Life is constantly full of ups and downs. Throughout it all, there are some very simple yet significant messages to keep in mind. I believe it is essential that no matter what, you always stay humble, live in the moment, forgive and forget, grow from defeat, and do everything through love. I am a lover of many quotations, but these five I have selected truly emphasize the messages I believe to hold so much power in life.

1. "Blessed are those who give with out remembering and take without forgetting." -- Elizabeth Bibesco

We must strive to live humbly without ever expecting a thank you and never forgetting those who have helped you along the way. When you stop expecting things in life, even the smallest blessings seem so grand. When you are at a high point on your journey, take a moment to look back at everyone who helped with all of the little steps along the way. It is essential to take the time to give thanks where necessary; without the help from others, you might not be where you are today. A thank you can go along way, and it can impact the receiver more than you might realize.

2. "Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment." -- Rumi

This moment that we are currently in will only last so long. In fact, it has already passed. These sweet, precious moments are flying by, yet we as humans are either consumed in the past or greedily expecting the future. We are only given this moment, and we must seize the day while it is still here... we are never guaranteed another day on this earth. Live your life the way you desire without holding back.

3. "Life appears to me too short to be spent nursing animosity or registering wrongs." -- Charlotte Bronte

It is true. Life is entirely too short. Negative thoughts and energy is taxing to the soul. With every fleeting moment we must choose to see the joy. If you have been wronged, forgive and forget. Remembering only harbors ill thoughts that take up negative space. If you are the one who as wronged, apologize. If your apology is not accepted, you did your best, and it is essential to forgive yourself with time. Life is entirely too short, and we can never choose when our own journey has come to a cease. It is important to make peace with others and peace with yourself.

4. "Life always bursts the boundaries of formulas. Defeat may prove to have been the only path to resurrection, despite its ugliness. I take it for granted that to create a tree I condemn a seed to rot. If the first act of resistance comes too late it is doomed to defeat. But it is, nevertheless, the awakening of resistance. Life may grow from it as from a seed." -- Antoine De Saint-Exupery

You must fail in life. Your failure will be ugly. But, your path to resurrection will be the most beautiful blossom. Sometimes the greatest things in life will only come from a complete change that throws you to rock bottom. Be open to defeat, be open to change, and be open to the growth. All of these things are necessary in life. You will never experience true success without first experiencing failure.

5. "It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much and what is done in love is well done." -- Vincent Van Gogh

Love has a different meaning for every individual. For me personally, love is finding an infinite, deep joy in someone or something. I try to carry out everything in my life with love and find love in the simplest of moments. If you try to live with a positive, optimistic, open-minded soul that allows it self to find happiness in even the little things, the world will appear so vast and bright. Execute everything you do with love, spread love and joy on a daily basis, and let your heart flourish.