21 Things I've Learned in My (Almost) 21 Years

I've been very introspective in the last week or so, so I decided to make a list of important things I've learned about life (so far):

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. – Epicurus

1. You can’t avoid offending people from time to time. When you don’t mean it, apologize, when you do, accept the consequences.
2. Badmouthing people behind their backs gets you into a shitload of trouble. If you have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all.
3. Keep perspective as often as possible – from a distance, even a bumpy road looks smooth.
4. I’ve learned from all the bad choices I’ve made, and therefore don’t regret any of it.
5. Forgiveness is difficult but ultimately necessary to move forward.
6. Things that have happened in our past do NOT have to dictate how we live our lives today.
7. You are responsible for the good and bad things that happen in your life, nobody else. Take responsibility for your actions.
8. Sometimes it’s okay to cry. In fact, most of the time you feel a whole lot better afterwards.
9. Get rid of people who drain the life out of you. Only keep around the people who fill you up with it.
10. Communication is key for healthy friendships and relationships.
11. You’ll never be able to please everyone, so don’t try.
12. Try to take pleasure in the simple things in life as often as possible.
13. Having a few close friends is better than having tons of acquaintances.
14. Chewing gum to avoid the stinging eyes of cutting onions only works for about 3 minutes.
15. Respect and consider other people’s opinions, but in the end, do what’s best for you.
16. Don’t lie. Either tell the truth or keep your mouth shut.
17. Opening yourself up to vulnerability once and a while makes you human.
18. Stop overanalyzing everything; all it does is make you crazier.
19. Going to bed early is highly underrated.
20. Knowing your flaws is a powerful thing; striving to overcome them is even more powerful.
21. As harsh as it sounds, no matter how bad things seem, there will always be someone out there worse off than you.