“Breathe. It’s just a bad day, not a bad life. “ ~ Unknown

“This too shall pass.”

I heard this all too often growing up. It was a constant reminder, even if not intended to be, of perspective when facing adversity. It signaled the finiteness of hardship. It confirmed that our troubles were temporary.

Understanding this truth is critical in keeping the right perspective when experiencing hard times.

While bad days, weeks, months, and seasons are a reality, I choose peace over fear and worry. I choose to breathe over anxiety and panic. I choose to anchor myself in truth until “this”—whatever “this” is at the moment—passes through and I am on the other side of it.

“Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have. “ – Unknown

Being grateful is a mindset. It is an attitude; a determination to love yourself and the life you have irrespective of the circumstances, setbacks, or hardship.

We can and should always love where we are while working toward where we want to be.

Think like you love yourself. Speak like you love yourself. Act like you love yourself.

Eat like you love yourself. Walk like you love yourself. Live like you love yourself.

Dance like you love yourself. Sing like you love yourself. Laugh like you love yourself.

Whatever it takes…..

Fall in love with yourself.

“It’s ok to not be ok, as long as you are not giving up. “ ~ Unknown

Success is measured in many ways depending on the person, their perspective, and their priorities. From wealth, education, health, and social economic status, society will define success differently and on its own terms.

If we don’t see, feel, and experience success as we’ve been conditioned to define it, it can be difficult to avoid getting caught in the cross fire of negativity and doubt.

We don’t have to have it all together.

“It’s ok to not be ok.”

But, it’s not ok to stay there.

Giving up is not an option; defining success on your own terms is.

“We would accomplish many more things, if we did not think of them as impossible. “ ~ Vince Lombardi

All things are possible to those who believe, but don’t stop there; they also take action.

“You have grown from your past. You will grow from your present.” ~ Unknown

Growth demands hardship, setbacks, and disappointment. When we embrace circumstances with a growth mindset, we will begin to recognize life as the teacher it is; and experience, as it’s fruit.

If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing.

“Let go of the notion that we have control over others’ actions. We really only have control over ourselves and how we act. “ ~ Unknown

The secret to maintaining peace while enduring conflict, joy while experiencing sorrow, hope when in despair is in recognizing and accepting that we cannot always change or control the world, its events, or its people.

When we embrace the notion that we are in control of our thoughts, words, and actions, and not those of others, we will grow and change ourselves, maybe even the world, one adversity at a time.

“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

In a world filled with chaos, division, and tragedy; sickness and death; hate and desperation, I still believe that LIGHT shines brightest in darkness. GOOD trumps evil. UNITY dispels division. PEACE calms chaos. HOPE subdues despair. FAITH eradicates doubt, and most of all, LOVE overcomes hate and conquers all.

I still believe; therefore, I will BE the reason.

Will you join me?

Will you be the reason and make our world a better place?

“I believe in myself. “ – Mia L.

Say it again and again, and again.

Say it when you feel “overwhelmed”. Say it when you think you “can’t “. Say it when you are “afraid”. Say it when others “won’t”. Say it when you’re worried. Say it in the face of “doubt”.

Be intentional, unbothered. Be determined, consistent.

Be anchored in this truth: “I believe in myself. “

When friends, strangers, challenges, or adversity try to convince you otherwise….

Say it loud. Say it often. Say it proud.

“Let go of the past.” ~ Robert Greene

Each day presents an opportunity to begin again, rewrite your narrative, and change your story.

The past teaches you. It doesn’t define you. Let it go and keep it moving.