I turn the big 2-6 today and after the year I’ve had I am welcoming this new age with wide open arms. I couldn’t wait to get out of 25 as fast as I could. Sure, I had some great learning experiences this year and I can’t say that all the bad stuff that happened wasn’t for good reasons but still, I’m more than happy to put that part of my life behind me.

Now, 26, I’m extremely excited about what this year will bring. I know I’ll be stressed out for most of it since I’ll be starting my intense school schedule next week, but I can’t help but look forward to what it will bring. Because nothing could be worse than last year, right?

I recently read an article on thoughtcatalog.com that listed some things the author, Jessica Coleman, had learned in her 26 years. I suggest you read it because it’s pretty entertaining but I’m going to list a few of her suggestions that most accurately describe how I feel about my own 26 year experience on Earth.

3. Bad things happen to really great people. I don’t know why; they just do. But everything truly does happen for a reason, and there’s a lesson hidden somewhere in the pain and struggle. Learn the lesson, and appreciate that you made it through the pain.

6. Someone you let your guard down for and gave your heart to will treat you like shit and hurt you. It’s not right, but it does happen. Don’t let this destroy your self-confidence. They aren’t worth your time. It really is their loss, and karma really is a huge bitch. You’ll laugh about it later.

8. Your relationship with food is a thing of beauty. Fuel your body with what it needs, and treat it right. When you’re hungry, eat. If you want that damn cookie, just do it. Stop torturing yourself.

9. Doing nothing in particular with people who mean the world to you will make you realize what life is all about. These people are your soul mates. Keep them close.

11. Your family may not always understand why you do the things you do, but they will always be there to support you. Make sure you thank them now and then for believing in you.

17. Find a hobby. Have it be something that you truly love and look forward to doing each week. Pour your heart and soul into it. It will make a difference. It’s your breath of fresh air.

18. Having a niece or a nephew is the best gift a sibling can give you. And once they smile at you or reach for your arms, you’ll understand why. Shower them with gifts, and tell them how much you love them. One day they’ll grow up and be able to tell you how much they appreciate you.

20. You will lose people. Whether from disease, tragedy, time, or accident, it does happen. The pain never completely goes away. Focus on the memories and smile for them. They would want that for you.

21. Sometimes the best listener is a piece of paper (or word document). Write what you want to say. Write what you feel. Write what you’re thinking. Just write. Maybe you’ll teach yourself something.

23. Living with your significant other will either make you stronger or tear you apart. It will change things. You will learn things about that other person you never wished to learn. You will learn things about yourself. It may end; if it does, know that you tried and it was worth the experience.

25. Never ever ever ever regret. In some way, shape or form, you wanted to do that stupid thing you did. In that moment it was your best idea ever, and exactly what you needed. You survived, didn’t you?

So here’s to 26 and making it not only better, but happier and full of amazing adventures.

Here’s to the start of something great.