Maybe you’re stressed about the new president-elect, or about approaching holidays, colder weather, or the nearing end of the semester. Maybe it’s just not a good day for you for another reason. Whatever it is, these are quotes that help me when things just don’t seem to go my way.

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” –Christopher Robin (A.A. Milne- Winnie the Pooh)

It’s an oldie but a goodie, and something to keep in mind when it seems like everything is crashing down around you. You survived everything else before this that you thought was the end of the world, you can survive this too.

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

Don’t forget that, among all the mess, there are still a lot of amazing things in the world. Try to spend a little bit of time each day thinking of the blessings in your life, and you might find that your bleak outlook will brighten.

“The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.” – Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)

In the same vein as the first two, sometimes an attitude readjustment can help you see things a different way and think of new solutions. At the very least, don’t resign yourself to accepting a situation, think of ways around it.

“Get busy living or get busy dying.” – Andy Dufresne (The Shawshank Redemption)

It sounds harsh, but it’s true. You can sit around and accept what’s given to you, or you can do everything in your power to make your life better. The choice is yours.

“Nothing in this world that’s worth having is easy.” – Dr. Bob Kelso (Scrubs)

Sometimes all it takes is a change in attitude, but a lot of the time it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to make something work out. It sucks, but in the end you’ll be a lot happier having worked your ass off and earning something amazing.

“The big moments are gonna come,you can’t help that. It’s what you do afterwards that counts. That’s when you find out who you are.” – Whistler (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Sometimes things happen that you can’t do anything about, but the way you react to what happens is what makes the difference and shows people what kind of a person you are.

“Don’t ever lose your sense of humor Dan. Don’t EVER lose your sense of humor.” – Bernie (About Last Night)

This has been said to me hundreds of times throughout my childhood by my father, and it’s a good mantra to have. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and don’t ever be afraid to laugh, especially at yourself. Laughter is the best medicine, and it can help keep you afloat during tough times.

“No matter how your heart is grieving if you keep on believing the dreams that you wish will come true.” – Cinderella

It takes a lot of hard work and determination, but if you believe in yourself and don’t let your past dictate your future, you can achieve all you set your mind to.