"Hakuna Matata."
"Yolo."
"There is no try! Do- or do not."
Mottos are constantly being spewed at us twenty-somethings who are trying to be successful in this world. If only we could all accept the fact that sometimes encouragement isn't so cut and dry. Here is a list of honest and realistic mottos that we all should consider living by...
1. Be a decent human being.
When did it become so unnatural to be kind? Why can't we all get along? Let's just pretend that the crappy things others do aren't that big of a deal. Be the bigger person. We all make mistakes so stop judging people so hard for theirs.
2. Don't suck as much as the person before you.
My dad once told me that "If you do a little better than the person before you, then you have already made an improvement". Don't strive to move mountains, just be an upgrade.
3. Be somebody.
My dad also always tells me to "be somebody". It doesn't matter who you choose to be but you have to be someone. Good, bad, ugly. Make the decision and be that. Wanna change who you are? Great! Do so. But whatever you decide to be, do it well.
4. Don't let the bastards grind you down.
This may be a common one to some and some might recognize it as a song by The Toasters (if you don't know the song...look it up. #worthit). However, i have never found a more honest way of saying how I feel. Don't let the negative people kill your vibe. Own your attitude and don't let others ruin or dictate it.
5. Being weird isn't weird; it's human.
People today have this obsession with wanting to be "weird". Newsflash: you're not. Every single human is different. We all have flaws and imperfections that are part of our own personal mapping. Enjoy our differences and stop trying to point out why you are so much more unique than everyone else.
6. Sometimes falling means laying down for a bit.
Even the best fall down sometimes...and the best sometimes need to stay on the ground for a little while. There is nothing wrong with taking your time to get back on your feet. The time needed to heal or mend a stumble is dependent on the person. Stop letting everyone rush you into being ok. Be ok when you are ready. All that matters is that you get back up eventually.
7. Dreaming big doesn't have to mean unrealistic.
We all are told to have these huge dreams from the time we are small. Who said it is a bad thing to want to be a secretary or a diner waitress or a coal miner? Sometimes our passions are simple. When did things like teaching become mundane and undesirable careers? Have big dreams about your future but don't worry if they are entirely attainable...they are still valid. Glitz and glamour does not define the worth of your ambitions.
8. Don't have a back up plan.
When we're done being told to dream big, many times we're told to always have something to fall back on. If you have a Plan B...do it. The only way you will undoubtably reach your goal of Plan A is to not have any other options. The option to fail is what will kill you in the end. Push for what you want. Do not quit because it's hard. If that sounds hard?...do your back up plan.
9. It's ok to occasionally hate your passion
We don't have to love our passion every moment of every day. Yes, it should be something that makes you immensely happy. However, sometimes those things are frustrating and unsettling. Stepping away from the thing you love will give you a new perspective and revive your enthusiasm. Never give up on the thing that makes you the happiest but you can briefly hate it.
10. Napping isn't lazy.
I might be able to sleep when I am dead but I'm still gonna nap. College is hard. Life is hard. Sometimes taking a nap is the only solution. Rest your body and your mind. It will only benefit you in the end. Quit glorifying "busy".
11. Yesterday is history but I am going to dwell on it for 24 hrs.
Giving yourself time to dwell on the past is fine. You don't have to get over things right away. Set a time limit and sulk. After 24 hour of pure and undisturbed moping around, dust yourself off and move on. You can take as long as you need but don't over stay your welcome to "Woe is Me -Land".
12. You can't hug every cat.
My dear friend Autumn once told me this phrase and it rings true to the heart. Some of you have seen the "I can't hug every cat" youtube meltdown I'm sure. This phrase is such an accurate description of life. You can't win them all. You can't always be the best. You can't be the star of every story.
Next time you are feeling like you need some inspiration...consider these and remember that sugar coating isn't always the best medicine.
