2017 was a tremendous year for me. Life was beautiful, celebrated, and cherished in so many ways. It also was incredibly challenging, personally and professionally. I learned more about myself than ever through jobs, experiences, and relationships that were life-giving and damaging, sometimes both. Throughout the year, I learned a lot from quotes that crossed my path from the internet or books, and I’m sharing them with you and my perspective on this post. They helped me learn about life, myself, love, service, fear, and everything in between. My life is better from these quotes, and I hope they help you in some way, too.

(Disclaimer: these tidbits are all over the place. They might not make sense collectively, but I hope they do individually.)

“Deep feelings of joy and fulfillment come from service, which isn’t always easy and isn’t always happy. But my goodness, it’s the most wonderful thing in the world…That comes entirely from the relationships that we devote ourselves to and maintain.” – Simon Sinek

We need to serve others, not just in a big way, but in small ways through our relationships. Love others. Be kind.

“When you’re wrong, you should just say so.” – Eric Church, “Three Year Old”

This makes life sound super simple and easy, right? It should be, but we make it more difficult. We’re human. Admit when you’re wrong, and move on from it.

“Step outside yourself and into the hard stuff, because the hard stuff is the heart stuff and the heart stuff is the Holy Spirit.” – Jordan Lee Dooley

Pride can keep you distant from people and things you love the most. The best way to connect with someone is to break down your walls, to be vulnerable, and to be a human. There is enormous freedom in honesty, even when it hurts.

“Hustle is the opposite of heart.” – Shauna Niequist

Running away from something, ignoring it, or staying busy will not ease or solve your problems. Admit that you need to do something. Make the first step to resolving the issue. Confront them. Have the conversation. Living a life on “full speed ahead” can lead you to avoiding the important things in life. Take heart in every moment. Slow down.

“If we only do what we’re familiar with, we might miss what we’ve been made for.” – Bob Goff

Take chances, try new things, and go out of your comfort zone. You’ll never know if you never try.

“Be good to the grass and the grass will be good to you.” – Irish Teagasc (Extension) Agent

This Extension agent was talking about how the grass takes care of them in their agricultural system, specifically in dairy farming. From this, I learned that there’s no “right” way to do anything. It’s all about perspective. When it comes to agriculture, we don’t farm in the US like they do in the UK, and that’s perfectly fine. Irish grass contains about 19% protein (pretty high) and farmers are able to effectively feed their cows with it as the primary part of their diet. It works for them. We don’t do things exactly the same, but we’re connected by a common purpose, and that’s what matters.

“Once upon a time you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you’d make real one day. Don’t disappoint yourself.” – Unknown

Believe in yourself. Don’t give up. Know that you are the one who’s going to make those dreams possible. Look to the long-term and know the challenge will only help you be better. Keep dreaming.

“I choose to believe that there is nothing more sacred or profound than this day. I choose to believe that there may be a thousand big moments embedded in this day, waiting to be discovered like tiny shards of gold…The big moments are in every hour, every conversation, every meal, every meeting.” – Shauna Niequist

Take advantage of the times that seem “tiny” because they can be the ones that really mean the most. Believe in the power of one day. It can change everything.

“Sometimes we need others to walk with us, imagine what’s possible through our lives.” – John O’Leary

I didn’t believe in what’s becoming of my future, but my mentors and others did. Now I have them to thank for who I’ve grown into and how I’ve challenged and believed in myself. Find your tribe. Walk with people who better you.

“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says ‘Make Me Feel Important.’ Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.” – Tracy Brown

We all want to feel included and loved. It’s not others’ jobs to “sell” themselves to you, but learn about them and why they’re special.

“Communication is not about saying what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean.” – Simon Sinek

Many times, the message sent is not the message received. Humble yourself to be able to ensure that what you said/meant is what was heard by someone.

“May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” – Thomas S. Monson

Doing the right thing at all times isn’t easy, but you won’t regret it. Seriously ask yourself what the right thing to do is in any situation, and you will lead a life with strong integrity.

“Indecision is one of the most popular tricks for staying stuck within the boundaries of what’s safe and familiar.” – Jen Sincero

Make a decision. Don’t stay safe. Sometimes making the jump can seem like the biggest thing in the world, but making the decision to jump is halfway there. There is power in making a decision you can stand behind. Don’t say “what if” after you make it.

“Most of our decisions are driven by either love or fear. Figure out who’s doing the talking, then decide what you’ll do.” – Bob Goff

This is something to think about every single day. It’s helped me figure out my intentions and how to best love others and myself.

“We don’t love as much as we expect.” – Ashley Stahl

We expect so much from others. But what would happen if we changed that and instead of judging others or expecting a lot, we gave love freely? Think about it. It would change everything.

“The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.” – Jim Carrey

Every interaction counts, folks. How you treat others says a lot about who you are. Never burn a bridge. You never know the impact you can have on someone.

“Fear is rooted in what may happen, something that does not even exist in reality.” – John O’Leary

Don’t be anxious about something you cannot control or what hasn’t even happened yet. Have faith that you will make it through whatever you’re experiencing or struggling with.

“Don’t let other people decide who you are.” – Bob Goff

It’s so easy to stick to the status quo or to give into what other people think we should do, but do the world and yourself a favor and shine like you were meant to. Success and happiness look so different to every single person. Don’t be fooled by what you think the rest of the world is telling you.

“Real growth is often unwanted, extremely painful, and ultimately completely worth it.” – John O’Leary

I didn’t want to experience all of the challenge I felt this year, but I am SO much better because of it. I’m thankful for the trials and tribulations in my life in retrospect, but I could do better at being patient and hanging on in the times of struggle.

“The individuals who attain the highest forms of achievement in life don’t spring toward success, but significance.” – John O’Leary

Do not aim to make the most money or to have the most “public” career. Make a difference. That’s how you can truly achieve.

“Faith smothers your fear of the unknown.” – Jen Sincero

Believe that there’s more. Believe that things will work out. Believe in God’s plan for you. When you believe and have faith, there is no room for fear.

“It’s about no longer acting like a victim (letting your circumstances control your life) and instead acting like a superhero (creating a life that has you waking up in giddy disbelief that you get to be you).” – Jen Sincero

Own your life. Be accountable for what you say and do. Be excited about your life. It’s a gift to be you.