4 May: That's what HE said...

Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

"At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want." ~~Lao Tzu

I found this quote when I was in college.  It became the signature on all my emails.  It replaced, "Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light." which was a pretty accurate assessment of my mental health while it was in use during high school.

Almost every day, there are circumstances I put myself in because it makes others happy.  It's annoying really.  I sometimes wish I wasn't this way, but rarely do I put my own happiness above that of others.  I'd always rather satisfy a group of friends/people than upset/hurt them for my own personal happiness.

There have been situations in life where I'm not sure what to do in consideration to very drastic life decisions and I'll be sending an email and my signature line will catch my eye.  I read it slowly, phrase for phrase.

"At the center of your being..."

You are a human, find your center, your core, feel your aliveness, feel your power...

"...you have the answer'"

Yes, you do too know.  Don't give me that "I don't know" or "I don't care"...  Don't lie to yourself.  Even if you think the answer is hidden, you just need to zoom out of yourself and listen.

"You know who you are..."

That woman in the mirror, that's YOU.  You are exactly who you let yourself be.  You know you have green eyes, brown hair, a big nose, what you weigh, how you speak, who you are friends with...  

"...and you know what you want."

You make your choices, not anyone else.  When that little voice is saying something different than what people are wanting you to say, listen to the little voice because that's the TRUE you.  Don't be afraid to be YOU.  

It's very hard to make things about me.  I feel like I say that things are about me a lot, but they really aren't.

This quote has been one of the biggest decision making aids I've ever had.  Breaking up with Teh Ex-Fiance, joining the navy, deciding to stay in the longest long-distance relationship ever....  Knowing what I want sometimes takes a little soul searching for the harder, quieter answers..  But I can do it... and so can YOU.

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