Here are some words of wisdom given to me by people I wish I’d started paying attention to sooner:

Criticisms are heavier than compliments, so be careful where you throw them.

The little things do count.

You will see an average of 65 sunsets in your life, and even less sunrises, so cherish each one you’re lucky enough to witness.

A lot of your time will be spent waiting in line, so work on your patience.

Patience will also help you in other important matters. Here’s a piece of advice that has always helped me: think before you speak. You’ll hurt a lot less people this way, including yourself.

On that note, never go to sleep angry. It doesn’t hurt the other person half as much as it hurts you. Think about that for a second and you’ll feel the anger start to dissipate.

But the most important advice I can give you is to listen.

Listen to your mother: she’ll be your first and your best best friend.

Listen to your own children: they will prove themselves to be wiser than you every now and then.