Growing up is the easy part. Being an adult is hard. You start to look back and wish that you were little again when there wasn't a care in the world. When you do, that's when you realize that you learned all the good parts as a child and you just didn't realize it. South Carolina is my home and living here has taught me much. In fact, I have learned so much that I can share some with you.

1. Stand on your own two feet.

Go ahead. It's okay. When you start standing you will find that you won't be alone long. Others will stand up too.

2. Fight for what you believe in...even if it's wrong.

You have to fight for what you believe in because no one else will fight for you.

3. Dance to the beat of your own drum.

It's okay. Don't look at what someone else is doing. It doesn't matter. Because they are not you. Find your own rhythm.

4. Money doesn't buy happiness.

If that was the case, many people would be sad in this economy, but they aren't. You make your own happiness.

5. Don't underestimate the underdog.

How many times have we risen to the top when others said it was impossible?

6. Never stop dreaming and if you are going to dream...

Dream Extremely Big!

7. A walk through nature will clear your mind.

Especially when those days get too busy and life goes too fast, and people get to be too much.

8. Music soothes the savage soul.

I have seen it with my own eyes.

9. Family...

is the 'end-all and be-all'.

10. Respect your elders...

for they are wiser and have lived a whole life time more than you. They will share it all with you, if you just listen.

11. Southern food is love food.

That may be an odd statement, but I have to say that everyone I know makes food with all the love in their heart. It is made to be savored and enjoyed with our families and loved ones.

12. Not everyone is going to like what you like.

And, that's okay. If everyone saw life the same way, it would be a pretty boring world.

13. Walk your own path.

What's meant to be will be. Just follow your heart and you will make it where you need to go.

14. Everything comes in good time.

There's no need to rush. Time will pass if we do or not.

15. Never let life become a race.

You can have races, but don't get obsessed with them. Life is meant to be savored.

16. Balance in all things.

Just like South Carolina is a balance of city and country. You can't be all one thing or the other...remember to take time to breathe.

17. Brains trump beauty.

Beauty may carry you far or get you there, but brains are going to carry you the entire way.

18. Sun and surf is the best medicine.

It is amazing at what good Carolina sunshine, warm sand between your toes, and the smell of the salt air can do for you better than any prescription ever could.

19. Remember your roots.

That's right. When it seems as if you are flying by the seat of your pants, remember your roots. The ones who came before you, the ones who made the foundation. We are fighters and dreamers. We have grit!

20. There's no place like home.

I can and have gone all over the United States, but home is where my heart is. No place else feels quite right.

Writing this article has made me think of when I was little growing up in the country just outside of a little town known as Olar, SC. Life was simple then, but I remember learning all of these lessons at that time. I didn't think much about them then, but when I grew up these are the lessons that grounded me. Kept me honest with myself and let me know that no matter what, I was doing what was right for me. I hope that I have brought a little bit of that to you today. And, if I have missed any, please put them in the comments below. I know 20 can't encompass everything that can be learned.