Category: Wisdom

Sometimes forests catch fire in order to renew themselves. All the old trees and foliage must turn to ash in order to create nutrients for the next generation. When the world you once new seems to be going up in smoke, take a moment to ponder this — perhaps it’s a sign that the next amazing thing is ready to take root.

Some might say that hope is a double-edged sword. On one hand, hope can inspire us to keep going and push us forward in otherwise dismal situations. On the other hand, when your hopes are dashed, you can feel really let down. Still, hope is essential for bringing your desires into reality and it keeps us going through the darkest times. Never give up. Hope will always be one of mankind’s greatest weapons.

What is life without laughter? Pretty boring, that’s for sure. Laughing is one of the best innate medicines we can administer to ourselves, so laugh often and with others. Snort, giggle, and roll on the floor laughing out loud. Laughter keeps us sane, lifts our spirits, and makes difficult moments a little easier to handle.

Parts of Antarctica are considered deserts because of how little rainfall there is, but most people would never guess it. Similarly, there are facts about you that people will misjudge because they haven’t taken the time to get to know you. Don’t be offended by their ignorance. Just as Antarctica, snowy and frozen as it is, hides deserts, you too hold secrets that only the people who care enough to learn about you will know.

What you see in the mirror is not an absolute representation of who you are. It’s easy to be a bit dismayed by the reflection of you judging yourself, but this is barely a sliver of your nature. The people who care about you get to see you as you sparkle talking about what you love or how brave you appear when you stand up for what you believe. You are more than the face in the mirror that stares judgingly back at you. You are incredible, admirable, and strong.

It’s okay to sometimes feel like the world is disappointing, irksome, flabbergasting, and that the only way to fix things is to set it on fire and start over. Try not to dwell in this dark place, though. Instead, talk it out with friends, find someone else who needs your special brand of kindness, or start a new project. Of course, if you do decide to set your world ablaze (metaphorically, of course), don’t be a boring villain who just sits back and watches. Make s’mores.

Clothing and accessories have long been used by humans for self-expression. While we adapt what we wear based on what part of ourselves we wish to emphasize (businesslike, casual, unique, etc.), what we choose to wear is a big part of who we are and how we want the world to see us. Even when you don’t have fancy clothes, you can still express yourself. Shine brightly and show the world who you are through your personal style — the kind that comes from your soul.

You are the only person whose actions you can control. You are not responsible for how others treat you or react to you. Their actions and choices come from their own view of the world. Of course, this doesn’t mean you needn’t be kind. Of course you should. This does means that when people are unkind to you, it is not your fault or really about you to begin with.

Life is really quite like an ocean. Some of us choose to swim towards our goals, even when the tides are against us, others prefer to float, letting the waves take them wherever. There are also plenty of people who combine swimming and floating. Swimming can be exhausting, but swimmers have clear goals in mind and determination in their hearts. Floating takes people places they may not like, but it also allows them to go on amazing adventures. A compromise of the two shows a certain resourcefulness. Whether you swim, float, or do a little bit of both, your choices grant you strengths that will help you navigate the ocean of life.

An idle mind is no one’s friend if you’re facing anxiety or self-sabotage. If you have moments in which your consciousness drifts toward turning on you, try instead to engage your mind with challenging tasks. Whether you enjoy puzzles, video or word games, or detective shows and books, find ways to keep your mind working so that it doesn’t have a chance to self-destruct. Of course you have to deal with the underlying causes, but keeping your brain positive and engaged can actually help you heal from destructive thoughts.

When you’re trying to comfort someone but can’t find the right words to say, it’s okay to say nothing. Sometimes a shared look or a soft touch can express what you’re feeling more than words ever could.

When life gives you a handful of lemons, always remember that what you do with them is up to you — and your choice might not be to make lemonade. You could grumpily sit by and watch them rot, or even lash out at others by throwing lemons at them (please don’t!). Or you could make the best of the sour fruit and whip up some delicious lemony treats or squeeze a little in your tea. Remember that with the right mindset, you can make the best out of the sourest situations.