Adulting: 21 Things I've Learned From Being 21

Realizing that I'm an adult hasn't been easy for me. I wish everyone got an instruction manual on their 18th birthday to tell them how to 'adult' but it doesn't really work that way. Learning how to 'adult' has been a really tough road for me, but somehow, I've managed (along with all the other 21-year-olds!). 

So here you go: 21 things I've learned from being 21. Included are all the good and not-so-good things no one told me about being an adult. 

21. Your mom can't do everything for you (unfortunately!)

20. Doctor visits suck even more when you have to pay for them. Get health insurance everyone!!

19. The only person you can count on is yourself. Don't depend on anyone to do anything for you. Be as independent as possible!

18. People are so much more friendlier when they're drunk! 

17. Change is inevitable. There is good change... And then there is change you wish had never happened. But learning how to live with the change that makes you want to dig a hole in your backyard and bury yourself is the hardest to survive. But you will make it through; I promise. 

16. Procrastinating a pedicure will never be more embarrassing. Please, just get a pedicure. 

15. Your parents can be your best friends or your worst enemies. It's not your fault if they choose the latter. 

14. Never, ever drink on an empty stomach! Please, just don't. 

13. Taking time to travel is the best thing you can do for yourself. Even if it's a small road trip. You will be thankful.

12. Don't stop doing what you love. If something makes you happy, just do more of it. 

11. You will never stop loving Disneyland. Even if you hate the long lines with a passion. 

10. Close off any and all toxic people from your life. Even if it hurts. 

9. Cherish your savings account like a baby. You will never know when you're going to need it. 

8. You will never really master the art of patience. You will need lots of it, but only when you have none of it.

7. You will never accept the fact that everyone else is growing up too (especially your little sisters).

6. High school will seem like it was 20 years ago and you will never miss it more than you do now. 

5. The number of friends you have grows smaller and smaller as you age. 

4. The future seems so far off, but planning for it has never been more critical.

3. You will never feel 'adult' enough. There will always be someone there to make you feel like a child (in a good way, and in a bad way).

2. Be confident in your abilities. You know what your potential is, so show everyone. 

And the number 1 thing I've learned from Adulting...

I've never been more terrified of it. 

The only consolation I have is that I'm learning every single day. I know more today than I did yesterday.