These little reminders from teachers, my parents, and people that I look up to always remind me to keep going, and do what I think is best for me. These things seem really obvious, but it is so easy to forget them, and to feel the weight of the world on you.

1. NO is a complete sentence.

Straight out of the mouth of Oprah, this couldn't be any more empowering of a motto. My Biology teacher reminded me of this, and I have to say, it feels good to use this. If you're a people pleaser, and you constantly say yes to everything even if you already have three plates full of work to do, then this is something that probably feels impossible to you. I used to be a people pleaser. To a certain extent I still am, with certain people. I am slowly training myself to stop being a people pleaser, and it is extremely freeing. Just say no when you can't take on any more responsibility, don't hesitate, just say it. If someone asks you to do something, and you just can't handle it, just say NO. Don't take on the weight of the world to please the people around you. What's even crazier is that you may find that people actually have mad respect for you when you say NO to something that they expected you to say yes to. Try this one out, and remember that you are allowed to put yourself first. Stop signing up for things that send you over the edge of madness.

2. You don't owe anyone justification for your actions.

This one is probably the hardest thing for me to do, and I need to force myself to stop feeling like I owe an explanation to everyone. Here's the thing, if you made a decision that somebody may not support, you don't need their approval. Most importantly, you don't owe them anything. Just because you decided that something different is better for you than what is better for another person doesn't make you wrong. No matter how great of a justification you give, some people just can not place themselves in the shoes of other people. If this is the case, don't feel obligated to plea for an acceptance of your decision. Decide what is best for you, do it, and don't take any shade for it. If you do what you think is best for you, then you don't owe a justification to anyone. If you say that you can't go to an event, and somebody asks "why aren't you going?", simply reply "I'm just not going." Not only is it rude of people to ask, but quite frankly it is usually none of their business. It doesn't have to be a response out of hate, or annoyance, but it should be one of power, and ease. You don't have to be rude about it, but you do have to stand your ground.

3. Don't read too far into things, respect people's decisions.

This is a two-way street, if you expect people to respect your decisions, then you must also respect theirs. You don't have to like their decision, you don't have to pretend you would've done the same thing, but you do have to respect it. Sometimes people make decisions that don't seem to make any sense, and do things out of character, don't take it too hard. Don't take things so personally, and take your emotions out of the equation and reevaluate from a different perspective. It is much easier to respect the decisions of others when you don't take them personally, or read deeply into them. Let others do what they wish to do, and give them the same respect and support that you would like to receive back in turn.

These small and simple reminders always help me get a refreshed perspective, and to feel confident in my own decisions. Just get things done, and do what is right for you, the rest will fall into place.