1. The start of her Happy Hippie Foundation

Image: Giphy

Cyrus launched the nonprofit organization, which supports LGBTQ and homeless youth, earlier this year. The mantra of the organization reads, “Our mission is to rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBT youth and other vulnerable populations."

It's a cause that's dear to Cyrus, who doesn't consider herself either gay or straight, and wants to help other young teens feel free to express their own sexuality the way they wish. As she wrote in an op-ed for the foundation, "No one should have to hide who they really are, no matter what his or her name, gender, status or orientation. "

2. Being unashamed of her sexuality

Cyrus has been candid about her open view of sexuality several times. Most recently, she identified herself as pansexual, telling Elle UK, "I’m very open about it — I’m pansexual. But I’m not in a relationship. I’m 22, I’m going on dates, but I change my style every two weeks, let alone who I’m with."

More: Miley Cyrus throws shade at Nicki Minaj right before the VMAs

3. Valuing love and acceptance over the norm

Cyrus has continuously discussed the importance of being open and accepting of other people's differences, instead of being judgmental or critical. It's a lesson that she's had to relearn herself in recent months, as she recently told Marie Claire. "Lately, I've been talking a lot about my being gender-fluid and gender-neutral. And some people snarl at that," she said. "They want to judge me. People need more conventional role models, I guess. But I just don't care to be that person."

4. Being unafraid to be herself

Image: Giphy

"I don't really stress too much about being out there. There's nothing left to catch me doing," she said. "You want to hack my e-mail so you can find my nude pictures? I'll just f***ing put them up."

More: Miley Cyrus makes Robin Thicke sound like a major sleaze

5. Being open about her own evolution

While Cyrus has certainly come a long way from her Hannah Montana days, her evolution isn't over yet and she's admitted that time and time again. Looking back on her now-infamous 2013 VMAs performance, she told The New York Times,  "I still love it. But I now watch it, and I see someone that isn’t me now."

6. Proving that fame isn't everything

"People get more famous, so that they can make their brand more famous, so that they can sell more shit, so that they can make more money. It's a never-ending cycle," she said. "Getting more money, having more hits, being the lead in the movie — those things might stimulate you, but they don't make you happy. I've experienced it all already, and I'm telling you firsthand, it doesn't."

7. Acknowledging the importance of independence

Image: Giphy

“There are times in my life where I’ve had boyfriends or girlfriends. And there are times where I just love being with myself and don’t want to give part of myself away to someone else," Cyrus told Time earlier this year. "I think that’s a new freedom for women, especially. I don’t know that my mother would have been able to be 22 and secure in being alone. But my future doesn’t rely on having a partner.”

More: 12 Best quotes from celebs who refuse to label their sexuality

8. Embracing female empowerment

"Being a woman, that’s everything to me," Cyrus told Out. "Without women there is no life. I’m empowered as well, because I really feel like I hold something that’s the secret in all of life and the power of it."