“A happy soul is the best shield for a cruel world.” —Atticus

Keep your heart and mind at peace.

Be unbothered and the rest will take care of itself.

#fromstrengthtostrength

#adversityisthebestteacher

#unbothered

“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.” —Yvon Chouinard

It is NOT the “wrongs” you’ve endured, the obstacles blocking your path, or the adversities that hold you back.

It IS the strength and resolve, the endurance and character, the faith and determination, developed and displayed, that matters.

How you respond to setbacks and tragedy matters. How you overcome the odds matters.

It’s not enough to climb the mountain.

You must be willing to embrace the struggle and cling to the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

Maturity is learning to walk away from people and situations that threaten your peace of mind, self-respect, values, morals, and self-worth.

Who or what do you need to walk away from today?

No person or thing is worth your peace.

#protectyourpeace

“The less we let in, the less we have to let go.”

—Unknown

Do whatever is necessary to guard your mind, your heart, and your peace.

You are worth it.

“Remember that people can only respond to you from their own understanding of reality.” –Unknown

Listen to understand, not to respond. Look past pre-conceptions and see a person’s heart. Celebrate diversity, illuminate our differences—it makes us who we are.

“Start saying yes to the things that scare you the most and see how your life changes.” ~ Unknown

Live beyond your feelings.

Do it afraid.

“The truth is you can skip the pursuit of happiness altogether and just be happy.” —Unknown

Life is hard. The struggle is real.

Happiness is a choice.

#facts

“Look around you, there is so much to be grateful for every day.” —Unknown

The world is riddled with chaos and confusion, tragedy and heartbreak, disparity and injustice.

It’s plagued with disease and sickness; death; division and despair.

The world is bursting with life, love, and light; justice seekers and freedom fighters.

It’s filled with joy, triumph, and victory; peace and equality; unity and hope.

And whether we realize it or not, we are culpable; even complicit. We’ve created this dichotomy—the tale of two Americas—two divergent worlds.

When we remain silent…it matters.

When we refuse to act…it matters.

When we divide…it matters.

When we spew hate…it matters.

When we love…it matters.

When we stand for peace…it matters.

When we speak up…it matters.

When we unify…it matters.

What we say matters.

What we choose matters.

What we do matters.

You matter. She matters. He matters. They matter.

We matter.

“Heal the past, live the present, dream the future.” —Mary Engelbreit

The mind is an extraordinary vessel. Its capacity cannot be understated. As with any receptacle, it is limited in the information it can contain. If it’s overloaded with the pain of your past, it has little to no room for your present or your future.

There is a difference between being reminiscent of the past and living in the past. Thinking of fond memories brings with it, a feeling of nostalgia, that can’t be underestimated. Even re-visiting an experience, for context, is often necessary. We draw on our experiences—the good and the bad—to help us navigate life. But living in the past is toxic and unproductive—a practice that will most certainly derail you.

There should be a healthy balance between the two. If you’re perpetually looking back, how will you navigate the path before you? If you don’t recognize the gift of the present, how will you forge new experiences and create new memories? If you can’t see the path forward, how will you brave the journey ahead?

Letting go is liberating. Living in the moment is exhilarating. Looking forward is inspiring.

YOU decide if you will move through each phase seamlessly or allow the past to disrupt your growth and end your journey prematurely.

It’s time to let go.

#pushpasthepain

#itsuptoyou

#thinkbetter

#seebetter

#dobetter

“Cutting people out of your life doesn’t mean you hate them, it simply means you respect yourself. Everyone is not meant to stay.” —Unknown

Knowledge is determining who and what adds value to your life.

Understanding is coming to grips with the fact that those people or things can no longer remain in your orbit.

Wisdom is taking the necessary steps to remove them from your inner circle—for a season or indefinitely.

You must be willing to protect your peace—at all costs.