of spring break

3/14: don't leave large papers until an hour before they're due

3/15: turn in your papers on time

3/16: play new video games. it's fun

3/17: make sure you own something green

3/18: don't underestimate your feelings for anyone

3/19: dagers are always...interesting

3/20: confront people about your concerns for them because chances are, you've been given false information

3/21: it's okay to miss him

3/22: you can't depend on other people to make you happy

3/23: better to be friends than nothing

3/24: if you like someone.......you like someone

3/25: skizzy mars is amazing

3/26: when in doubt, go out

3/27: your best friends make the best family dinner dates

3/28: pay attention to timing but don't let it control you

3/29: closure is important in order to move on, but closure doesn't mean close the door completely

3/30: whenever you bet on the caps, they lose. so don't bet on the caps

3/31: some days are just really good days :)

APRIL: THE MONTH OF HAVING NOTHING TO LOSE

4/1: keep your expectations low

4/2: confronting someone while at a bar is always a terrible idea

4/3: it feels good to make other people feel good

4/4: if you've got nothing to lose...just go for it

4/5: sitting outside all day is beyond relaxing and definitely worth skipping class

4/6: there are very strategic ways to hold grocery bags

4/7: sometimes just your presence is enough to calm someone down, so be there for them

4/8: when you lose one opportunity it means another better one is coming along

4/9: try not to let unpredictability and surprise hurt you so bad. things change but there's a reason it was supposed to change

4/10: be careful with ticketmaster

4/11: watch bridge to terabithia when you're sad

4/12: mlb games are fun

4/13: have college sleepovers

4/14: sometimes the people who aren't the healthiest for you are still the ones who make you feel most comfortable

4/15: if you get scheduled for work during something you want to go to and you can't get out of it, there's a reason you're not supposed to be there

4/16: if he treats you like crap don't take that crap

4/17: if you're on the fence about something and there's at least a little part of you that wants to do it, just do it

4/18: regret is a draining emotion

4/19: there's absolutely nothing to lose by the end of the semester so make sure you act like it

4/20: hahahahaha

4/21: regret is a wasted emotion

4/22: don't go too fast

4/23: youtube just isn't you anymore

4/24: movies with friends is a great way to spend a sunday

4/25: don't make eye contact

4/26: take a deep breath when something is making you anxious

4/27: they always care especially when they say they don't

4/28: study all day, party all night

4/29: it's okay not to be in the mood to go out on a weekend

4/30: april was definitely the month of having nothing to lose

MAY: THE MONTH OF NEW BEGINNINGS

5/1: erika can't close

5/2: don't start looking up halloween costumes while you're studying

5/3: start packing early because it'll be less stressful

5/4: when dad helps it's not stressful at all

5/5: never leave with unfinished business

5/6: time heals

5/7: your best guy friends family will always assume you're dating

5/8: they never wait for you

5/9: makeup clothes and shoes are easily replaceable

5/10: the caps are a third period team

5/11: not everyone on bumble sucks

5/12: nothing beats working out at your own local gym after coming home from college

5/13: it's fun to meet your friends friends

5/14: wine nights with your best friend are amazing

5/15: be spontaneous

5/16: it's okay to root for a team other than the capitals (as long as the capitals aren't playing)

5/17: university of maryland parties hard

5/18: i hate sidney crosby

5/19: lazy days can be good for you

5/20: being reunited with people from high school is weeeiiiirdddd

5/21: go on dates when asked, you might be surprised as to how much fun you'll have

5/22: kesha rocked the bbma's

5/23: they always come back

5/24: your mom actually does give really good advice, and sometimes you might wanna actually take it

5/25: everybody grieves differently, and that's okay

5/26: sidney crosby is satan

5/27: death is inevitable

5/28: never allow yourself to be someone's second choice

5/29: a day to recuperate after a heartbreak is okay but it's not okay to wallow in your sadness

5/30: go after who you want

5/31: tanning is dope

JUNE: THE MONTH OF SAYING YES

6/1: try to say yes to plans you normally wouldn't say yes to, you might be pleasantly surprised

6/2: laughter is the best medicine

6/3: movie days are relaxing days

6/4: never stop job hunting, something cool might come around just when you're about to give up

6/5: when one door closes another door opens

6/6: explore where you're from

6/7: always go with your gut instinct; if you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave the situation

