I’ve been having a tough day today. I don’t really know why, but I woke up this morning and my head was already full of self-doubt and negativity and sadness. I’ve done what I can to shake it off over the course of the day – I’ve painted, I’ve baked, I’ve talked to friends, I’ve done some housework and a little shopping (sure, mostly grocery shopping, but I’m a weirdo that actually enjoys that). Twelve hours after opening my eyes, I do feel somewhat better, but generally, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that today was just difficult. It happens, right?

One thing I have tried to keep in mind today is that tough days are okay. They are normal. They happen to everyone. As such, it occurred to me to bring some encouraging words to the forefront, and share them here, in case anyone else out there who reads my writing might benefit from some of the same support. So here they are, with credit attributed where I could do so (most of these have unknown origins):

“It’s okay to fall apart sometimes. Tacos fall apart, and we still love them.” –Unknown

“It’s okay if you fall down and lose your spark. Just make sure that when you get back up, you rise as the whole damn fire.” –Colette Werden

“You’ve survived 100% of your hardest days so far.” –Unkown

“People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable.” –Unknown

“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come.” –Unknown

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

I invite everyone to add their own favorite inspirational quotes to the comments. Maybe we can lift each other up! And I’m telling myself this as much as I’m telling any one of you who needed to read this post today, or any day – don’t despair. We’re going to be alright.