“Make the best use of what is in your power and take the rest as it happens.” -Epictetus
The one you’ve been waiting for to tell you what to do—it’s you. You’re the only one who knows what’s right for you in this moment.
The one you’ve been waiting for to fix your problems—it’s you. You’re the only one who has the power to change what isn’t working.
The one you’ve been waiting for to make the pain go away—it’s you. Whatever you’re holding onto, only you can let it go.
The one you’ve been waiting for to give you permission—it’s you. You’re the only one who can decide whether you’ll try or hold yourself back.
The one you’ve been waiting for to love you—it’s you. You’re the only one who can make you feel beautiful and worthy.
The one you’ve been waiting for to provide something that’s missing—it’s you. You’re the only one who can create and recognize what’s enough for your happiness.
The one who makes a difference in so many people’s lives—it’s you. Remember that even when you struggle with some of these things, the world is a better place for having you in it.
Photo by silvihelsinkirocks
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
[…] 12. I have a choice and I am the only one responsible for the life I live. […]
Lori–thanks for the reminder. I often think it’s too bad I learned this lesson rather late in life, but then I remember it’s never too late to effect change and to appreciate ourselves and what’s good in life and just plain enjoy it, learn from it, know when hard times come, like all else they will pass. I think when we start seeing that we can control (ourselves) that when difficult feelings and circumstances arise we are better equipped to deal with them. That’ what I’m learning anyway.
i love my lunchbreak with tiny buddha – today especially. like a perfect latte for the soul.
Thank you! Too often we look outside of ourselves for our own happiness, when it’s within us all along!
beautiful post! thank you 🙂
Sal, like you I have learned this lesson rather late in life, but thanks to Tiny Buddha I have found a new me, and it is amazing how much we can always learn on this journey of life. So true and “This too shall pass.”’
Many of us spend our lives waiting for someone to come and rescue us,for someone to solve our problems,for someone to make us happy. We keep playing the waiting game , but the truth is we have all the power to solve our own problems, we can choose to be happy without waiting for someone or something.
thanks a lot lori for the wonderful quote
I am new to this site. Lori let me tell you that you write really well. Wonderful post. Thanks
You are most welcome. =)
At some point, you have to understand that you must love yourself more than you love whatever is causing you problems.
I’m so glad this tiny post resonated with all of you. I hope you will excuse this mass comment response. I am taking a much needed day off and heading out shortly. Happy Wednesday everyone! =)
SO empowering – thank you Lori!
Hope you enjoyed your day off!
Thanks Sabrina. I did–I went to Disneyland! =)
Ah a weekday at Disneyland – a true California girl :0)
Thank You Lori, is a beautiful post ^_^
The power is within.
Have a special day 😀
Killer stuff!
wow! so empowering, perfect reminder for me today 🙂 Thanks so much!
[…] Something to read: “It’s You” from Tiny […]
Thank you so much for this. It helped so much
You’re most welcome. I’m glad it helped. =)