6/8: people can say really mean things when they're feeling defensive

6/9: san jose pulls through

6/10: it's impossible not to smile when a child successfully learns and understands something you have taught them

6/11: don't let a boy ruin a place for you

6/12: the conjuring is the greatest horror movie series of all time

6/13: children are exhausting

6/14: call your grandma

6/15: swallow your pride

6/16: don't drive in the rain if you're not comfortable

6/17: meet new people

6/18: hang out with those new people

6/19: don't stay out super late the night before a family brunch

6/20: even adults can be petty

6/21: never make assumptions

6/22: don't waste your summer saying no to exciting things

6/23: girls are allowed to ask guys out on dates

6/24: friends come and go

6/25: hang out with people you wouldn't normally hang out with

6/26: friends can break your heart too

6/27: my body is incredible til i actually try to buy clothes

6/28: accept the job you are given

6/29: hopeless by colleen hoover is the best book in existence

6/30: if you really care about each other, you will fix your problems in time

JULY: THE MONTH OF FORGIVENESS

7/1: not everybody is a "sorry" kind of person but just because they don't say it doesn't mean they can't show it

7/2: everything happens for a reason

7/3: people you went to high school with don't seem to suck as badly once you're two years into college

7/4: cut shady people out of your life, they're not worth any of your stress

7/5: nobody is worth losing sleep over

7/6: babysitting is a fantastic way to make cash and pass the time

7/7: don't spend money on justin bieber concert tickets

7/8: you can't live in fear even when so many scary things are happening around you

7/9: never doubt that he's thinking about you. he is

7/10: people leave and sometimes they don't have a great explanation for it, but if they leave, they're probably not worth chasing after

7/11: it takes different people different amounts of time to realize that they've done wrong, but the people with the biggest hearts will apologize no matter how long it's been

7/12: always stay attentive as a camp counselor

7/13: keep him waiting, it's so much better when you wait

7/14: but on the other hand...do not wait for anybody and don't let anybody hold you back

7/15: fool me one time shame on you, fool me twice can't put the blame on you. fool me three times............ifhy

7/16: if deleting someone on social media will help you move on then don't hesitate at all

7/17: not to condone running away from your problems but a weekend away after something bad happens is a fantastic remedy for heartbreak

7/18: coming home and returning back to the reality of life is hard

7/19: there's no harm in saying hi

7/20: stretch after your workout or you'll regret it

7/21: it is never too late to apologize

7/22: stand up for those who can't

7/23: try to take your own advice

7/24: if your body really needs sleep, give in and allow yourself to go to bed at 8

7/25: it's okay to feel for someone even after they've wronged you, but it's not okay to continue to allow them to wrong you

7/26: girls can learn a hell of a lot from the bachelorette

7/27: never doubt that everything happens for a reason

7/28: life is so much more exciting when you go out of your comfort zone (a 27 year old personal trainer you've been eyeing for two months might ask you out)

7/29: a good date leaves you feeling like the definition of the heart eyes emoji

7/30: some friends just aren't reliable for plans, doesn't mean you have to love them any less. just don't expect them to follow through

7/31: dating truly helps you figure out what you want or don't want in a future boyfriend

AUGUST: THE MONTH OF BELIEVING IN LUCK

8/1: spend time with the people who make you happiest before you have to go back to school

8/2: work out all the different muscle groups

8/3: cleveland is so dead

8/4: nick's a douche and steve rocks

8/5: cleveland is so not dead

8/6: cars feel so small sometimes

8/7: always get a good night's sleep when you've got an 8 hour drive ahead of you

8/8: you don't have to prove anything to anyone except yourself

8/9: body suits can work for those with a larger chest (lol)

8/10: spend your birthday with your closest friends!! Hbd melissa

8/11: you deserve to be treated like you're important

8/12: learn from the men in your life. whether you stay with them for a long time or not you will learn what you like and dislike, what you deserve and don't deserve, and how you should feel when it's right

8/13: he is worth your time

8/14: donate locally when you can

8/15: meet your internet friends!!! it's so worth it

8/16: bring your visitors on touristy adventures because you will have the greatest time exploring where you're from

8/17: people come out of nowhere and impact your life on a new level. let them

8/18: massages are fantastic

8/19: life tip - if you push the middle of the beer tab thingy it's easier to pull up

8/20: everything is better when you're doing it with someone you're more comfortable with

8/21: don't make any rash decisions based on a dream

8/22: it's okay to put something great on hold when you're going away for awhile

8/23: spend time with your mom before she leaves, you have all year with your friends

8/24: be nice to new freshmen!!

