A few years ago for Christmas my beautiful mother gave me a brass cuff bracelet. Etched into the cuff reads a phrase I whisper to myself daily whether I am wearing the bracelet or not:

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

I stumbled upon this powerful phrase while dealing with the deepest depression I've experienced and several years later still helps me with the adversity of life.This phrase comes from the last line of poet William Ernest Henley's most famous work and has been an inspiration to self-mastery for many (Nelson Mandela would recite this to other prisoners while he was incarcerated at Robben Island).

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

The way we manage ourselves greatly impacts those around us, but it impacts our well being even more. Allowing myself to believe in this power I have over myself has made me unbearably in love with my life and my soul.

Uncertainty of the future does not extinguish the light ahead.

A backwards step does not disqualify us from the race.

Pausing to rest does not make us weak.

Confidence does not guarantee security.

True happiness does not dwell in being right, it dwells within.

If you are pleased or disappointed in the presidential election outcome last week please remember that we all have work to do for the future of our country, starting with ourselves.

If you are dealing with depression, anxiety or anything that makes you feel helpless, you aren't alone and you can regain peace.

If the world around you seems to be falling away from you know that your soul is untouchable by the chaos surrounding you.

You are unconquerable despite whatever is happening around you. Find peace in knowing you are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul.