In light of recent events, because I need it and I'm sure plenty of others do too, I have decided to spread a little bit of positivity. Therefore, I present a list of hidden motivation or inspiration from a variety of places that will hopefully bring a little bit of light into these days. Words are powerful - I intend to use them to uplift.

1. "You are not made of metaphors." -Sarah Kay

Sarah Kay is a spoken word poet who attempts to spread ideas and a message through her art. This particular quote comes from a poem called The Type, an empowering poem about being heartbroken and coming forward from it. Though it is about romance, this particular quote encourages me in times when I feel less than okay, because I find it to be true. I am not made of metaphors, and nor are the people that surround me.

2. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss

Nothing quite like a children's book to raise you up. I'm sure everybody has heard this quote at one point, and if you haven't, welcome to the Dr. Seuss train, it's pretty bright here. I like to think of this quote, because it makes me imagine what direction I want, whether it's personal ambition or what kind of environment and people I involve myself with. For example, today, my direction is simple - I would like to bring more laughter into my day. Whether that's by watching an excess of cat videos or by having lunch with someone I haven't spoken to in a while, that is my intention and I intend it to be fulfilled. Here is one such funny video if you would like to join me!

3. "Living in the Moment" - Jason Mraz

If you want the path to my heart in particular, you'll just send me a Jason Mraz song. Especially this one. Living in the Moment is an expressive and upbeat melody that essentially talks about how one can let go, love oneself, and live freely.

In times of distress, I find music especially calms me down. While my playlist usually has this song and others that are similar, yours may include songs that are of a different genre. Try making a playlist that you know will uplift you, or keep a list of songs that you can relate to.

4. "Darn Tough" - Darn Tough Vermont

Very few things make me feel better than warmth. This inspiration actually comes from my favorite pair of socks. When I'm cold, or sad, I wear them (I swear this isn't a sponsorship, I actually just really love these socks). This means that whenever I look down I'll see the words "Darn Tough" and I'm reminded that I, like my socks, am darn tough.

5. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing's going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss

Though Dr. Seuss wrote for children, his words resound for adults. This particular quote is from The Lorax, which discussed deforestation and how it is an immediate problem. Even though the book was written in 1971, this quote is relatively universal for all things that are worth fighting for. When you start actively caring, you will make a difference.

6. "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful and rare of all." - Mulan

Though there are many different opinions surrounding Disney, I personally feel like I cannot write an inspirational article without a little bit of it in there. This quote in particular rings true. Though it is a children's movie, I feel that many children's movies end up encompassing universal things. That is, in this case, life is hard. But the manner in which you handle it will determine who you are.

7. "What if I told you, you could change the world with just one thought?" - Big Fish

Another place I often find inspiration (as a low-key theater dork) is from my favorite musicals. My personal favorite, Big Fish, was unfortunately taken off of Broadway, but the message and what it means to me remain.

Edward Bloom, the main character in the musical, created his own world through the stories he told, and became a lover, a father, and a legend. He created his own story, and through this musical, encourages us to create our own.

8. "Don't depend on other people to put paper next to pen." - Big Fish

I just love this musical so much, I had to put a second quote from it in there!

9. "There are two ways of spreading the light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton was pretty darn cool. In short, she was a writer during WWI, and if you would like more information, here is a short biography from the National Portrait Gallery website.

This quote I keep in the memo section of my phone. On a good day, it tells me that I can be the light. On a bad day, it reminds me that even if I can't light a candle myself, maybe I can be strong enough to reflect someone else.

10. "Eat. You'll feel better." - J.K. Rowling

In the wise words of Remus Lupin promptly after Harry Potter faced one of the most horrifying magical creatures, sometimes you just need to eat to feel better. Though Lupin suggested chocolate, personally, I go for ice cream. Ice cream and a movie. Nothing better when you're down.

Hopefully this collection did what it set out to do, even if only just a little bit. :)