8/25: get a good night's sleep before move-in day, there are plenty of nights to go out

8/26: the best nights are the unplanned ones

8/27: never under any circumstances wear new wedges to a house party

8/28: girls can be so petty but it's never right to stoop down to their level

8/29: it's okay to have a mental breakdown with your best friends

8/30: not everyone you want is gonna want you back

SEPTEMBER: THE MONTH OF ACCEPTANCE

9/1: always keep an umbrella at hand in florida

9/2: it's not always the best idea to talk about your feelings

9/3: go out even when you're upset

9/4: NFL players are dope labor day partygoers

9/5: no sleep and a lot of drinking will get you sick

9/6: the bar doesn't have to be busy to be able to have an amazing time with your best friend

9/7: take your antibiotic!!!

9/8: promotions is your calling

9/9: don't wait up for anyone

9/10: you're a bomb ass business woman and don't let anyone tell you otherwise

9/11: dibs doesn't exist

9/12: the gym makes everything better

9/13: it never hurts to introduce yourself

9/14: freshmen are dope sometimes

9/15: never let someone make you feel small or try to control you. drop their ass so fast

9/16: you don't need to do favors for everybody

9/17: you can't depend on people to make you happy. they never do

9/18: don't neglect your day one's

9/19: you will always see people you don't want to see when you look your worst.........so never leave your dorm looking your worst?

9/20: put your heart into any job you're given

9/21: never compare yourself to your friends

9/22: there's always that one person who can make you feel better just by his or her presence

9/23: most people will let you down, it's just the cycle of life

9/24: sig ep throws down

9/25: a workout really is the ultimate cure

9/26: you can write a poem about just about anything

9/27: if you don't get a job, don't get upset. something better is coming along

9/28: when you do have a job, put your heart into it

9/29: have low expectations when you go out and your night is bound to be fantastic

9/30: the cutesy cuddly stuff doesn't always suck. just most of the time

OCTOBER: THE MONTH OF BEING SWIRLY

10/1: you are not a relationship person and that's okay

10/2: not everyday is a gym day

10/3: sleepovers don’t have to always be about hooking up

10/4: if you are exhausted, you’re not going to have fun going out anyways so just stay in and sleep

10/5: try to remember the important ones’ birthdays

10/6: be adventurous and hang out with friends you wouldn't typically hang out with

10/7: don't pregame before $0.25 beers

10/8: pita pit is truly a work of art

10/9: take it earlier or you'll be up all night

10/10: all that bad eating will catch up to you...and migraines aren't worth it

10/11: stand up for yourself if you believe something at your university should change

10/12: professors will be understanding if you really speak to them

10/13: there's just something about a guy who players hockey...

10/14: going back to someone for a night who's familiar and comfortable doesn't make you stupid or weak

10/15: always go with your gut instinct, if something feels wrong don't do it

10/16: that beautiful boy is only beautiful on the outside. don't get confused

10/17: branch out and you will find so many more incredible people in the world

10/18: watch out and be grateful for little things boys do

10/19: hockey is the most important sport

10/20: hockey games are fun even when your team loses

10/21: if he introduces you to his friends, he likes you a lot

10/22: finstas can really have their downfalls

10/23: mornings can be dope

10/24: always express your feelings

10/25: try, try again

10/26: it's okay to ditch homework and go have fun sometimes

10/27: you're a phony puck slut

10/28: if you see that surrounding yourself with certain people makes you feel good then keep doing it

10/29: happiness is being with your best friends and genuinely not being able to wipe the smile from your face

10/30: it's okay to be swirly

10/31: halloween is too long

NOVEMBER: THE MONTH OF GOING FOR IT

11/1: set alarms. set three alarms

11/2: dressing cute will always make you feel better

11/3: it's always a good time being productive and starting your homework early

11/4: maybe being cuffed isn't such a terrible thing

11/5: stand up for yourself, contact the university president, and use your voice

11/6: you can’t ever depend on people to keep their word because most people don’t care enough to do so

11/7: everybody needs space

11/8: i have to spend the next 4 years of my life afraid of being a jewish female because my nation's president is an anti-semitic, anti-feminist bigot

