1. "I am not going to sit on my ass as the events that affect me unfold to determine my life." -- "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
Preach, Cameron. If you want something, go get it. No one is going to hold your hand, so you have to be prepared to work for it. The most important thing you can discover about yourself is that you have all the power -- you control what does or does not happen to you. As Ferris himself said, "Life moves pretty fast." You have ample opportunity to make a difference and choose how you want your life to pan out. So take it!
2. "We should concern ourselves not with the pursuit of happiness, but with the happiness of pursuit." -- "Hector and the Search for Happiness"
As someone who does not have it all figured out, I appreciate the undemanding nature of this quote. Leading a life of "getting there is half the fun" allows for exploration and adventure. Sure, not every decision will bring you joy and happiness, but figuring out what works and what doesn't is the best way to experience all life has to offer. Sometimes we need to step back and appreciate what we have right now, rather than wish for something better. Even Hector is still figuring it out.
3. "You do what you love and f*** the rest." -- "Little Miss Sunshine"
One of my all time favorite quotes, I think this line is powerful because it is so unapologetic. You should not let other people's opinions affect you, and you should stop at nothing to achieve your goals. Be strong and confident in what you want and think, and people will respect you.
4. "I'm not prude. I'm just highly selective." -- "Clueless"
You do you, Cher. Don't let anyone influence who you are or what you do. Your choices affect who you will be, so never settle for less than what you deserve.
5. "Just take wild shots! Hell, it's something just to hear the gun go off!" -- "Take Me Home Tonight""
Ask that guy to dance, apply for the job, and sign up for a weird pole dancing class! Sometimes, just gathering the courage to do something outside of your comfort zone is more important than actually succeeding.
6. "Calling somebody else fat won't make you skinnier. Calling someone stupid doesn't make you any smarter." - "Mean Girls"
Arguably one of the most quotable movies out there, "Mean Girls" delivers some classic teenage lines. And hidden among them is this gem. You don't receive immunity in life just because someone else is worse off. What other people choose to do with their life is their business, and getting involved without their permission is just an excuse for you not to address your own issues. Actively choose to work on your own flaws, because you're the only one who can.
7. "Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?" -- "What a Girl Wants"
Get over the fact that this is ridiculously cliché and delivered by a cute English boy, because it's actually an inspiring line. Why do we waste so much of our time trying to achieve what society deems "acceptable?" Trying to fit into social boxes squashes creativity, and creates a self-conscious and insecure way of thinking. We need to be proud of our differences and should appreciate one another's originality, rather than judge each other for being different.
8. "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it." -- "The Lion King"
Disney is the king of randomly beautiful quotes. This particular line, delivered by Rafiki himself, is a reminder that most of us need. We can't change what has happened to us -- whether it be life-altering or just a small regret. But what we can do is control the way we react and move forward. Enough of this 'it is what it is.' No. It is what you make of it.
