Several years ago, I went through an extremely difficult year in which everything went wrong. My bank account got hacked into and emptied. I was taking intense college classes and doing terribly. I had no friends or social life. I went through many different challenges, and it was terrible. I felt lonely, insecure and discouraged.

That year I also had to make some big decisions that would influence the direction of my life, and I was terrified. I felt so many mixed emotions and continually doubted my ability to succeed and accomplish my goals. I was afraid, and I let fear control my life.

Then one day I was reading a spiritual message and a line stood out to me that said, "Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time." Immediately in my mind I responded, "I choose faith." I wrote this down in my journal and it soon became my motto for that year. I repeated it to myself over and over. I made some big decisions and encouraged myself by declaring, "I choose faith."

Years have passed since that difficult time in my life, and life keeps getting harder and harder, but "I choose faith" is still my personal motto. I say it to myself ALL the time. When fears creep into my mind I reply back, "I choose faith." When I don't understand why certain things happen I respond, "I choose faith."

It works wonders.

I hope everyone finds a family or personal motto to guide and encourage through life's ups and downs.

Here are 50 ideas for your life motto

Life is to be enjoyed

Everything will be okay

Just be happy

Let it go

Keep going

One day at a time

I can do this

Joy in the journey

Get your butt behind you

It will all work out

Keep moving forward

In one hundred years it won't matter

Save guilt for sin

Let go and let God

Hope is the last to die

Life is good

Choose the right

Seize the day

One step at a time

I can do hard things

I am never alone

You only live once

Make yours a great life

I can do anything

God knows better

I am loved

See the good

I choose my life

Keep on keeping on

Have courage and be kind

Smile, it will be okay

This too shall pass

Onwards and upwards

Just be yourself

Don't take the easy road

Expect the best

Just breathe

It's a new day

I love my life

Just keep swimming

I am not afraid

Never give up

All is well

I've got this

Do what you love

Count your blessings

Dare to be different

Refuse to sink

No regrets

Be the change