In this crazy whirlwind we call life, sometimes we get lost. Maybe we stray off our path. Maybe we are at a crossroads and don't know which way to turn. It wasn't until college when I found myself completely afraid of what move I was going to make next, because these are the decisions that will affect the rest of your life. I used to think scrolling through inspirational quotes was a waste of time, but I've become more open to them. Here are some that I think stood out to me.

1. "Stop letting people who do so little for you control your mind and emotions."

Ever have an ex that sends the "I miss you" texts, but every time you plan to hang out the plans fall through? Or the friend that cancels on you last moment or ignores your texts? We've all been there. Maybe we've even been that ex or that friend, too. Don't let someone like this run your life. You're not running theirs! Why should you have to suffer and wait around the phone all day when they are out having a good time. Friendships and relationships are both two-way streets. Don't let the people who barely care about you consume your whole life. Easier said than done, but once you achieve this, you will be so much happier.

2. "You only live once."

I know the Drake song might not be applying it in the way I am, but when I am at a crossroads between two decisions, "YOLO" always comes to mind (as long as it's not an extremely important decision). Hear me out: you only can eat ice cream and get away with it when you're young. You only have so many opportunities to road trip across the country with your friends. You wanna ask your crush out? YOLO. You wanna go skydiving? YOLO!

3. "Two rules to live by: have a strong moral compass and good intentions."

This summer, talking about life and college and futures and aspirations, my cousin told me that these are her two rules to live by. She went on to explain that having a strong moral compass means knowing which direction to turn and having faith that it will guide you in the right direction, and that having good intentions means to always come from a good place in your heart in everything you do. Embodying these qualities yourself and seeking them in the people you surround yourself with will guide you to a happy life.

4. "Follow your heart, not your fears."

My wise mother told me this just within the past couple weeks when I was hit with some major life choices. It's easy to let your fears control you. But accepting them is the first step to controlling them. Instead, listen to your heart and run toward your passions instead of running away from your fears.

5. "One door is closing because another is opening."

I am a firm believer in the fact that if something ends, another beautiful thing is about to begin. Say you didn't get the position you were running for in a club, or your relationship with your long-term boyfriend came to an end. Those doors closed because something great is about to come along. Keep this in the back of your mind when you are holding onto the closed doors, wishing they would open. Look around, something great could be right in front of you.

6. "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take."

I can say I have a handful of things I already regret, and I'm only 19. Minimize those regrets. Take chances. You have the slightest bit of interest in joining a club? Join it. The worst that can happen is you find out that you hate it. Want to ask that cute girl out on a date? Do it. Who cares if she says no? She's probably flattered someone thinks she's special enough to want to ask her on a date. Don't let yourself regret something that was within reach.

7. "Sometimes you're on top of the world, stay humble. Sometimes you've hit a low, stay hopeful."

Yes, this is the Lokai bracelet quote. My boyfriend got me this bracelet for my birthday, and I wear it every day as a reminder that for every low there is a high as well. The time in between the highs and lows might go quickly; it might not. But just like some of the quotes above say, something good will come after you hit rock bottom. It's easy to get discouraged when things keep knocking you down and you feel like you're drowning while everyone else is swimming just fine. Hold onto the fact that something good will come your way. And when it does, don't be afraid of the lows that lay ahead. The Lokai bracelet reflects an emotional circle of life. I'm happy to have it as a reminder on my wrist.