It’s pretty much common knowledge among anyone who has been around me for at least five minutes that I have a number of obsessions. One of those many obsessions is, of course, Harry Potter. You can pretty much ask me anything about the book and/or movie series, and I could give you a very elaborate answer that would probably include way more information than you every wanted to know, but I digress.

Hidden throughout this amazing series of books and movies are messages of friendship, love, courage, family and so many more inspiring life lessons. The strong characters and story lines have inspired many people to take up debates and issues which the books/movies address – topics ranging anywhere from libertarianism to feminism to civil rights to raising their voices against power struggles, bigotry, and violence. (Which is beyond prevalent in our world today.)

J.K. Rowling’s sparkling wit, humor and exceptional ability to deliver simple insights with great impact are seen in these several quotes that went on to become extremely popular with fans. In honor of this week being Harry Potter’s birth week – July 31 is his birthday for those of you who aren’t in the loop - here are my top quotes from Harry Potter that we can all apply to our everyday lives.

1. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” ― Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

This will forever be a reminder for us all to live in the present moment and not dream of a past gone or a future that could have been.

2. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” ― Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Courage comes in many different forms. It's not always just about standing up to your enemies, but possibly standing up to your friends.

3. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” ― Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

It doesn’t matter how capable or talented you are, it’s what you do that makes a difference in the world. We are and will always be who we choose to become.

4. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light” – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Even in the worst circumstances, we all have it within us to find and hold onto hope. It may take a little help from others sometimes, but we can do it!

5. “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

The golden rule that we all learned as children, Do unto others as you would want done unto you, wasn't just a way to keep us all from hitting each other. It's deeper than that. Treating everyone with kindness is important.

6. “Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Most of the time, the right choice is never the one that is easy or convenient.

7. “Just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn’t mean we all have.” – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

A little blunt, but true. Empathize with others and put yourself in their shoes to appreciate their point of view.

8. “We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.” – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

We have all dealt with positive and negative experiences, thoughts, emotions, and sensations. However, we have a choice not to be swayed by them.

9. “Harry, suffering like this proves you are still a man! This pain is part of being human … the fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength. ” – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

If we didn’t go through hard times, I truly believe we wouldn’t appreciate the good things in life. Pain, loss, and failure is inevitable, but it brings perspective, clarity and can be a catalyst for positive change.

10. “Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.” – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Everything will work out eventually and for the best, even if it’s not in the way we expected it.

11. “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

This is J.K. Rowling’s favorite quote from the series, and one of mine as well. Everyone perceives emotions, reality, etc. differently. Respect that.

12. “Words are in my not-so-humble opinion, the most inexhaustible form of magic we have, capable both of inflicting injury and remedying it.” ― Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Words cut so much deeper than any knife ever could. Use them wisely.

13. “No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” ― J.K. Rowling

This quote is not from the series and was spoken by J.K Rowling at the premiere of the last film. This quote touched my heart in so many ways, so I thought I would end with it.