My mom told me a story she had read about dandelions. It was not about gardening or yard upkeep. It was how to live your life like a dandelion.

The story she told me was that some people don't like dandelions. Technically, they are a weed and can overtake a yard with very little effort. Some see them as messy and not very attractive.

Other people see them as a sign of spring, a time of renewal. Others see them as a sign of perseverance. Some see them as beautiful.

Dandelions are perseverant. They can get mowed down. They come back. They get sprayed by poisons to get rid of them. They come back. They grow in the strangest of places (cracks in concrete, gutters, etc.). They can often be found in groups or by themselves.

I kind of think of myself as a dandelion. I have been knocked down by people's words and have been treated badly. But, I came back. I have been sprayed by people's poisons (harsh words). I came back. Some people may find me beautiful while others might not. I can be messy. I keep making comeback after comeback.

The dandelion has become my symbol. I keep going even when things are against me. I try to shine brightly when the sun is shining down on me. When things are done to me, I keep going and just keep moving.

My mom would always say "I'm just dandy!" when referring to this story. When she was having a day, she would say this. She was just "dandy" and tried to be positive in a world that often doesn't want positivity.

If you are ever down or feel like the world is against you, just think of the dandelion: no one can stop you from being you.