398

Afraid? Don’t let fear make you become the very thing you fear.

Uncertain? You can’t know what you don’t know.

Anxious? Suffering in advance does nothing but impart misery.

Failure is on the horizon? Then so is newfound knowledge and strength.

In every thought and in every action is a choice—a choice to be better, or a choice to succumb to your vices and your circumstances.

Stay focused. Do what needs to be done, and do it with a heavy heart and an open mind.

397

Always seek clarity of mind and stillness of heart.

But when the inevitable comes—when the mind is clouded and the heart is in chaos—do not be shocked, and do not be disappointed.

It is but a reminder to be humble—that you are still human, an imperfect being in an imperfect world.

396

Jump for joy, or fall; it’s the only way you’ll feel the sensation of landing back on the ground.

395

Every ounce of energy expended on the past and the inevitable is a disservice to the future self.

394

I just—I just don’t know.

But maybe it was never about knowing.

393

In this very moment in time,

at this very place in the universe,

all things past and future aside,

without rhyme or reason,

if nothing else,

I love you.

392

We can't always be the be the best version of ourselves everyday.

But the effort is usually enough anyway.

391

There are only two ways to avoid misunderstanding—to muster the patience to see another person for who they are, and to surround yourself with people that will do the same for you.

390

You are not this weak. You are not this naïve. Not anymore. Since when was your calling to appease everyone that comes along your path in this life?

You said what you needed to say. Hold fast to what you believe, and what is right.

389

They say nothing lasts forever but they’re just scared it will last longer than they can love it.

—Ocean Vuong, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous