Lately, I can't get the story of Les Miserables out of my head. I don't know why, but I have found myself thinking of this story more often than not the last couple of days. Who just finds themselves thinking of a book repeatedly? (Maybe if you're a book lover like me, this is something you can relate to.)

Maybe it is because the Christmas season is coming up, and that is why I am thinking of this story (it is a great Christmas movie, might I add). But most importantly, I can't help but think maybe it is because I find something so valuable in it that I can't get my mind off of it.

I find myself thinking of good ole' Jean Valjean.

If you don't know this story, I feel bad for you. I have pity for your heart, because your heart is missing out on some serious feels. Jean Valjean is a character in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, and he is imprisoned for 19 years of his life for stealing a loaf of bread. He stole this loaf to feed his starving family, but then was punished for it. He grew cold during this time, but that is not the only part of the story. He got through this suffering, he conquered the bitterness, and the only way this happened is because he let his heart be controlled by the most wonderful thing us humans are offered in this life: love.

How brilliant is Victor Hugo for coming up with a character so gracious, so kind, and so inspiring to anyone enduring struggle? Even though he faced a terrible childhood and a hard 19 years of his life for a selfless act, he was still willing to serve others after that. Even though his heart was hardened for awhile, he never let it stop him from potentially loving people in his life. Jean Valjean is a loving man, and yes, even though he is a man, I aspire to be just like him.

I think what I learn from him (and what I learn from this incredible tale) is that we can not forget to love people in the midst of our suffering. Love brings joy to our hearts and our minds! We can not just ignore that.

When life is not turning out how you've planned, it is easy to become selfish. It is easy to think "woe is me". But please, stop that. Stop that right now. Don't you feel cold? Do you want that for yourself? Have you ever felt good after being selfish? There's a reason for that feeling. We weren't made to be self-centered.

Do not let this hard time in your life right now ruin you. Whether it is Jean Valjean's case of being imprisoned for doing a good deed, or it's because your boyfriend dumped you, or you are grieving an unexpected death, or you feel alone... please, remind yourself you are loved. Remind yourself that even though you are struggling, you can't ignore love. Love bears all things.

Think to yourself: Are you loving people? Are you going out of your way to show others love?

Most of you will probably answer, No, Ashley, my life is really hard. You don't get it or understand.

Sister, I feel it. I totally get that right now might be hard or your life has been tough for awhile. But I am going to be your friend in reminding you that you will get absolutely no joy from wallowing in pity. Yes, it is good to grieve. It is not good to keep our emotions bottled up, and it is good to feel emotion. But to wallow in it? To stay in it? No one deserves to live like that.

In the midst of this struggle, don't forget about love.

Chances are, many other people in your life are going through struggle too. If they are loving you through this time, accept that love. But most importantly, make sure to love them too.

What will soften your heart right now, no matter what you're going through, is love. Jean Valjean never let his struggle stop him from following this and as a result, finding peace and joy.

So love people today. It is that simple.