One day older and wiser, too.

When I was in Primary,

(and in my ward now too)

we sing the "You've had a Birthday" song.

"You've had a birthday, shout hooray!
We want to sing to you today.

One day older and wiser, too.

Happy birthday, to you!"

Hmmm, I love that line.

One day older and wiser, too.

Now that I have been 21 a full week,

I feel a lot older and wiser.

Haha, just kidding.

I don't really feel any older or wiser,

but I feel like I have learned a lot in my

21 years of living.

Let's see if I can come up with 21 lessons:

1. I've learned that no matter how many friends I make, my family is way more important.
2. I've learned that sometimes you really need to just laugh off your mistakes. 
3. I've learned that taking a 'longer-than-normal' shower is good for you some days.
4. I've learned that going to bed early and waking up early will make you a whole lot less cranky.
5.  I've learned that drinking a lot of water every day is really good for you.
6. I've learned that it is very rewarding to serve others and think of other people first.
7. I've learned that it is okay to put yourself first every once and while. It's actually pretty healthy, I feel.
8. I've learned that sometimes people will let you down, but if you keep your expectations reasonable for people, you won't get let down as much. 
9. I've learned that it is more important to agree than to think you are always right.
10. I've learned that there is really nothing you can do about the past. Learn from it, and move on.
11. I've learned that as long as you try to do your best, it will all be alright.
12. I've learned that chocolate really does help you feel better when you're feeling down.
13. I've learned that sometimes you have to fall down every now and then to realize how strong you are to get back up.
14. I've learned that having a job while being a student teaches you responsibility, time management, organization skills and many other important skills.
15. I've learned that talking to your parents really makes a world of a difference when dealing with difficult situations or even little things.
16.  I've learned that snuggling up in a blanket while watching a movie is very relaxing.
17. I've learned that having a bowl of cereal for dinner is sometimes the best thing to do.
18. I've learned that if you spend your money wisely, and remember to pay your tithing, life goes a lot smoother.
19. I've learned that going to the gym or exercising or just going on a walk is really stress-relieving.
20. I've learned that life is full of challenges, so you have to learn how to deal with them and keep pushing on. 
21. I've learned that there is always room for growth and improvement.

 Man, I feel like I could keep going on and on about the lessons I've learned throughout my life. Luckily, I've had some pretty amazing people to help me out and help me learn some of these lessons, even if I didn't want to learn them.

Thank you, friends and family, for being there for me.

For helping me learn what I need to learn.

I know each one of you are in my life for a reason.

I need you.

(Don't read that in a desperate tone - haha)

I couldn't be the person I am today

without the people around me,

and the gospel in my life.

I love you :)

Love, love, love!