When The Road Gets Bumpy, Stay Stronger

   I've spent the last two or three years learning and growing, working on myself. Every single day has taught me something new, whether it be about myself, the people around me, or the world I live in. While I've been on this endless journey, the most important lesson I've learned is that strength comes from within. Once, I read a quote that said, "Everything you're going through is growing you." I am unsure who said it, but I know it meant a lot to me. There are times in our lives where we are unsure how we will make it out of a certain situation. It is difficult to make sense of things, we are only human, but in hard times, the main thing to remember is that your strength is just that - yours. No matter what, the strength you build stays inside of you. Your mind and body only grow stronger through every experience. But these words are not to confuse the fact that the strength of others will help and guide you.
   Some people you meet will leave an imprint on you forever. You may know this person for the rest of your existence, or your paths may differ, and you might say goodbye earlier than you expect. Whatever the case, the point is that some people just build you up, whether they try to or not. Some people are just beautifully built, and they only know how to share that beauty. Some people give unbelievable strength and support, and giving them thanks just never seems like enough. {At this moment I just want throw some thanks out to all of those who have given me strength and support in my times of need. Some people will never, ever know how much they have truly helped me, and I only hope that someday, somehow, I can at least return the favor.}
   One of the best things you can do for yourself is to believe in yourself. Things get tough sometimes, but the best way to stay strong is to believe that you can stay strong. The strength that others see in you inspires them to be strong themselves. In a world full of strong, independent people, nothing can stop us from living our dreams.
   And so, my friends, today I challenge you to do something amazing. I encourage you to tell someone how important and strong they are. To let someone know that they are doing an incredible job, and to keep it up! Life throws curve balls, and sometimes, someone might need a push to help them find their strength again. Don't forget how much your strength can help strengthen others. And never, ever forget that you are so much stronger than you think you are. You can do almost anything, if you believe in yourself.
   Stay stronger than the things that bring you down.. You ARE stronger.