You cannot defeat darkness by running from it, nor can you conquer your inner demons by hiding them from the world. In order to defeat the darkness, you must bring it into the light.
Abandon the idea that you will forever be the victim of the things that have happened to you. Choose to be a victor.
Our lives are a journey. As we move forward, we will not only figuratively experience the geography of life: the exhilaration of high mountains, the tranquility of calm meadows, the isolation of treacherous canyons, but we will also experience the seasons of life: the hope of spring, the abundance of summer, the harvest of autumn, and yes, the darkness and depression of winter.
You can’t defeat the darkness by keeping it caged inside of you.
Love is so much more than some random, euphoric feeling. And real love isn’t always fluffy, cute, and cuddly. More often than not, real love has its sleeves rolled up, dirt and grime smeared on its arms, and sweat dripping down its forehead. Real love asks us to do hard things – to forgive one another, to support each other’s dreams, to comfort in times of grief, or to care for family. Real love isn’t easy – and it’s nothing like the wedding day – but it’s far more meaningful and wonderful.
I believe each of us is a pilgrim in our own way; we are all lost souls, trying to find our way home.
If you keep your heart open, that same pain can become a purifying pain, a strengthening pain. If we choose forgiveness over bitterness, that pain can heal instead of hurt. Instead of a pain that divides, it can be a pain that binds. Instead of a pain that breaks us down, it can be a pain that builds us up.
Abundance in life is achieved only when we tear down walls and fill our lives with light.
When we’re constantly thinking about ourselves, our world shrinks.
One day, you will stand at the summit of a figurative mountain and look back on your life’s journey. And, to your utter amazement, you will see how your experiences with depression, dark and painful as they were, only added to the overall beauty of your life.
Depression thrives in secrecy but shrinks in empathy.
The pumpkin is a uniquely American plant, widely regarded as one of the most magical plants in all the world.
Real love isn’t just a euphoric, spontaneous feeling – it’s a deliberate choice – a plan to love each other for better and worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.
Our society places a lot of emphasis on feelings. We are taught that we should always follow our feelings and do whatever makes us happy. But feelings are very fickle and fleeting. Real love, on the other hand, is like the north star in the storms of life; it is constant, sure, and true. Whenever we’re lost and confused we can find strength in the love that we have chosen.
Marriage should liberate, not incarcerate. Real love shouldn’t limit a person’s potential, it should expand it.
The pumpkin itself is a symbol for mortality.
There’s nothing more important in this world than caring for a child.