It's Wednesday morning. I am sitting outside enjoying the random 80 degree Missouri heat wave before it turns back to 30 degrees in a week. Working on homework, while the thought of what to write my article about this week keeps coming back into my mind. Surrounded by friends, I ask them for advice and any fun and unique ideas they have, which seems to be a reoccurring theme, lately.
There is no hiding from the fact that I get all my creative ideas when I am influenced by those that mean the most to me...and suddenly it clicks. Why not ask some of my closest friends what quote they cherish the most, what quote guides them down the right path, and ultimately what quote do they want to share with others?
This past week I asked 16 of my closest friends what their favorite quote/Bible verse was and why it means so much to them. Not only was it an excuse to keep in touch with my friends back home, but I learned more about their true values, words they live by and their ideal lifestyles. Each and every single one of them inspires me and I am not quite sure how I could go through life without them and their kind words of encouragement, passion, and endearment. So as we grow old together and head into the last years as teenagers, here's to new adventures, new beginnings, but most importantly, the values and motives that I will look back on for years to come!
1. "Never regret a day in your life: good days bring happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons, and best days give memories." - Emma Ball
This crazy, humorous friend of mine never fails to keep me smiling. Thanks to Emma for showing the truth in enjoying every moment and realizing that not everything is perfect but it could lead to something better in the long run. Here's to more laughs, smiles and endless runs to Grahams for our favorite chocolate fondue!
2. "Say less." - Olivia Childs
Live in the moment. When it comes to a time when you don't know what direction to take or you're looking for an alternative reply other than "yes," spice it up, just say no more and go with it. Olivia truly wouldn't be herself without her infamous catchphrase: say less.
3. "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it." - Madeline Hockey
No matter what you are going through, there will always be a reason it happened to you, along with a reason to get through it and continue to smile. Spending 10 days abroad together and working side by side on our high school's newsmagazine, Madeline's radiance and sense of humor always seem to make my day.
4. "Carpe diem." - Ellie Marsan
Also known as "seize the day." You never know what day could be your last, so soak up every second and make the most of our time. Not to mention, Ellie skydived for the first time last year. Her passion and courage are contagious. Everyone need's an Ellie in their life.
5. "Don't bid the devil good morning till you meet him at the door." - Sierra Varney
Keeping the "live in the moment" theme going, Sierra was influenced by her grandma: never worry or stress about something in the future, until it happens. Sierra's easy going and upbeat personality keeps me going. I always look forward to our weekly Starbucks runs, and I will forever be grateful to have someone who always laughs at my jokes...even when they aren't that funny.
6. "Stay true to yourself." - Katie Biard
Never change for someone and be who you truly are. Simple and sweet. I can't think of anyone else who embodies this more. Katie flipping Biard, you amaze me each and every day. Your kind and inviting soul steers people toward you and you truly leave an impact on each and everyone you meet.
7. "For what it's worth, it's never too late, or in my case too early, to be. There's no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you can make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you've never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you're not, I hope you have the courage to start over again." - Amanda Wachter
Going by what Scott Fitzgerald says, life is full of mistakes and missteps, but it is also full of fresh starts and new beginnings. Amanda acts as a constant reminder to live and don't just let life happen. Life is short, and you only get to do it once, but once you learn what is important to you, having one life is more than enough. So happy Mizzou and magazine club brought us together and I can't wait to make more memories in the next couple years as tigers.
8. "Do what makes you happy." - Rachel Godbey
Life's too short. Be you. People pay more attention to themselves and no one is going to remember something you are embarrassed about 5 years down the road. I envy Rachel's carefree attitude and her joy for all things. Thanks for running through the columns at Mizzou...looking forward to senior year when we get to do it side by side once again.
9. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Sophie Ottoson
Influenced by Ferris Bueller's cheesy, yet meaningful quote, it's important to remember that if sometimes we don't slow down and appreciate the present, we can miss out on a lot of great things. Sophie is someone who flies by the seat of her pants. (and not to mention, she also flies REAL airplanes!!! How cool!) She has taught me to live spontaneously and enjoy what is right in front of you.
10. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles." - Abby Taylor
Without a doubt, Psalms 34:17 is a great reminder that no matter how bad things in life get, there is a reason for everything. And no matter what happens, life goes on and it can only go upwards. Abby Taylor, where do I even begin? Anyone who knows Abby Taylor knows that 1. you can't just say Abby...it's Abby Taylor and 2. she is the most down to earth, outgoing and most hilarious person I have ever met. She never fails to make someone smile and I am so lucky to have met you the first day of soccer camp way back in the summer of 2014.
11. "Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyways." -Tess Murray
Inspired by Glennon Doyle Melton, this quote simply states that being brave doesn't require perfection. The most important thing is taking the first step, and Tess has taught me to take that first step even if it terrifies you...because you never know, it can turn into something never dreamed possible. Thanks Tess for being just as adventurous as I am and as always, getting through a semester of astronomy with me...not quite sure how I would do it without you.
12. "Enjoy the little things in life." - Carolyn Russell
Learn that little details matter. You never know what is going to happen in life so enjoy every minute of it. I am so thankful that Kappa Alpha Theta brought Carolyn and I together, but I am even more grateful to spend the next 3 and a half years (and many more) laughing and going on spontaneous adventures together. Here's to many more frozen yogurt runs!!
13. "Whatever you decide to do in life, make sure it makes you happy." -Erin Ball
If you're not happy or you're not making others laugh, then you will not enjoy the life you're living. Now if you known Erin Ball, then you know there couldn't be a more perfect quote to describe her. Without a doubt, she will make you laugh until tears stream down your face. Goofing around with people and meeting new people can make your life so much better, just like Erin has made a huge impact on mine.
14. "Focus on the good." - Lily Gray
Sometimes life can get pretty crazy and hectic. Focus on the good things in your life. Meeting Lily during the first week at Mizzou has not only made my college experience one I will never forget, but she has proved to be someone I can always rely on. Now as new members of Kappa Alpha Theta, I have become closer with Lily and will always be her number one supporter.
15. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you." - Meghan Andrews
After recently going on a mission trip to Guatemala and seeing what true content looked like, Hebrews 13:5 is something Meghan really cherishes. These people who did not have the basic necessities in life like access to clean water remained at peace and ultimately relied on the Lord to provide like he promises. They had family and community and that was enough. In our fast paced culture we are always demanding more and more because it is at our fingertips. Have peace that the Lord provides and has a plan. There is joy in knowing this truth. I am influenced by Meghan's outlook on life and I appreciate her love for not only God but those around her.
16. "Try to live like you are thriving instead of just merely surviving." - Brooklyn Dillow
This quote that Joanna Gaines lives by is a way to think positively and optimistically about everything instead of feeling obligated or overwhelmed by the pressures of this world. The light-hearted and sweet Brooklyn is someone I can always count on and will always be there for me and her friends. She has the best interest in heart for anyone she meets and I can't wait to see everything she will accomplish one day.
