This past August I spent hours in the hot summer sun inspecting all the “420” quotes and phallic graffiti that was scribbled all over a bannister at our local park. Graffiti is expected there. It’s almost like art. Except some of it is kind of vulgar. Some people write their initials in a heart and other people write anything and everything that refers to penises and pot. In the midst of all that, I found this little quote:

“A Clean Conscience Is A Good Pillow”

I took a quick picture and moved on. But as soon as I got back to my dorm room that’s crowded with too many people and too many clothes, I looked at that picture and found clarity in it.

All too often we hold grudges. We keep secrets from people, not for people. We hold on to bitterness. We feel guilty. And although this is human nature, we need to try to stop.

It sounds silly to say that one little quote made start to become a better person. But it did. That night I began to give up my grudges and liberate my guilt. The next day I made a conscious effort to stop blaming others and to stop blaming myself for other people’s actions. I am trying to see things from different perspectives. I tried to stop letting people take advantage of me, but I left my heart open. I felt free from the burdens of bitterness. I really tried to achieve this clean conscience and become the best version of myself.

My father’s friend always falls asleep very easily. Whenever I ask him how he does it he smirks and says “ya gotta have a clean conscience”. Be kinder. Be happier. Be healthier. Right your wrongs. None of us will ever be perfect. But consider this quote. A clean conscious really does make all the difference.