For Christmas, my mom bought me a photo frame. In the photo frame, in metallic gold lettering, read "She needed a hero, so that's what she became." For me, quotes hit you the most when I don't expect to need them. I certainly didn't know I needed this sort of encouragement. As I go into one of my final semesters of undergrad, this quote definitely seemed to hit me harder than any old quote she'd send me.

It sent me a reminder that I don't need saving since I can be my own savior. I can always work out situations and I don't need anyone else to do it for me. I don't need to sit and wait for a hero when down below, I'm also a hero. Of course, people help heroes, but it's a reminder to be brave, be strong, and do what needs to be done. I help me to keep moving forward, no matter the cost, and to push through the negative to see that there is better.

I have the black frame hanging above my full-length mirror as a daily reminder that I can be the change when I need it the most. Reminding myself that I am my own hero helps me take control of my life and be at ease with the things I can't change. There's a bigger picture to every situation and I don't have to sit around waiting for something to change when I can make the change myself. Life is too short to be unhappy when you hold all the power you need to be happy. While this is a difficult thing to do, this little reminder gives me the courage to stand for what I believe in and make the most out of every day, even the bad ones.