Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 33 lessons life taught me. " It is the most-requested column I've ever written.. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends, parents or spouse will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
9. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
10. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
13. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
14. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
15. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
16. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
17. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
18. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
19. The most important sex organ is the brain.
20. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
21. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
22. Always choose life.
23. Forgive everyone everything.
24. What other people think of you is none of your business.
25. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
26. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
27. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
28. Believe in miracles.
29. Your children get only one childhood.
30. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
31. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
32. The best is yet to come.
33. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

> Discuss this entry