By Karyme Osorno

Words have power. The meaning we give words can shape our beliefs, control our behavior, and control our own reality. Words are also just symbols that we add value to; words can mean nothing to an individual but everything to another. We have the power of deciding what each word we come across really means to us. Mottos can be satisfying to our well being, since they come from putting words together that connect us with our deepest values and uplifted state of mind. Just like mantras, they can be very simple to put together and can change our whole mood in seconds. 

Students in Miami High live up too many different inspiring mottos. Senior Jessica Guerra’s own personal belief is, “Live your life to the fullest,” because it reminds her that, “You don’t have to be sad all the time; there will always be a good outcome.” This motto keeps her mood elevated, reminding her not to stress much about the future.

Many look up to influential people whose actions and opinions strongly influence events.  Sophomore Rachelle Hernandez holds in regard Eleanor Roosevelt, whose influential words she honors: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” These powerful words keep Rachelle connected to her values. “You are the one that can let another overcome you. You’re invincible. You can be unstoppable until you let others think it’s possible to stop you,” she said.

In the article titled  “9 Reasons you need a personal motto” published  by Psychology Today, the writer states, “I recently spent three hours in a hospital waiting room, as a driver for a friend who was having a procedure. The TV was set annoyingly loud, and the security guard refused to change it. I was tempted to give him a piece of my mind—and not the nicest piece. But suddenly this phrase came to me: ‘It’s not about you right now.’ I took a walk, repeating the phrase, ‘It’s not about you,’ over and over. That mantra helped me refocus on my higher goal.”

Many students come across uplifting quotes on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. The daily scrolling of teens leads them upon many inspiring phrases, boosting up their emotional state. Sophomore Chanel Carbonell acts upon the phrase, “If it doesn’t matter in 5 years don’t spend 5 seconds on it.” She said she came across this quote scrolling down her timeline, and ever since she doesn’t spend much time thinking over something that’s not going to matter in the long run.

Another great place we can come across satisfying words are books, where many students have found some wonderful worthy words. Sophomore Madelyn Balladares, whose favorite author is Rupi Kaur, said, “She speaks truth and at times all I need is truth,” One of her favorite quotes from Rupi is, “We need more love not from men but from ourselves and each other.” Madelyn looks up to these words at low times reminding her of self love.

Freshman Isaiah Bush lives by the words, “Do what’s right or morally right.” He states his mom played a great role putting these words together. “My mom is always helping others in as many ways as she can. In the long run, she gains many benefits by doing what’s right.”

Ultimately, we’ll come across a bad day or experience which we have no escape from, but how we choose to react can feel like an escape. Simply remembering a little quote or a phrase that resonates with us can have a great effect on our emotional state keeping us connected with our great values.  Amazingly a few simple words can change your day!

Not your best day? Remember these words
“You are born to love and live; don’t die without living.”
– Debasish M
“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future. Act now without delay.”
– Simone De Beauvoir
“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”
-Ekhart Tolle
“Whatever it is that stirs your soul, listen to that. Everything else is just noise.”
-Nicole Lyons