Some advice...

... from a gal who knows she still has a lot to learn, but at least she has this much figured out.

Don't take life too seriously. Make an effort to be responsible, but remember to have fun with it.

Learn to play a musical instrument. Even if it's just the spoons. (And let's be honest, knowing how to play spoons would be awesome.)

Try new things. Especially the things you don't think you'd like.

Read a book. Or two. Or twenty. Picture books and comic books are absolutely acceptable.

Spend an hour outside every day. Even in the winter. Have a snowball fight.

Eat dessert for breakfast. The term "breakfast of champions" doesn't exist for nothing.

Smile.

That thing that you're nervous about doing? Don't think about it. Just do it. If it doesn't work out, then so be it! At least you don't have to worry about it anymore.

Embrace your inner nerd. Because it makes life more fun.

Disregard cable. Acquire Netflix. Avoid that "there's nothing on TV, so why am I still sitting here and watching old South Park reruns?" feeling and watch something good. Or, you know, go outside.

Take a road trip. Even if it's just a weekend trip to the nearest city. Make friends who live in other states and sleep on their couches. Plan a big one and save up so you'll actually do it. Bring a camera. Bring a journal. Bring your friends. And snacks for the car ride, of course.

Before you go to Target, the mall, or any furniture or clothing store, check Goodwill first. And take all the money you just saved and put it in your road trip fund.

Talk to strangers. Seriously. All the time. Start a conversation with your waitress. Tell a bad joke to that looks-like-he-could-be-cool guy in your literature class. Geek out about music to the random dude wearing a Radiohead shirt. Ask the girl at the coffee shop if she knows of any fun things to do around town.

Dance to that song that's stuck in your head when no one is looking. And then stop abruptly and act serious before you walk into a room full of people. Why? Because it's fun, and the prospect of getting caught is both terrifying and hilarious.

Take a walk around your neighborhood. When's the last time you really looked at all the things that surround your home?

Do nice things for people. Because why not?

Watch Good Will Hunting. And if it doesn't change your life in some small way, you're not doing it right.

Learn a little about everything. Knowledge is power. But more importantly, perspective is the key to using knowledge effectively.

Don't be afraid to embarrass yourself. Because really, it's probably not as big of a deal as you think it is.

Don't lie. Because what's the point of lying? Note: this does not mean you shouldn't be tactful in social situations.

Live alone. For at least a couple months, but preferably a whole year or more. You'll learn things about yourself that you never knew. You'll be able to walk around in your underwear. You'll never wonder who used the last of the milk (thus preventing you from eating your freshly-poured bowl of cereal).

Be happy. You might try to say, "you can't just be happy," but you're wrong. Think happy thoughts. Surround yourself with people who make you happy, and get rid of the people who don't. Logic your way out of emotionally overwhelming situations. Eat well. Get enough sleep. Wake up and say, "today is going to be awesome," and make your day awesome. Do the things you love. Smile for no reason. It's that easy.