At the end of every year we are flooded with lists: The Best of … The Worst of … The Top Ten. The Winners. The Losers.

There’s a reason lists are popular. Retrospection breeds wisdom. As we grow older, the years fly by faster and faster. We take great comfort in looking at the year in review and remembering not only what happened — but what we’ve already forgotten.

This time of year is also a great time to take stock of what’s going on within ourselves and to do our own review. Are we happy? Are we on the right path?

Already we’re being bombarded with advice and messages on how to improve ourselves as a new year is about to begin.

With this in mind, we asked representatives of all generations — millennials, Generation Xers, baby boomers, the silents or “mature” generation — what have you learned as you’ve grown older? What wisdom did your elders share that you now understand? What gems are you passing down to younger generations?

Here is what they told us.

1: “Don’t ever work in a cubicle,” my dad told me. I followed that advice, but the jury is still out on whether I will pass it on. — Kim Ann, mother and mental health professional

2: I told my three boys, “Guys, the most important thing in life is sincerity. And once you can fake that, you’ve got everything.” — John, media specialist and grandfather

3: If you’ve lost something and you really can’t find it, say a prayer to St. Anthony. That was my granny’s advice and it works every time (for things like keys, but not so much for “your way in life”). — Lucy, journalist

4: Don’t take any wooden nickels. — Tim, father and videographer

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5: If you want something, go for it. Don’t let anything hold you back. — Ashima, filmmaker and aunt

6: If it feels good, do it. If it feels that good, do it again! Too many folks to mention have told me this. I wish I would have listened. — Gregg, educator and coach

7: My dad always taught me to be patient and caring and no matter what, to remember the situation can be worked out with communication and understanding. Yelling and violence does nothing but push others away. As I grow older, I appreciate that lesson because things can’t be forced, especially when dealing with teenagers. — Marilyn, mother

8: The one piece of wisdom I think of most is one of my father’s go-to expressions: “This too shall pass.” — Heather, mother and business owner

9: “We only want what’s best for you.” You don’t realize how true that actually is until you become a parent. — Sophia, mother and journalist

10: From my dad: “Worry about the things you can change.” — Joe, father and customer service representative

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11: “Much truth is told in jest.” I also remember when growing up that whenever my brother, my friends, and I were leaving the house, my mom would say, “I love you, have fun, remember who you are, and make good choices.” She still tells me this sometimes. — Emily, mother and event planner

12: Treat others as you would like to be treated. — Steve, grandfather and retired airline employee

13: Cherish each age and stage. — Sue, mother and reading specialist

14: Mom always told me to be nice to everyone, especially if I’m on my way up, since I’d be meeting these people on my way down. My own personal wisdom: Eat dessert first! — Gerald, television presenter and uncle

15: Whatever happens, happens for the best. I would get absolutely furious hearing this from my mom. But now I understand how important accepting this is. Things really do work out in the end, even if the path to getting there is torture. — Maya, mother and journalist

16: Trust your instincts and despite what the world says, never lose faith in yourself. — Sabriya, mother, lawyer, and scuba instructor

17: Never say “can’t” until you have given it a try and given it your all. — Alicia, journalist and aunt

18: Not everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it is random and sometimes unfair. But our strength and grace in the face of adversity and challenges is what true love is all about. — Nicole, mother

19: Wisdom is knowing you’ll never have all the answers. It’s understanding that not every day is filled with joy. Chaos and pain are unavoidable. Accepting that and dealing with it as best you can is how we find happiness. — Vanessa, mother and writer