If something goes wrong, make it right or let it go

By Katie Garner

Special to the Salisbury Post

In life, the key phrase, “this too shall pass,” rings true for both the good and the bad. I have been thinking a lot lately about these beautiful moments that make up this thing we all call “life” and how quickly they pass.

Did I do everything I wanted to do in 24 short hours? Was I as kind as I could have been? Was I as helpful as I should have been? Most importantly, was I as positive as I could be? It inspired me to think about what I want to remember on a daily basis.

We have all lost someone, and lately it seems that I have heard that too many times. It’s made me realize how quickly life can pass, and how much more important it is to enjoy every minute than to sweat the small stuff. Everyone has a choice to be negative or positive.

In my opinion, positivity is the key to the world’s heart. If you spread good vibes, they come right back to you. Happiness and kindness win. Every time.

Moments in life can be wonderful, sad, chaotic, perfect, memorable, good, and bad. But they are also just short moments. If something happens that you’re unhappy with, make it right or let it go. If something happens that is wonderful, thrive on it, thank God, and move forward awaiting the next moment.

I live for the moments. Some days are rough; most are fantastic. But in all my days, there are moments of fabulous and beautiful and amazing that I will never forget. Every day is a success in my book if I can say that I laughed, smiled, and fell in love with life all over again!

As the great philosopher, Snooki, once said “You do you!” I probably should have quoted something fabulous from Ghandi, but he didn’t say “You do you.” It’s simple. I love that. It’s true. Be yourself. Be a good human being, and spread the love, y’all!

Another even better philosopher, Mother Teresa, once said “Don’t ever let anyone come to you without leaving happier.” The happier you are with yourself, it makes others want to be happy too. Learn to love yourself, and don’t question who you are. Don’t let anyone else question it either.

Here are a few things I try to remember every day that remind me why these moments, these bouts of laughter, and this chaotic life is beautiful.

ν Don’t think for one second about judging others; instead, pray for them. In the good and the bad, pray for them. Remember that everyone is fighting a battle, or even just a bad hour of the day. Pray for them, smile at them, and wish them a beautiful day.

ν Don’t spend one second being negative about things that don’t matter; that’s one second of life completely wasted. Let it go, and give it to God.

ν Remember that every time you smile, or you laugh, it makes someone else’s dreams come true. It’s inspiring and it makes other people happy, too.

ν This life is all about what you can do for others. Live to make others happy, to make others smile, to make others feel that they can be better happier and kinder.

ν Don’t be a mean human. Be unbelievably kind to everyone you meet. Smile at every stranger, because sometimes a smile is the greatest gift a person can give to another person. Sometimes that smile can make all the difference in the world. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen, and it’s beautiful.

ν Always, always be the type of person you would want to meet. We are all brothers and sisters in this crazy world. We need to have each other’s backs. We need to not talk about each other, but instead be there to build each other up and make each other laugh.

ν “I am sorry” — three of the most powerful words in any language. Say them often, and mean them.

ν People come and people go; we get one chance to make it count. When you meet someone, it’s for a reason.

ν Don’t let anyone dim your light. Shine on, friend! If people are mean, they are most likely unhappy. Do not sink to that level; instead, be kind to them. Do not question yourself. If people are mean, always remember to be kind. It wins. Every time.

And the most important thing to remember — and don’t ever forget it:

If you’re living and you’re breathing, you’re blessed. You are blessed. You are beautiful. You are loved. Most importantly, you are here.

Today is your day. Don’t waste one minute worrying; let God handle that. You just live, and love, and laugh and enjoy. Smile always, and thrive on the journey.

Katie Garner, who grew up in Salisbury, is a TV personality who lives in Columbus, Ohio.