This week, I have decided to change the pace slightly and write an article that focuses more on my personal life. For those of you who know me on more of a personal basis will understand that I am a major fan of the band A Day to Remember. They have shaped my outlook on life, and I even have a tattoo that is dedicated to them. With that being said, here are five quotes and my interpretations I would like to share that continue to have a major impact on my perspective of life.
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1. "Miles away, and I wish this didn't mean so much to me- to be a monument for the rest of them."
-When I hear this being sung, my first thought is how we strive to do things for other people, despite what our views state. It demonstrates such strong self-efficacy but sometimes puts our own happiness on the shelf. Being a monument for someone can have various degrees. This does not always mean being some kind of "superhero" and that other people want to be you. More importantly, it can mean doing what you enjoy, what is just, and what allows you to be a role model and advocate for what you believe in. Even if it means going to great lengths to get there.
2. "A free lesson on growing up- make the best of their worst and never compromise what you feel is right."
-This quote plays off of the first. Specifically doing what other people believe to be right without considering your own values and ideas is not always the healthiest approach. In fact, when someone else's ideas and values will bring about wrongful consequences, then emerge from them and be successful. Don't be brought down with them.
3. "I'm making a difference. I'm taking a chance. You can say what you want about me but no one can tell me I can't."
-Everyone is bound to have other people disagree with them. A belittling nature often stems from those who believe your ideas are not worth the slightest mention. These are the situations we must rise up from. Having the courage of your convictions is the chance you must take in order to make a difference. Take a look back at some of the most famous speeches ever given...do you think any of those people waltzed up to the podium without being ridiculed for believing in what others believed to be heinous and unspeakable topics? No one, and I mean not one single person can stop you from making a difference.
4. "I reserve my right to feel uncomfortable; reserve my right to feel afraid. I make mistakes and I am humbled, every step of the way. I want to be a better person. I want to know the master plan. Cast your stones, cast your judgment, you don't make me who I am."
-I know it is a bit long, but each component of this quote makes up a very powerful message in my eyes. Jeremy McKinnon, the man behind these awe-inspiring lyrics, begins by saying that he reserves his right to feel uncomfortable and that he has a right to be afraid. There are no signs of arrogance in those lines. There is nothing wrong with being humble and accepting that you have not reached your full potential. The end of the quote welcomes outsiders to cast metaphorical stones, and to pass judgment. In other words, say what you want because I am going to move myself out of the trenches, power forward, and make something of myself. As I mentioned before, each and every part of this quote makes up a very powerful message.
5. "Keep your hopes up high and your head down low."
-Finally, the words that are forever on my arm in ink, the inspiration for my tattoo, and the quote I have learned to live by. I am sure that some people who read this may be slightly confused by the "head down low" part, but I assure you that there is a meaning behind it. I like to use a ship powering through the waves in the ocean to symbolize this quote. A ship's sails are blowing high in the wind, and this represents hope and optimism. However, the front of the ship experiences some of the hardship as it crashes into each wave that it comes across. This represents reality and the drive to follow through. In this situation, keeping your head down low does not mean hanging it down low. It means staying focused and avoiding distractions that might throw you off your course.
