Here we are, back at square one. Whether we're too sleep deprived to function, swamped with seemingly ridiculous schoolwork, broken-hearted and empty, or absolutely over everyone and everything, we literally just can't even. Sometimes we feel a combination of all of these things, leading us to the brink of dropping out of school and moving to an obscure island with no WiFi. I promise you, we've all been there, and at times, it's hard to find that light at the end of the tunnel. While, at times, it feels impossible to find sparkle hidden under all of that rust, I swear, it's there. We just have to dig a little deeper to find it. When you feel hopeless and lost, take a deep breath and read the following quotes that have kept me (somewhat) sane throughout my hardships. Sometimes, you just need to know that everything is going to be okay.
1.
There goes Dumbledore again, coming in clutch. In our darkest moments, we often feel like we're drowning. Waves of despair are holding us down, leaving little room for us to come up for air and to realize that our struggle can be overcome. If we can learn to control our bad thoughts and put them in a place in which we can allow goodness back into our minds, we will be able to breathe again. Even if we can't see it, there is good that can come out of ANY hardship. You can do this.
2.
Picture yourself 20 years from now, looking back on your high school and college years. You're going over the time you spent in the classroom, out socially, and your first years as an independent individual. Do you want to remember yourself as the person who was dramatic, catty, and a gossip? The one who made others feel uncomfortable and subjected herself to unhealthy relationships? Personally, I want to remember myself and to be remembered as the woman who was kind, helpful, and a ray of sunshine on the darkest of days. Always act kinder than you feel, and you'll leave a beautiful legacy for yourself.
3.
Alright, here comes honesty hour. I have spent the majority of my adolescence working tirelessly to impress others and to prove my worth to my peers. I still do sometimes, too. I did what it took to fit in with my peers, both positively and negatively. In addition, I felt that in order to gain attention from the opposite sex, I had to act in a way that gave them complete control and power over my actions.
Here's the thing—that's all so screwed up. We are each born as unique, beautiful, and magnificent individuals that can offer something special to this world, and we are blessed. The girl with 5,000 followers on Instagram appears to have a better life than you, but you have just as much to offer. You are perfect the way you are, and should never compromise yourself to impress or please anyone else. The world is your canvas, so try and make something beautiful that's yours.
4.
Everywhere you look, you can find negativity. Whether you're watching the news, speaking with your peers, or listening to a song, you can always find someone that's complaining. It's okay to feel anger, pain, and sadness sometimes, and those feelings are valid. At times, those feelings are so overwhelming that we feel the need to shut off our emotions and to become apathetic. That might be the easiest way to avoid pain, but I beg you to try again.
Open your heart to finding love, regaining faith, and allowing all of the wonderful things this world has to offer into your grasp. We can spend our time wishing that life was better, or we can make it better by believing that it can be. The happiest people create happiness for themselves, even in the pit of their misery. If you have a sweet soul, cherish it. You're a diamond, baby!
5.
I think it's safe to say that many of you reading this right now can categorize yourselves as over thinkers. No matter what situation we get ourselves into, we cannot help but to analyze the crap out of every word said, every action made, and every aspect of the experience. Most of the time, we end up creating circumstances in our heads that are so far-fetched that we end up believing them, which can be problematic.
Next time you find yourself over thinking, try to stop yourself and start over. There is no evidence from the scenario that what you're devising in your brain is legitimate, so let go and let things fall into place as they may. You'd be surprised at how much of a burden you've lifted off of your conscience, and can learn to simply "go with the flow."
6.
As if Glinda the Good Witch wasn't already amazing enough, she reached a new level of perfection with this quote. She's right, we are so much stronger than we know. Oftentimes, I hear my peers doubting themselves and putting themselves down because they do not believe that they're worthy of greatness.
The truth is, in the midst of the harshest winters, we have an invincible summer that lives within every single one of us. If we believe in our own potential, we can do absolutely anything we set out to. Others may see that within you, but it only helps if you can believe it yourself. You may look in the mirror and see imperfection, but I see a flower itching to blossom.
7.
How many friends have you had that come to you about a miserable friendship or relationship? They're clearly being treated poorly, yet they're too scared to let go of what they have allowed themselves to become accustomed to. You can see that these relationships are toxic, but the person attached cannot seem to find the strength to let go. Leaving the boy that won't acknowledge your existence or that puts you on the back burner might be one of the hardest things you have to do, but will also be one of the best.
There is NO reason why you should be with someone or have a friend that does not feel incredibly blessed to be with you, no matter what. No amount of poor treatment is worth keeping someone around, no matter how many good times you've had or how long they've been in your life. If they aren't you bringing positivity, love, and support, get them the heck out! You can and WILL do better, just give it time.
8.
Regretting wasting your time on the guy who didn't give a damn about you? Wishing you didn't help out those girls who ended up screwing you over? Have no fear, you're not alone. Our 20s are the perfect times to get our mistakes out of the way, so that we can learn from them and use that knowledge to improve our future ways.
If someone or something turns out to be different than you expected, don't beat yourself up about it. Love yourself for having the courage to try out a new relationship or friendship, and accept the fact that things did not turn out as planned. For every bad door that closes, two good ones will open for you someday. Karma will bring you what you put out there, trust me.
9.
Though we often feel like we're sinking, we're usually doing a lot better than we think. Here's a little lesson for you: Life is a roller coaster. There will definitely be ups and downs, and most of the time, we won't be expecting the twists and turns that life brings us. While we wish we had all of the answers, we don't, and that's what growing up is all about!
You don't need to know how to handle every obstacle that comes your way, you just need to believe that you can handle them. We cannot expect ourselves to have our crap together all of the time, so it's okay to fail. Pick yourself back up again and conquer your demons; you have every capability within yourself to do so. Just believe it.
You, my friend, are a super star. The only thing holding you back is yourself. It's time to become your own hero and show yourself and the world what you're made of!
