As we grow through life there’s so much to learn. Perspective is everything. We can look back and know that there is a lot we stressed over that doesn’t really matter anymore. And on the same note, there’s a lot we didn’t worry enough over that we now know matters the most. There are both regrets and great memories.

If you could go back and tell a few things to your younger self, would you?

Here are 27 things you might wish you could tell your younger self:

1. You don’t have to do what everybody else is doing.

Ultimately, what really matters is what you’re doing. People come and go. What they do is their business. What you do is yours.

2. You can’t plan everything.

To put it nicely, stuff happens. Not everything can be planned. Sometimes things end up turning out differently than you planned and oftentimes, it’s better that way.

3. Being popular in school doesn’t matter.

Being popular is completely insignificant after school is over.

4. It’s not the end of the world.

No matter what you’re going through, you will get through it. The tough times grow you into a stronger, wise and more beautiful individual.

5. Drop the toxic relationships.

Toxic people do nothing but suck the life out of you. They’re not worth it. Surround yourself only with people who life you up.

6. Work hard, but don’t kill yourself.

It’s important to stay on track, get your work done and go the extra mile at times but work isn’t the only part of life. It is important not to kill yourself. Likewise, you can’t get time back after it’s gone so don’t spend all your time working.

7. Speak up for what’s important to you.

You know those times where you should have said something but didn’t? That’s what #7 is about. If something is important to you (or the world), speak up.

8. Take care of your teeth.

You only get one set of permanent teeth. Take good care of them. Dental work is painful and expensive.

9. Be grateful for your experiences.

They shape who you are today.

10. Being nice to people matters more than being cool.

The thing that matters most in the world is people. Be nice. Period.

11. Money isn’t everything, but be wise with the money you have.

You can’t take your stuff with you when you go. You also can’t get time back that you spend stressing because you’ve overspent your money. Keep perspective and be wise with your money.

12. Being the party girl/boy stops being cool after a while.

Partying is fun for a time but after a while can cause more problems than fun.

13. Accept yourself exactly as you are.

You are perfect. Right here. Right now.

14. Life is good.

And when it’s not, it will get better.

16. Get enough sleep.

People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to die from all causes. Get enough sleep.

17. Embrace change.

Things change no matter what. You can’t stop change. Embrace it and flow through it.

18. Slow down.

We rush so much. We’re constantly going going going. Slow down and take time to notice the beauty that you miss when you’re going too fast, including the present moment. Slow your pace. Slow your breath. Slow your roll.

19. If it doesn’t make you happy, it’s not worth it.

People endure so much with relationships that just won’t work or jobs that aren’t right for them. When it comes to the big things in life, if it doesn’t make you happy, it’s not worth it.

20. Your self-worth is not determined by other people.

Ignore the opinions of other. What matters is what your opinion of yourself. And when it comes to your opinion of yourself, treat yourself as gently as you would a little child. Be kind to and accepting of yourself.

21. It’s probably not worth getting so upset over.

Whatever it is that you’re going through, it will pass. Oftentimes, we even look back and laugh. And if it’s not something to laugh over, we look back and see how we’ve grown.

22. Relationships with the ones you truly love matter more than anything.

People are what really matter.

23. You can’t change other people.

People can only change themselves. Don’t spend time trying to change someone else. They are the only ones who can do that, no matter how much you think you can.

24. It’s okay to make mistakes.

Everyone makes mistakes. No one gets through life without making mistakes. Forgive yourself quickly and learn from it. Don’t beat yourself up.

25. The things that are worth the most are usually not the easiest.

Things that are worth a lot in life usually require hard work and patience. That’s just the way it goes.

26. Words are powerful.

What you say matters. Our words are profoundly impactful. Speak up. Speak your truth.

27. Don’t be ashamed of who you are.

What makes you different is what makes you great. Embrace your uniqueness. You were made to be you. Flaws and all.