Twenty-two things I'd tell my younger self, just before I turn twenty-three

Somehow, as I write this, I'm only a couple of days away from turning 23, which is absolutely wild. I'm about to finish my Masters degree (a whole other kettle of fish) and then that's kind of...it, I guess, for this phase of my life? And as it turns out, things have changed considerably in this year alone, so I just wanted to document a few of the things/lessons I've acquired –– I guess 22 feels like a nice, even number?

1. Turns out you won't be married with children and a house at twenty-three; it will all come around very quickly. 

2. Say yes to things; when you feel the fear of the unknown creeping in, just find the gall to say yes. 

3. Staying out until all hours of the evening isn't the worst thing in the world, as it turns out. 

4. Sometimes the most spontaneous occasions are the best. 

5. You won't lose sleep over most things you used to worry about anymore; your world has become much bigger, and it's shifted your priorities exponentially. 

6. Enjoy a world in which you don't have to deal with energy companies; they'll become the bane of your existence. 

7. ALWAYS. WEAR. SPF. As evidenced in this photo, you burn like there's no tomorrow.

8. Somehow, you'll become more extroverted with age. 

9. Adult life is expensive. 

10. You'll get to significantly appreciate your own company; talking to yourself will unfortunately become routine. 

11. As it turns out, red wine is definitely an acquired taste.

12.  Don't get wrapped up in other people's drama, and don't sacrifice your morals for other people's temporary entertainment. 

13. As cliché as it sounds, kindness goes a very, very long way. 

14. A boring day/week/month is not necessarily a bad thing; don't take consistency for granted. 

15. Those body insecurities you have won't necessarily go away; they may just evolve into acceptance.

16. And if not acceptance, they might just never go away (hello, arms). 

17. Don't lose your hobbies; keep being creative, it might just keep you sane. 

18. Stay educated, and stay open-minded. 

19. Take photos! Even if it seems corny. 

20. Maintaining media literacy goes a long way; take most things with a pinch of salt. 

21. Life is fragile; appreciate everything, no matter how mundane it seems. 

22. You won't have everything figured out at this point, but that's absolutely fine.