New York Times bestselling Author Regina Brett has written several books that have been published in over 24 languages, and her inspirational columns appear regularly in The Plain Dealer, where she was a finalist in 2008 and 2009 for the Pulitzer Prize. In her books, she provides practical but inspirational life lessons to help others see the humor and underlying meaning in life’s many twists and turns, based off of her own experiences.

Regina raised a child on her own for 18 years while struggling to find the right partner in life and while “healing from the bruises of a bumpy childhood.” She battled and overcame breast cancer at 41 years of age, and the life lessons she shares in her books reflect what she’s learned from readers in her 30 years as a journalist.

Below are just 20 of the inspiring life lessons she’s shared:

1. Everything changes when you change.

2. What they call you is up to them. What you answer to is up to you.

3. Even the mistakes belong.

4. Most of the time, the only person in your way is you.

5. When things fall apart, they could actually be falling into place.

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6. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.

7. Instead of trying to be the best in the world, be the best for the world.

8. Don’t confuse your work with your worth.

9. Instead of planning a better life, start living one.

10. The world needs people who are fully alive.

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11. Shine your light, no matter how dark the world around you appears.

12. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

13. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

14. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

15. Carry as you climb.

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16. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

17. If you’re going to doubt anything, doubt your doubts.

18. Just because someone isn’t on your path, it doesn’t mean they’re lost.

19. To find out who you are, let go of who you aren’t.

20. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

h/t: brightside