We all need a little extra strength boost in these times.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
I have a love-hate relationship with quotes and affirmations. On one hand, it’s great to have a reserve of inspiration when you need it. But on the other hand, it’s possible to overdose on surface-level stuff.
My method with quotes is to be inspired by whatever resonates, but only hold a handful of them very close. Most of my favorite quotes have the theme of growth and progress. This week, I’ll be sharing some other quotes that have helped me over the years.
“A dragon never yields.”
I am proud to say that this was from an Ace Attorney game and I have it tattooed. I was planning to get my second tattoo on my birthday a few years ago. After I finished the game this came from, I knew this was it.
To me, doesn’t mean that you should be aggressive and demanding. The character who said this wasn’t like that. He had a silly side, but was first and foremost a strong leader on a mission. This quote is about core values. Find what’s important to you and protect it like a flame-breathing dragon. There are times to compromise and give more than you take. But there are certain things you should never yield.
“We are the heroes of our own stories.”
Someone said this during a drunken late-night talk at a New Year’s eve party. Looking back at it now, that party might have been the start of my most dramatic year of growth.
YOU are the main character of your own story. YOU are the character the audience should be most invested in. Think about where YOU want your story to go. You’re not here to be somebody else’s support. This quote taught me to take charge of my decisions, believe in my own strength, and not take b.s. from people who try to push me to the sidelines.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that other people are the heroes of their stories. So there are times to be empathetic and hear people out when there’s a conflict.
“She was like art. Art is not supposed to just look pretty. It’s supposed to make you feel something.”
I honestly forgot where I got this from….maybe Instagram??
This was also a 2018 game changer for me. It resonated with me because story-telling is a big part of my art. In the creative works I feature in my portfolio, there’s always a story and emotions.
This helped me make peace with the fact that I’ve always struggled to fit in. It’s okay to not belong in a character trope. It’s okay to not follow conventions and have trouble relating to people. You won’t make an impression if all you do is give people what they want to see. You become memorable by being who you truly want to be.
I hope you’re staying safe and sane, and that this post brightened your day!
Hugs and kisses,
~ Jin
You can also find me on my personal blog
Life Outside of Design Studio 
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