I was recently inspired by a YouTube video made by a creator named Dottie James. The video was entitled Ten Quotes To Live By and she listed some quotes that stuck with her and had relevance. I really liked this idea and so in the spirit of that, I would also like to share a few quotes that I feel are worth knowing and explain why I personally enjoy them.

1. "You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm." - Unknown

I have a tendency to be willing to bend over backward for people even though I might hurt myself in the process. It's important to remember you do not have to destroy yourself to make others happy, no matter how much you love them. If people need something from you that will compromise who you are as a person it is perfectly okay to say no. For some of us, it feels counter-intuitive, but you are allowed to put your well being first sometimes. Keeping up with what you need is not being selfish.

2. "Let all that you do be done in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

This verse means a lot to me and regardless of religious affiliations, I think it is a really beautiful way to guide your actions. The world can be such a hateful and angry place and understandably so there are so many terrible things to be upset about but I still try and come from a place of compassion in all things. Spreading love, as cheesy as it sounds, is exactly what we all need to be focusing on. Finding a common sense of compassion will not only make the world a better place but make you a happier human because you will start to see everything from a place of light when before everything seemed dark.

3. "Don't say maybe if you want to say no." - Unknown

This might seem like common sense, but it is easier said than done. When I read this quote and actually started being aware of how often I would give half answers and maybe's just to appease others shocked me. I am learning that I am the type of girl that needs alone time and nights in but I have also realized I have a hard time explaining this to people and I often feel like I need excuses. Saying no when you want to say no is strangely empowering and will help you to feel more in control. On the flip side, say yes to things that you want to say yes to even if you are afraid. Say no to saying maybe!

4. "Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul." - Luther Burbank

I love this quote because it reminds me of my independence and my capability to make myself happy. You can be joyful all on your own. That is a beautiful thing to keep close to your heart at all times.

5. "You are a divine being. You matter, you count. You come from realms of unimaginable power and light and you will return to those realms." - Terence McKenna

This is a beautiful quote that needs no explanation.

6. "She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something." - Rainbow Rowell

This quote is my laptop screensaver. As a person who is constantly anxious and hyper self-aware, it helps me to remind myself that the most important thing is not perfection at all times. It is far more important to touch people in a way that makes them feel something. It also helps to get out of your head and think about how you make others feel. I obsess over my own flaws less in some weird way when I am thinking about my impact on others. It also helps to foster compassion and empathy for others which is always a positive exercise.

Words can mean so many different things to different people and can have such a large impact on the way a person thinks. I think it is really beautiful to share quotes that are important to you and I really enjoyed sharing six that mean something to me.