There comes points in our life where all of our morals and strengths are put to the test, and we have to show the world who we really are. When faced with challenges or stressful situations, we can either act out without thinking, or take a moment to step back, breathe, and be the bigger person. The best solution will always be the ladder. This is because if we act out without thinking, most of the time we will do or say something we will regret and come across as a person we don't want to be. Instead of stooping down to someone else's level or allowing a situation to win and get the best of you, be someone you want to be and someone you would be proud of.

Think of someone you admire. Someone who is wise and seems like they have it all together. Someone you would want to be. What would they do in a given situation? Would you be proud of them? If you had children, would you want them to act that way? For me personally, there is one woman who I always looked up to and who I always aspire to be like.

My chorus director in high school, Dr. Foster, was the classiest, most talented woman who had so much poise, wisdom, and would settle for nothing short of perfection. No matter the situation, she would never falter or allow something to get the best of her. Through her bad divorce, stressful performances, and students losing their cool and screaming mean words at her, she always held herself together and faced the world with her head held high. No, she wasn't perfect, but she tried her hardest to be. Even when she was battling breast cancer and undergoing chemo, she still came to school with a smile on her face and love in her heart. My senior year of high school, the cancer overcame her and she passed away, but she left behind a world filled with people who loved her and a legacy that won't be forgotten. I can only hope that I can touch as many hearts as she did, and when I leave this Earth, I hope to leave behind people with only love for me like she did.

So find someone you admire and think of what they would do in a given situation. If no one comes to mind, you can think of Dr. Foster if you would like. When faced with struggles and cruel people, how would they hold themselves? I admit, I am nowhere near perfect. I have done and said things I'm not proud of. But it's being able to recognize what you've done wrong, accept that you messed up, and learn from your mistakes that makes you a better person.

This past week, I received two very long, random texts from my ex boyfriend's new girlfriend (who I have never talked to or met before), telling me how she hates me and what an awful person I am. At first, I was very mad and upset to say the least. I wanted to fire back with an equally cruel response, but I knew that would only add fuel to the fire. That night, I prayed and asked God for strength and wisdom. Not only that, but I prayed that this hateful person would find Jesus and love. On top of that, I also thought of Dr. Foster and how she would have handled the situation. After all of that, I began to feel better. I'm not going to let this person who I don't even know get the best of me. I know I am so much better than that. And so are you.

So next time you're faced with hateful people and difficult situations, just remember to take a step back and breathe. Think. Pray. The person who you are and who you want to be is tested every single day, and it's up to you to show everyone your strength. Let go of any hate and always, always strive to be your very best. The world is watching.