Holly Riordan

One of the hardest things about growing older is reminding yourself to stay positive.

In 2021, I want to live with a fearlessness that will propel me toward my dreams. I want to take chances on myself, even when it’s risky, even when there’s a chance failure will become my best friend.

Failure is a part of life. You shouldn’t consider it proof that you’re never going to succeed. You should use the lessons you learned as stepping stones to get closer and closer to your ultimate goal.

You didn’t belong together, but you couldn’t have known that from the start.

In 2021, say goodbye to the people who are unable to apologize, to compromise, and to self-reflect.

You should create a life that makes you happy. Not just your love life. Your entire life. 

Love isn’t always about butterflies and skipped heartbeats. It isn’t always about feeling nervous and sweaty and desperate to impress.

You will start to doubt everything you know is true because a toxic person will do their best to brainwash you into seeing the world from their point of view. Their goal is to make you trust them, and love them, more than you trust and love yourself. 

Walking away from a mediocre love doesn’t make you greedy.

You don’t have to take the high road. You don’t have to be the bigger person. 

Even though you aren’t giving anyone else the chance to hurt you, you’re hurting yourself.

You don’t have to have a huge falling out with someone in order to remove them from your life. If you simply aren’t interested in talking to them, in hanging out with them, in putting effort into them, then you can leave.

Little things add up. They make a relationship stronger.

Don’t stay single because you’re scared of falling in love. Because you’re scared of getting attached. Because you’re scared of something real.

You don’t want to be with someone who demands every second of your time, who expects you to pay attention to them and only them without leaving room for anything else that makes you feel fulfilled.

You never want your partner to feel neglected, like they’re a bother, or like you’re only with them because you feel obligated to stay.

You are going to survive this heartache, this obstacle, this pain. 

Toxic humans aren’t going to appreciate the effort you put into the relationship — and they aren’t going to match it.