“We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” - MM

Marilyn Monroe was a complicated and tragic figure- like many of us. She did her best to keep it

together, and gave us some wonderfully inspirational quotes in the process;

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

This particular quotes is one of my all time favorites because it seems to encompass many aspects of life as a woman in her 20s. I find that one of the biggest struggles of being a woman in her 20s is simply not always feeling like I have someone to share in her struggles with. This quote reminds me that these problems have existed for decades, if not centuries.

When I had sort of a life changing, heart breaking experience this last August... I turned to this quote to remind myself that life is what you make of it. I had to remind myself that I am in control of my destiny, and that the people who will get me through it are my real soulmates. It reminded me that its okay to fail, its just what you do with the failure that goes on to define you. And while I still struggle to get ahold of myself after this event that resulted from poor decision making, I remember that there truly are more things in life to keep a smile on my face.

I appreciate reading this quote because it reminds me of what is important. I have friends who have truly been through hell with me. Friends who have put their lives on hold because I was hurting, and in return I gladly made and will make again the same sacrifice. These women will one day be by my side at my wedding. (It seems weird to say that so definitely because I often say "if I ever get married..." but this quote reminds me that it won't happen if I don't keep my eyes out looking for that one guy who will be my equal, my partner, my support, the love of my life, I will never find him.)

As I continue to grow up, grow as a person, a friend, a woman, I will remind myself that I have to keep picking myself up and keep believing in myself. Even when that feels impossible- because Marilyn was right. If we don't believe in ourselves- who will?

Photo taken from the late PostSecret App. RIP.

Anne Conway- Response to Marilyn Monroe quote

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”

~Marilyn Monroe

It has been a challenging few months; however, I have found some internal peace (still a work in progress) and I am still hopeful for the future. I like the first part of this quote because I firmly believe in taking responsibility for your life- the elements that you have control over, and accepting the elements that you do not have control over. I believe that it is important to “mess up” sometimes. Messing up can result in significant personal growth.

As I am on this journey of self-discovery, I have been contemplating my various friendships. I have found myself, over this past year, distancing myself from some of the more toxic relationships. I need to figure out how to navigate my future interactions with these friends. I tend to feel extremely empathetic- although this can be a positive trait, it has the potential to become extremely detrimental to my emotional wellbeing when I get too emotionally invested in individuals who do not take care of themselves or reciprocate said emotional support. I will keep you posted on any developments or insights.

As previously posted, I have had my heart broken several times. I am trying to focus my energy on taking care of myself and getting to the best emotional place possible- I do not believe that you should wait for someone to rescue you- rescue yourself!!

I am also working on resilience and self-confidence. I am certainly open to suggestions in all areas.

For those of you interested in self-growth, I would highly recommend listening to Tara Brach’s podcasts http://tarabrach.com/  You can also download them on itunes for free by subscribing to her podcast. Check it out!!

Life is beautiful, interesting, messy, sometimes sad, and often unexpected. I think it is worthwhile to smile, foster relationships, laugh, pursue passions, and dream big :)