21.

Yesterday was my birthday. I'm twenty one now. 
And here's my ice cream cone of sagacity:

1. It's actually okay to be you. In fact, you need to be. And please do. Be you beautifully and completely and wholly, without justification.

2. The truth always surfaces. Because it must.

3. Date the hell out of a lot of great men and don't regret it.

4. Be a woman with edge. Wear dresses. Be gracious. Curse occasionally. (see three)

5. You need someone in your life to be your biggest advocate. And you need to let them be.

6. God is there. Always. And He loves you. Always.

7. Wordlessly demand respect and you will receive it.

8. Take care of your body and the respect and appreciation will come. 

9. Rain is never an inconvenience. It's refreshing. Let it be. 

10. Please don't limit yourself to friends who are just. like. you. Let people broaden your views.

11. Be humble. Understate. Be bold. Flaunt.

12. Let the unknown be delicious. 

13. Let the past be. It's gone and over with. So there isn't much you can do but let it go. 

14. Don't always take your girlfriends advice. Your heart might be right. 

15. Figure out what you think and believe before others tell you what to think and believe. 

16. Be opinionated. Be boundless. Have passion.

17. Let your love be so big that it spills right out of your heart. And then let people swim in it.

18. Surround yourself with the people who love your weird. 

19. Open yourself to learning--purposefully stretch your mind.

20. Realize that the world doesn't end. So when you find yourself on the bathroom floor with mascara running down your cheeks know that you will make it. You will. You always will. 

21. So have a little faith.

xo.pa