27 Things I've Learned at 27

As my 27th birthday approaches, I've made a list of things I've learned up to this point. There is so much more for me to learn, and I am nowhere near perfect when it comes to this list, but I do respect each of these and strive to be better every single day at them.

1. Floss already. It is important for so much more of your health than just your teeth.

2. Be extra kind to your server. Look them in the eye and thank them every time they fill your water, clear your plates, or bring you another drink. And if you have enough money to go out to eat, then you have enough money to tip 20%.

3. Learn about your family's history. Ask your parents and grandparents to tell you stories about their childhood. Write things down. Look at pictures. Make a scrapbook.

4. Friendships should be based on quality, not quantity. Having 2 best friends is infinitely better than 20 mediocre friends.

5. Be proactive about your health. Know your body. If a medical professional diagnoses you with something or prescribes you something, learn as much as you can about it.

6. Avoid energy vampires. People who suck the joy and life out of you just plain suck.

7. Put your cell phone away at dinner. If you MUST check it, ask the company you're with if it is OK.

8. Don't shame someone for being quiet. Being quiet and observing in a new situation is not a bad thing. Trying to draw attention to yourself right off the bat, however, can be very immature. Talk less and listen more.

9. Don't drink and drive. Don't EVER drink and drive. If you can afford to spend money on booze you can afford a taxi ride home. You probably cannot afford a DUI or worse.

10. If someone will gossip TO you, then they most certainly will and probably already do gossip ABOUT you. The same goes with cheating.

11. In a relationship, don't confuse the ME with the WE. They are meant to be separate. Don't lose yourself.

12. Failure is not something to fear. It's something from which we learn. Go out on a limb and embrace what happens, whether you soar or fall. Either way, you're learning.

13. Learn the difference between religion and spirituality. Be sensitive of people's perspectives on both.

14. Respect the Friend Zone. Don't be a creep and ruin the friendship.

15. Proofread your emails and social media posts.

16. If something feels forced, it's most likely not meant to be.

17. Having tattoos is OK. Not having tattoos is OK.

18. Respect your elders, but recognize that even middle-aged people can be immature.

19. Your horoscope does not define you. Your family history does not define you. Your diseases do not define you. Your past relationships do not define you. Stop referencing those external circumstances as cause for your behavior.

20. Taking a "mental health" day is underrated.

21. Stop the road rage. If you wouldn't say those nasty things to the person's face, don't say it behind the safety of your car.

22. You will have to wait in line for the rest of your life. Get used to it and appreciate whatever product or service it is affording you. Complaining won't make the line go faster.

23. Don't waste your time trying to recreate good memories or avoid bad ones. Nothing lasts, and that's OK.

24. Get along with your siblings. It will make life a whole lot easier as your parents age.

25. There will always be assholes in the world. Don't be another one.

26. Most of the things you worry about never even happen. Worry is a wasted emotion.

27. Every morning, when your feet first touch the ground, repeat "thank you." There is so much to be grateful for in life, and honoring that gratitude every single day will transform your life.