And 19 years later, I've learned 19 things...

...okay, maybe a few more than 19, but some of the most important are, in no particular order, as follows:

1. Just don't worry about it. It'll work out, just because it always does.
2. Look for other options: they are there. Whether or not either of them will please you is a different story.
3. When it comes to life, resistance is futile. I mean, it's going to happen whether you like it or not, so make it good.
4. We are all selfish. Terribly, terribly selfish.
5. You need to come to a point where you can just be with yourself... If you don't even like hanging out with you, who else will?
6. Sometimes laughter is the only cure for things. Find funny friends.
7. Rules are to be considered guidelines.
8. Rarely is anything actually the way it appears.
9. Take responsibility for your own actions, as hard as that can be. Don't go blaming somebody else for your mistakes.
10. Happiness is often a choice.
11. It's easier to love people that you can be absolutely ridiculous and straight up silly with.
12. If you just sit down and do it, it'll be done. (Revolutionary, I know.)
13. Embrace stupidity. It's here to stay. ("Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” --Albert Einstein)
14. Fears hate exposure and they will cower when you share them with someone. (And it's nice to know someone's in it with you.)
15. Home really is where the heart is.
16. Sometimes not talking is the smartest move you can make. (I often fail miserably at this one.)
17. Life is full of surprises. Some are good, some are bad. But mostly they're just good.
18. Poptarts are bad for you. (I know. I'm sad too.)
19. Life moves quickly. Make sure you catch the ride.

So, here's to hoping I'll learn at least one more thing by next May.