Lessons Learned

I'm 21 years old. That's not old by any means. I'm not wise or inquisite or experienced. I'm just me. But, throughout the few number of years I have been living this wonderful life, I have learned some valuable lessons and I would like to pass them on to whoever may happen to read this.

1. You can write just as great of an essay (if not better) an hour before it's due rather than working on it for weeks.
2. Friends come and go throughout your life, but family is forever - whether you want them to be or not. So make your relationship with them one you want to be stuck with.
3. It is incredibly messy if you sneeze while brushing your teeth.
4. While we'er on the subject of sneezing, avoid sneezing right after you put mascara on at all costs.
5. Nature is beautiful - take the time to notice it, to love it.
6. It's less embarassing when you trip and fall flat on your face if you laugh with everyone that's laughing at you.
7. It's seriously so NOT worth holding grudges...let it go and live your life.
8. Singing and dancing to your itunes in front of the mirror in your underwear is a great way to start the day.
9. Thunderstorms can make for better entertainment than movies - so grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy.
10. Everyone in your life is going to hurt you in some way...but that doesn't mean you can stop letting people into your heart because of the fear of being hurt.
11. Windows rolled down, radio blaring, singing to the music at the top of your lungs is the only way to drive.
12. No two sunsets look the same.
13. Playing with puppies is the best pick-me-up in the world!
14. It is incredibly important to always see the silver lining in every stormcloud.
15. Laugh loud and obnoxiously, just let it out. It's more fun that way.
16. Dancing in the rain is one of the funnest things to do in the summer.
17. Life is better surrounded by friends and people you love and who love you.
18. Life sucks and is extremely hard a lot of the time...but it's totally awesome and an amazing ride most of the time.
19. No matter how many times you fall, God will always catch you and help you back on your feet.
20. It's important to read as often as you can.
21. A life without love is no life at all.

But the most important thing I've learned in the past 21 years of my life, is: Don't give a damn what anyone else thinks of you....Dare to be different, dare to be you. Dr. Seuss said it best: "Be who you are and say what you feel, those who mind don't matter and those who matter won't mind." Follow your heart, be true to yourself, and don't sell yourself for any less than what you're worth.