You are not responsible for the things your parents did or did not say to you, do for you, or teach you. You are, however, responsible for everything you say, do, and show others. Drunk or sober, angry or joyful, sincere or not.

33. Your parents' actions are not your responsibilities

You can miss something, and still not want it back.

8. Missing them doesn't mean they should be welcomed back

Don't bother with people for whom decency/kindness/honesty is something they have to "work on."

25. Don't waste your time with the wrong people

Your value does not shrink or expand in relation to how much emotion, time, or money someone else is willing to spend on you.

6. Your worth is not determined by how someone treats you

Rage, entitlement, and arrogance may help you break down a wall, but compassion, good manners, and a calm demeanor are the keys to getting through the door and being welcomed on the other side.

7. Kindness will take you so far

Taking pride in your work, reputation, value system and appearance is a great way to get to where you want to go much faster.

5. Be proud of yourself

It's about being intelligent, honest, kind, self-respecting, decent, and drop-dead smart. That's gorgeous.

36. It's not about being "hot"

Just because they say it, or you think it, doesn't make it true.

41. A negative imagination is a dangerous, destructive device

This will always be the right choice.

27. When you feel something is right, go with it

Those who love you care when they hurt you, even when they didn't mean to.

20. People who love you will hurt you

But you have to make the step to go out there and look for it

31. Opportunity does not come knocking

It's almost as valuable as time with someone you love.

9. Love is a precious and valuable gift

If someone gives you anxiety, excuses, a reason not to believe him/her, or anything that requires a prescription, they need to be out of your life.

37. There are plenty of good men and women out there

This is why you have your very own body, mind, and soul.

14. You're not supposed to be like everybody else

If you want something, you'd better work for it.

11. No one is going to swoop in and save you

No one is living a perfect life, they just have perfect moments like you and me. Everyone has problems.

24. Perfection is unattainable

Just because you rationalize it doesn't make it right, and just because you want him doesn't make him right for you.

47. Just because you ignore it doesn't make it go away

51. You have things about you that make you Beautiful 

Sincere apologies mean something. Those friendships without them mean nothing.

17. Apologize to your friends when you hurt them

Change your actions, reactions, and the way you put yourself out there and you'll change the way the world responds to you.

48. Karma is really caused and effect

Every person on this earth is a human being and all human beings were created equal, so don't look up and don't look down.

22. Treat everyone the same

Your heart can be mistaken but <a href="https://www.yourtango.com/self/trust-your-intuition-gut-feeling">your gut is always right</a> , even when you don't want it to be.

23. Trust your intuition

You have to put in the work to make your dreams come true.

29. Dreams are important, but reality only changes when we do

People who cannot communicate effectively, clearly, and respectfully tend to live very difficult lives.

4. Know how to communicate

When it's over, you'll wish you put down that phone and paid closer attention and you won't care about those petty arguments.

13. Appreciate all the moments good and bad

Life is hard enough without having to spend it with hard people.

18. Know how to pick good people

You're an intelligent, compassionate, and professional woman. Carry yourself like one and surround yourself with women who think catty is best reserved for Lindsay Lohan movies.

39. There's never a reason to be a mean girl

Every day we make a choice to go out and play or stare at a wall where the past is hanging.

16. Live in the present moment

Love everything and everyone with kindness.

30. Passion without compassion is a disaster

When it comes to your relationships, spend more time than money, give more compliments than criticisms, and for goodness' sake, flash your manners.

40. Know how to act in your relationships

This upgrades everything in your life from your relationships to your mental stability.

46. Keep your nose clean and live with dignity

If you have it with someone who has not shown you respect, told you they love you, or wanted to date you before having it, it's not a good idea to expect the act alone to change the status quo.

45. It's OK to like sex

In spite of what is perpetuated by <a href="https://www.yourtango.com/romance">romantic </a>comedies, the truth is that <a href="https://www.yourtango.com/love/significant-other-should-complement-you-not-complete-you">you are complete all on your own </a>, all of the time.

3. You are your own person

Having a healthy, happy, and loving relationship (with yourself and then someone else) is.

38. Having a relationship is not the goal

When you say "I Love You," you are taking responsibility for your actions and suggesting you will care about another person and their feelings. If they love you like they love hot dogs and songs on their playlist, that's not going to do much for you long-term.

49. Love means different things to different people

Happiness may not always be as easy as making a choice to be happy, but we always have a choice as to how to filter situations we find ourselves in. Is it proof the universe hates us or is it just life?

50. Happiness is up to you

You're much smarter, stronger, and more capable than you think — and much less invincible.

21. Know your strengths and your limits

Men who have six packs and great biceps often sustain themselves on a diet consisting of chicken and eggs and will choose the gym over date night with you. Remember that.

42. Buff men are not always the better choice

You really don't have to put up with all of that crap, you know?

32. Know when a guy is being a jerk

If <a href="https://www.yourtango.com/self/how-live-life-thats-aligned-with-true-self-according-experts">you are living authentically </a>and without fear, you can't please everyone (or even most people) for longer than a couple of weeks. If you find yourself proving this wrong, take it as a sign you need to make a change.

1. Live life as your true self

12. Life is lovely and exciting, but it isn't always fair

Some obligations, disappointments, and heartaches are just blessings with the wrong name.

26. Know when something is actually a lesson

The world is moving and days are passing. This can be seen as time passing us by or an ever-present opportunity to experience something new, make amends, step in a new direction, reach out, and show gratitude. Just remember that everything you want is out there and everything you need to achieve it is inside of you.

52. Your life is happening, right now, in real-time

You aren't supposed to get through life without scuffing your knees, breaking your heart, or taking a wrong turn. Lessons and sorrows are the shadings in the overall painting.

2. You're going to get hurt

Don't lose friendships as you climb the ladder.

43. It's OK to be ambitious, but not ruthless

You need trust, mutual respect, and understanding to make a relationship work.

10. That said, love is not enough

Forgive them for it, because you've been there too.

15. Most people get worked up over stupid Things

Sometimes you "win" by just deciding to stop talking, get up, and go.

34. Know when to leave

Just because she is pretty or he is attractive doesn't mean you're not. Just because he or she has a great job or has met someone doesn't mean you won't. <a href="https://www.yourtango.com/self/ways-trained-brain-not-feel-jealousy-again">Turn that jealousy into inspiration </a>and watch your life blossom.

35. Don't compare your life to someone else's

Aside from your actions and reactions, you can't control it, whatever it is.

19. There are certain things out of your control

Most people don't get through life <a href="https://www.yourtango.com/self/most-important-life-lessons-about-happiness-from-100-year-olds">without a few lessons</a> , and for me, having others share theirs is one of the most incredible gifts I can receive.
Even if I don't agree with their statements or actions, I often find out new things about myself and what I want out of life (and don't want) as a result of these conversations.
Of course, I have my own daily trip-ups, hang-ups, and stumbles to learn from as well. Here, I share the list I wrote for myself detailing the lessons (that make for happiness) I have learned thus far.

52 Simple Lessons That Will Make Your Life 1,000X Easier

Spend it working to become a baller. He or she who dates someone for money should not be surprised when they treat them poorly. How do you treat that sweater you bought three years ago?

41. A negative imagination is a dangerous, destructive device

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