These are the words I try to live by. My motto — my mantra. For those who may not know, a mantra is “a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone’s basic beliefs." (Thanks, Merriam-Webster.) Or, in buddhism or hinduism, a word or phrase that represents a belief of the religion. They are often believed to have psychological and/or spiritual healing powers. Some examples are "Live, laugh, love" or, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
An old friend of mine recently brought this to my attention. He sent me in a text, “I find life is better when you have something to stand for. I'm all about love and forgiveness for all people. Peace, love, positivity—that can be what you stand for.” I really enjoy this viewpoint. Personally, I try to live my days standing for exactly that. Peace, love, and positivity. I feel that if my life has a well-balanced amount of each, I will be content. Ever since I started to live by those words and repeat them often, I have felt more self-confident. I know that no matter what happens throughout my everyday life, I am still living by my mantra — and that is enough.
Peace
We need more of it in this world, especially with the recent events that have been occurring. I have witnessed too much hostility towards others, both through social media and in person. Try to have some understanding. Even if you think you know that you are right, challenge yourself to see things through someone else's eyes. I promise that life will be much more enjoyable if you pick your battles wisely. If you take some time to consider all the recent times you've lashed out on someone, gotten annoyed, or even just raised your voice, you may be surprised. There are so many times we let ourselves get worked up over little things that, in reality, don't actually matter all that much. Relax, breathe.
Love
You can never have 'too much'. Spread the love, always and forever. (Cliché, I know. Hear me out.) You never know when someone may need to hear that they're appreciated or admired (and anyway, it never hurts to give random reminders). I cannot believe that so many people live their lives believing that love is a myth. Love may hurt you, however, you need the bad to have the good. This is how life works. You need the storm to have the rainbow. No matter your experience with love, you must keep believing. Every single person we meet is different in their own unique way, and I wish I could learn about each and every one of them. I want to know what they think about and what their passions are. We must love one another, because we all have our own hardships and demons we fight against. Everyone deserves love in their life.
Positivity
I can't stress this one enough. It is so important that we look at the glass half-full, rather than half-empty. Every day, we wake up and make the choice of whether it will be a good day or a bad day. We decide to accept the obstacles that stand in our way, and deal with them accordingly. No matter your family/life situation, you have a choice. You have power, and you have control over your own life. If you've been through a rough time, you can take that life lesson and use it to improve your life and/or the lives of others. Perspective is everything. Use your experiences, knowledge, and hardships for the better. Which path will you choose: strength, love, and positivity, or regret, apathy, and negativity? Make the right choice.
Every so often, question your life view. Are you living the way you really want to? Have you been fair to yourself and others? Take some time; there is always time to think. It is never too late to alter the lenses through which you see the world. What is your mantra?
