The other day, I was sitting at Panera attempting to study for one of my exams. It was the last bump that I had to get over before the weekend, but my stress level was through the roof. This past week was anything but easy. From personal reasons such as grades, tests, and barely getting four hours of sleep per night, to public reasons, that I am sure most of you are aware of. As I was sitting in this Panera, the last thing I could think about was this exam; something was blocking me from concentrating. Maybe it was the fact that I burned my tongue on my broccoli cheddar soup, but I realized it was bigger. Whether you’re stressed, confused, worried, angry or feeling hopeless, I think everyone needs a reason to smile.

Whenever I am feeling down, I always look to others for advice, so I had an idea. I wanted to create something that might brighten someone’s day, something that would remind people that it gets better, and something that would bring even just the slightest smile to an empty face. This is The Positivity Project. I always turn to quotes when I am having a bad day, not only are they inspirational, but each quote speaks to me differently and has its own unique story that goes along with it. I texted a some of my best friends from high school, my boss, my big, and my family friend to ask for their help, and I cannot thank them enough for their contribution. I told them how I wanted to write an article that addressed the importance of peace and positivity, and asked them if they would send me a quote that lifts their spirits and why they like it. I am so grateful for all of the responses that I have to share with you all and I hope that at least one quote reminds you to always choose positivity.

Aleks:

“Practice creates confidence. Confidence empowers you.” -Simone Biles

Her response: "I love this quote mostly because I admire the person who said it, but also because accomplishing anything takes practice, and if you don’t have the confidence to begin practicing, it's hard to find motivation. But Simone Biles is the perfect person to say the motivation that comes from practice can be incredibly empowering and help you succeed in anything".

Tricia:

“Don't let people who don't matter too much, matter too much.” -Wes Moore

Her response: "When you follow your heart, not everyone is going to agree with you. So follow your passion and don't worry about what other people think. That is giving away your power, especially to people who don't matter too much."

Rosie:

"We should not be held back from pursuing our full talents, from contributing what we could contribute to the society, because we fit into a certain mold- because we belong to a group that historically has been the object of discrimination." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Her response: “This quote always makes me happy and reminds me that even small actions matter and make a difference! Also, I LOVE Ruth. She was the second woman ever to be appointed to the Supreme Court and was one of eight women in her Harvard law class (high five emoji). She's had cancer twice and still never missed a day working on the court or a day of working out! She's incredible".

Hunter:

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!” -Rocky Balboa

Lindsay:

“It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses, we must plant more roses.” - George Eliot

Emelia:

"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times of one only remembers to turn on the light." -Dumbledore

Angela:

Her response: "Because of the author, I think it drives home that hope is stronger than even the most awful of human suffering we create for each other. There are many quotes I love, but today it is thoughts like these that guide me to remember there are opportunities to make things better happening all the time. Of course, it may be in small, subtle acts of kindness but these small acts can create a current of compassion that changes the world".

Karen:

"Seems like the only one who doesn't see your beauty is the face in the mirror looking back at you." -Taylor Swift

Paris:

"Your faith in yourself is all you will ever have. Don't let anyone take it from you."- Holly Marie Combs

Her response: "I just think that before you can love anyone else you have to love yourself. In college with everything it can be hard to keep going and be true to yourself and this is how I stay in check".

Jerome:

"Our greatest glory is not never failing, but in getting up every time we do." -Confucius

Elizabeth (3 quotes):

Her response: "I really love this quote because it captures the 3 most important things in life to me, and it constantly reminds me that I have the choice how to live my life".

Her response: "I love this quote because it reminds me what is important in my life. It's not about competing or comparing yourself to others, focusing on myself is my number one priority and I feel better when I do".

Her response: "I really like this quote because it is a reminder that even when I'm down or having a bad day, there is still so much to be happy about and thankful for, life is so much bigger than we can imagine".

Thank you so much to everyone who helped make The Positivity Project possible, even if it might be a little cheesy. I think that everyone deserves a reason to smile and I hope that at least one of these quotes made your day a little bit brighter.

Aubrey: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene

My response: Life is too precious to just sit back. When something happens that rears you off course, change your path. Remember, everything is a learning process and turning negativity into positivity has such a powerful result.