20 Quotes Every Gen-Y Girl Should Live By

Being a Gen-Y girl is one of the more fun lives we could have chosen for ourselves. There's a lot happening in our world every day and a lot that goes into being us, from focusing on relationships to finding our voice, to figuring out what to wear in the morning.

In the midst of all we've got going on, it's comforting to know that we're part of a greater generation of females who, on some level, all have a mutual understanding of one another. That's what a really good quote can do for you.

Sometimes, you just need someone else to say what you're thinking. Luckily, we have a lot to choose from.

Here are 20 epic quotes that have always been inspiring, reassuring and empowering. Whatever it is you're after, go get 'em, tiger.

1. On a positive outlook:

"You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.” -- Ziggy Marley

You might not be able to change a situation, but you can definitely change your attitude about it. Flipping your mindset by trading the negatives for the positives instantly improves your disposition.

2. On dressing:

"The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.” -- Coco Chanel

We’re admittedly a little hesitant to follow anything Coco Chanel suggests (she is, after all, a questionable Nazi?), but when it comes to fashion, the woman knows her stuff. Wear what you feel best in because when you look good, you feel good. And that’s always in style.

3. On drinking:

"Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right.” -- F. Scott Fitzgerald

We would argue this also applies to white wine and gummy bears. Well done, Francis, summing up our lives in one sentence.

4. On embracing your wackiness:

"Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.” -- Allen Ginsberg

Every girl needs a little insanity in her; it makes you interesting. You shine from whatever guides you inside so don’t fight it.

5. On cutting loose:

"Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” -- Martha Graham

When it comes to the things you are passionate about, it doesn’t matter if you execute them well or not as long as you feel personally fulfilled in the end. Don’t do anything for the praise; do it for you. Especially when it comes to dancing, free yourself and let your body move.

6. On having a good time:

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” -- Katharine Hepburn

To every girl who has kissed someone against her better judgment, worn a shirt as a dress or drank before noon: Keep doing you. Living life proudly doesn’t mean you have to play by the books. In fact, it’s way more exciting when you don’t.

7. On the pressure to look good:

"There's a lot of pressure on girls. My advice: Don't waste so much time worrying about your skin or your weight. Develop what you do, what you put your hands on in the world." -- Meryl Streep

Who better to deliver such an insightful quote than Meryl Streep? As an actress who is both stunning and successful, but is not looked at for her beauty, Streep is proof that your craft and your impact are what matters most.

8. On beauty:

"The problem with beauty is that it’s like being born rich and getting poorer.” -- Joan Collins

Don’t sell yourself short, Joan! You’re still beautiful at age 80! It’s the inner beauty that matters, anyway.

9. On going for it:

"The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” -- Ayn Rand

This is our motto for everything. From dipping grilled cheese in ketchup, to mixing plaid and patterns, keep rocking on with yo’ bad self.

10. On the merits of ‘Movies On Demand’:

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” -- Jane Austen

If there is one person who is the authority on not going out, it’s history’s loneliest soul and biggest hermit: Jane Austen. Here’s your new go-to motivation for doing absolutely nothing next Saturday night.

11. On recovering from drunk anxiety:

"What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.” -- Buddha

Buddha always knows best. Whatever happened in your past -- good or bad -- has passed. Be mindful of living in the present and you’ll always have a chance at a future.

12. On the power of good hair:

"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge.” -- Ivanka Trump

Sorry, not sorry for being all girly for a second. Having a nice coif can make all the difference in our self-confidence. Raise your hand if you’re way more likely to go out after a blowout, if only because you’re on an insane hair-high. It’s not just the aerosol talking.

13. On besties:

"One friend with whom you have a lot in common is better than three with whom you struggle to find things to talk about.” -- Mindy Kaling

When it comes to friends, it’s always about quality over quantity. At the end of the day, the ones who count are the people who appreciate you for who you are.

14. On always being mindful:

"I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -- Maya Angelou

The ever-insightful Maya Angelou really nails it with this one. There is such a thing as lasting impressions and they’re rooted in deeper feelings, not words.

15. On the importance of believing in something:

"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” -- Steve Jobs

Well said, Steve. Literally took the words right out of our mouths and made them better. That’s so you.

16. On growing up:

"One of the mixed blessings of being 20 and 21 and even 23 is the conviction that nothing like this, all evidence to the contrary notwithstanding, has ever happened before.” -- Joan Didion

Uh, more like well into your 20s, Joan, but other than that, we totally agree with you. So next time you think you’re the only girl who has ever failed at something when you expected to succeed, just know you’re not alone.

17. On the importance of safe sex:

"Don't have sex, because you will get pregnant and die!” -- Coach Carr

Safe sex is sexy. And unfortunately, there's some truth to what Coach Carr is saying.

18. On being open to new things:

"I don’t love studying; I hate studying. I like learning. Learning is beautiful.” -- Natalie Portman

You’re never too experienced or too knowledgeable to turn down a lesson; it’s the one gift that’s completely free.

19. On pursuing greatness:

"Be so good they can’t ignore you.” -- Steve Martin

It seems to be working for J. Law, after all.

20. On chucking conformity:

"The masses are asses.” -- Dad

You can call us daddies’ girls, but it’s some of the best advice we’ve ever received. For when you feel like flicking off the world, or for when the worst politician is voted in to office, it's the kind of tough love quote that is comforting at the same time. As long as you stay true to who you are, it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing.

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