Michael Jackson is my favorite person...ever. I grew up on his music, I know all of his songs, read all of his books, and have just about every single one of his songs on my playlist. He has been my inspiration throughout my life, got me through some of my darkest times, and makes me want to be a better person every day.

After spending pretty much my whole life listening to all of his music and just about everything else he has out there, there are quite a few quotes from his songs and otherwise that get me through even the worst days. These are just a few that anyone can relate to, learn from, and just use them to put a smile on your face.

1. “Life is still worthwhile if you just Smile”

This is probably one of the sweetest songs ever made. If you’re having a bad day, do yourself a favor and listen to this song. I dare you to not smile after hearing it. And it’s true. If you learn how to smile through the bad days, it becomes a little bit more bearable.

2. “Thinking is the biggest mistake an artist can make.”

Michael said this during an interview where he was demonstrating how to do the moonwalk. He was asked, “What’s your secret?” He responded with “Not thinking, thinking is the biggest mistake a dancer can make.” As a creative person, this speaks to me on many levels. I also think it applies to many other aspects of life. Whatever it is you need to do that’s intimidating, don’t think so hard. Just feel it and it will all fall into place.

3. “I’m Bad”

I mean honestly, this song is just a massive confidence boost. Every time I hear this (and, of course, sing and dance to it), I feel awesome, sexy, and powerful. Feeling down and self-conscious? Just ask yourself...who’s Bad?

4. “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and leave it believing the same, then everything else in between can be dealt with.”

You are loved. Someone cares, even if they don’t say it. If no one else tells you that they care, I care. Knowing this, no matter how hard it all gets, you can get through it.

5. “A star can never die, it just turns into a smile and melts back into the cosmic music, the dance of life.”

No matter what happens, no matter how good or bad things turn out, remember that life goes on. Just fall back into that “dance of life” and go with the flow.

6. “Learn from the greats and become greater.”

Whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish, more than likely there was someone who did it before you. Learn from it. Study it. Use it to perfect your craft. You now have a standard to reach. Take it as an opportunity to be the very best you can...and if you need to pick someone, just go with Michael, he was the greatest there is.

7. “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change.”

This might be the obvious one but it’s true! Whether it applies to yourself or the world around you, change starts with YOU. If you want something to happen in your life, no one else is going to do it for you. Life just doesn’t happen to you, you make it happen.