In my 19 years of life, I’ve learned some brutal life lessons in some of the oddest of ways. Over the years, I’ve grown to develop mantras that play out in everyday life. Some may seem silly, but in reality it could make or break your day. I’d like to shed some light on the top six truths that ring loud and clear.

1. You can’t depend on anyone

I know what you’re thinking, she’s crazy! Well, not exactly. Sometimes, you come across people who seem to be your best friend or someone who would take a bullet for you. Let’s say something happens to you either positive or negative, would they praise or would they tear you down? It’s a lot like the find out who your friends are belief. True friends stick around, while others may just disappear. Well, I may seem to come off pessimistic, but it’s in the best interest of all. Just make sure to have a backup plan in case something was to awry. A backup plan you say? I’d suggest having some sort of fall back in case someone were to do you wrong. You may think it's bizarre, but it happens to everyone

2. Self-love is key

All you need is love The Beatles said, it will make the world a better place. I couldn’t agree more, for the longest time I’d look in a mirror and was disgusted with what I saw. I felt vile and grotesque at the person I had become. Eventually, I took some time for myself and collected my thoughts. I realized that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. That I could do better, be better. I needed to be the best Quinn I could for family, for my friends and for me. Soon, I found myself stronger, wiser and I had ignited a fire within me that would burn bright for the rest of my days.

3. Live free without your fears

I was always the person who kept to herself and never took any chances, but that changed a long time ago. We as a people tend to be more precautious than cautious. I never imagined getting piercings, tattoos or let alone repelling down a 150-foot castle wall, but I did it. I don’t regret anything that I’ve done or will do because you know what? No one cares. You have to do what you have to do to make it through this long journey called life.

4. It is what it is

I’ve been asking myself for how many years why did this happen to me? Why did he leave? Why did she die? But no matter how much I mind fuddle myself, I seem to never come up with a logical answer. That’s the thing about life, it goes on. It doesn’t’ matter how hard you try to change it, it will happen the way it’s supposed to. Sometimes it may not be in your favor, but it does get better. We are beautiful people and we must find our way out of the shadows and into the light no matter the circumstance.

Life is beautiful, life is good, but It is ultimately up to you how you go about it. Take or leave these truths, but I think we all as a people could benefit as a society if we just took the hate in the world and clashed it with love to create something new, something ours.