These life lessons written down by Regina Brett are universal and relatable to to anyone who needs a little reminder of what’s important in life. Too often, we tend to get lost in the details of our day to day lives, forgetting about the bigger picture.

Fun fact about Regina Brett though. Most people think she’s 90 years old when in reality she’s actually 56 years old. She wrote down these lessons almost a decade ago on her 45th birthday after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

So, have a read. No matter how old you are, these are valuable lessons especially for us Pakistanis given the more than normal troubling times we experience.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.Source: tumblr

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.Source: tumblr

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.Source: tumblr

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else doesSource: tumbl

5. Pay off your credit cards or any loans that you took every month.Source: tumblr

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.Source: tumblr

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.Source: tumblr

8. Save for retirement, starting with your first paycheck.Source: tumblr

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.Source: tumblr

10. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.Source: tumblr

11. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.Source: tumbl

12. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.Source: tumbl

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.Source: tumblr

14. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.Source: tumblr

15. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.Source: tumblr

16. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write. (P.S. MangoBaaz is always looking for writers)Source: tumbl

17. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.Source: tumblr

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.Source: tumblr

19. Burn the candles; use the nice sheets; wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.Source: tumblr

20. Overprepare, then go with the flow.Source: tumblr

21. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.Source: tumblr

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.Source: tumblr

23. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.Source: tumblr

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”Source: tumbl

25. Forgive everyone everything.Source: tumblr

26. What other people think of you is none of your business.Source: tumblr

27.Time heals almost everything. Give time time.Source: tumbl

28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.Source: tumblr

29. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.Source: tumblr

30. Believe in miracles.Source: tumblr

31. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.Source: tumblr

32. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.Source: tumblr

33. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.Source: tumblr

34. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.Source: tumblr

35. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.Source: tumblr

36. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it nowSource: tumblr

37. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.Source: tumblr

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.Source: tumblr

39.Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.Source: tumblr

40. The best is yet to comeSource: tum

41. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.Source: tumblr

42. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.Source: tumblr

43. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.Source: tumblr

44. Yield.Source: tumblr

45.Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.Source: tumblr

Content Source: Popsugar