“Live every day to the fullest. You never know when it’ll be your last.”

Everyone has heard this, or some variation of it, at one point or another. Although it may sound cliché, it’s true. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so we must live each and every day as if it were our last.

1. Stop worrying about what other people think

Don’t let other people’s judgments of you get in the way of doing what you want. You are not obligated to answer to anyone but yourself. In fact, if someone constantly judges you and makes you feel inferior for being different or for doing something that he or she doesn’t agree with, that person shouldn’t be in your life in the first place. That brings me to my next point.

2. Remove the negative people

Healthy relationships between any two people are about giving and taking. Don’t continue to give if you have nothing to take. In other words, don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Just because someone is in your life right now does not mean they have to be in it forever. If the relationship is more negative than positive, you’re better off without it.

3. Do what makes you happy

Only you know what you truly want. Sometimes it’s important to take other people’s opinions into consideration (if you ask for them), but ultimately you must decide what’s best for you. Your happiness is the most important thing in your life; take care of it.

4. Don’t leave anything unsaid

Let it all out. Say “I love you.” Say “I’m sorry.” Tell the most important people in your life how much they mean to you. Make yourself vulnerable, and share your feelings with others. If you don’t, you’re left with regret, and that’s the worst feeling of all.

5. Recognize that everything happens for a reason

Coincidences do not exist. Although it may be difficult to see in the moment, everything happens for a reason. Let this phrase guide you through life; it will help you to overcome even the most difficult trials and tribulations. Trust me.

Although there are many other changes you can make to improve your life, use these simple guidelines as a start. You will be a happier, healthier and better version of yourself. Life’s too short to have it any other way.