Sometimes, life gets busy and you feel like everything and anything that can pile up and create baggage becomes a mountain of weight on top of your shoulders. The days can drag on, and you may feel like there is nothing that you can do to ease the burden. Certain people can be difficult to deal with. Bad things occur in our lives at unexpected times. People we love leave us. BUT, we can choose how to react and recover from these occurrences.

These quotes are a few of the ones that have gotten me through some of the most challenging times. When it seems like life is too much to endure, I turn to these (and many others over the years) to bring me back and remind me why I am strong despite my faults and my weaknesses.

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss

I really do believe in smiling about the things that have happened that weren't the best outcomes at the time, but now I know that God meant for them to happen so it is easier for me to accept them. Friendships end, high school ends, college ends, and nothing stays the same forever. People and their lives are ever-changing, and always evolving. This is good for us, even if we don't like change.

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
― Marilyn Monroe

This is true. Take me as I am, and make the best of the worst. I'm not perfect, so I won't expect you to be- but don't freak out when I'm not. This means that we should also learn to accept others the way that they are, with all of their flaws, and without judgement.

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”
― Robert Frost

Bad things happen. People make mistakes. Forgiveness doesn't mean you will trust them again, nor does it mean what they did is forgotten. You don't have to let them back into your life. But the reality is- no one is perfect. So, you have to decide if the mistakes they make are worth dealing with. If not, let go of the people bringing you down and are hurting your happiness.

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

Take risks. Believe in yourself. Know that life won't always go your way. Life is a journey, and you should have fun along the way. Do what makes you happy. Love without limits. If you love them, tell them. They won't wait forever.