Throughout my life, my mom always implemented little sayings in my mind that I never really paid much attention to. I rolled my eyes as my friends would fill their Pinterest boards with inspiration quotes. I have been surrounded by words of wisdom that I never found applicable to my life. It was not until I had real experiences and entered college that I came to realize how true these cheesy phrases are.
1. "Everything happens for a reason."
This particular saying has always stuck with me. There is light to nearly any dark situation. Say you did not get the job you wanted, there could be an even better opportunity just waiting for you. The world works in mysterious ways. There is no point in being negative if there is nothing you can do to change certain things. Even though we cannot see it at the time, it will all be alright. If it is not meant to be, then, as the Beatles said, "let it be."
2. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Kelly Clarkson loved this cliché so much, she made it into a song.
3. "Better safe than sorry."
This is what you whisper to yourself while saving your Word Document due to the last time your computer crashed.
4. "Kill them with kindness."
I guess singers are big on clichés because Selena Gomez used this one as well. I would say this one is pretty self-explanatory but one of the hardest to execute. It is human nature to retaliate when we feel attacked. Here is a bonus cliché: it is better to take the high road. We gain nothing by fighting fire with fire (that one was unintentional, I promise). You show them the errors of their thinking and actions by being the better person. You avoid that feeling of frustration and instead embrace the good that comes with being the bigger person.
5. "Treat others how you wish to be treated."
The one characteristic I strive for in myself and admire in other people is mindfulness. This quote emphasizes that idea. Speak with respect. Act with kindness.
6. "Actions speak louder than words."
Words are powerful. However, actions enact words. I remember this often when I determine whether or not I should keep someone in my life. If someone promises that they are there for you but only talk to you when it is convenient, you see that they did not put their words into action. It makes it difficult to place trust in that individual if their actions prove otherwise.
7. "Don't judge a book by its cover."
This one is applicable to various aspects of life. Of course, one should not judge people based off of appearances. In college, this is especially clear. It is important to give everyone a chance. That girl who parties four out of seven nights of the week could be one of the smartest and thoughtful people you ever meet. Give everyone a chance. This is true for academics as well. When we begin classes for each semester, syllabuses can be suffocating. However, I know that once I wait for things to settle, it will not be so overwhelming.
8. "Just be yourself."
It is crucial to be ourself in every situation. Whether it be in normal conversation with friends or an interview with a potential employer, I find that honesty and staying true to my character ensures that I have no regrets. If things do not work out, I persist knowing that I did everything in my power to be successful. If I were to act like someone else in order to impress someone and fail, then I failed as someone else when I could have succeeded by simply being me. If people do not accept that, then we refer back to our first saying, "everything happens for a reason."