11/9: you can still be friends with people with opposite political views

11/10: it's the best when your best friend from home visits

11/12: getting your best friend's approval about a guy you like is such a great feeling

11/13: do nothing days are good for the soul

11/14: never place your happiness in the hands of someone who could leave

11/15: ask questions in class or you'll be stuck confused trying to put together a presentation about who the hell knows what

11/16: always sleep on it

11/17: i am worth fighting for

11/18: when he scores, he scores

11/19: they always want you as soon as you're unavailable

11/20: if he fits in with your friends, he's a keeper

11/21: someone who wants to see you will make time to do so

11/22: time goes by so quickly

11/23: there's a first time for everything

11/24: it isn't always the right time with someone but that doesn't mean to rule it out forever

11/25: if timing is not on your side, there's obviously a reason for it. don't fight timing

11/26: he will always be your best friend

11/27: one who is hurt may try to hurt you back

11/28: intimacy and honesty are so important

11/29: having family live near my college is a blessing

11/30: arguments can be fixed if you care enough to fix them

DECEMBER: THE MONTH OF BENEFITTING YOURSELF

12/1: make the best decision you believe you should in the moment, because whatever decision you make is the right one

12/2: live every day as if it's the last day you're gonna see everyone you care about

12/3: a good cry and a day in bed is needed sometimes

12/4: compromise

12/5: you need to do what’s best for both of you, but your health is the most important

12/6: always take threats seriously

12/7: getting closure is so important

12/8: it's possible to be friends with exes right away...

12/9: if you're "pretty sure" you'll get the spins, you're probably sure enough that you should stop what you're doing, so stop

12/10: davis islands is perfect for so many things

12/11: if it doesn't feel over, it's probably not over

12/12: phone calls > texting

12/13: a guilty conscience is never cleared

12/14: the gym will always be your happy place

12/15: unpack as soon as you get home or you never will

12/16: it's inevitable that if one bad thing happens, many others are going to follow...so stay strong, and eat cookies with your best friend

12/17: life's too short to get worked up over double texting

12/18: love's like a loaded gun

12/19: get your favorite celebrity's tweets sent to your phone because your all-time favorite hockey player might just be at a AAA 10 minutes from your house

12/20: always be straight up

12/21: ..but know when to keep your mouth shut

12/22: space is necessary sometimes so just give it

12/23: third row center ice is absolutely incredible

12/24: he's not going to forget about you

12/25: i said merry christmas but what i meant was i miss you

12/26: wicked is the greatest musical of all time

12/27: ignore, block, be the bigger person, repeat

12/28: the best friends are the ones you can facetime with after months of no talking and have it feel like not a day has passed by

12/29: babysitting is not a job, it is a talent

12/30: your mother probably isn't going to approve of every boy you like...and maybe she's right but you have to figure that out on your own

12/31: your best friend is more important than anything or anyone else

JANUARY: THE MONTH OF OPENING YOUR HEART

1/1: new years eve is not an accurate representation of the coming year

1/2: don't forget to check in for your southwest flight

1/3: white wine is fierce

1/4: los angeles is my city

1/5: even a 3 hour jet lag is so real

1/6: spontaneous plans make for the best nights

1/7: girls choose boys over their friends apparently it's inevitable but I will never be that girl

1/8: a day with an old friend is a truly great day

1/9: be careful with other peoples feelings

1/10: gg is something else

1/11: los angeles will always be there; don't rush to get there

1/12: never let a man talk down to you. never let anyone talk down to you

1/13: whatever decision you make is the right one for that moment, so there’s no time to doubt your actions

1/14: never forget that sometimes aging for you is just as monumental for your parents, if not even more

1/15: open your heart and you will be rewarded

1/16: outpost is truly the greatest bar in existence and the bartenders are so nice and the food is good and i want them to hire me #straightouttaoutpost

1/17: criminal minds never ever ever ever ever gets old

1/18: relaxing nights just hanging out in the room with the people you care about most are the most rewarding nights

1/19: always befriend the bartenders

1/20: take classes in subjects that aren’t typically your favorite; you might actually learn something you’d never expect to be interesting

1/21: a beach day with friends is a universal cure

1/22: if you like him, your mom will too

1/23: chill nights with your roommates are so good for the soul

1/24: it’s time to start adulting