I don't know. Only God knows where the story ends for me, but I know where the story begins. It's up to us to choose, whether we win or lose and I choose to win.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of personal choice in determining the outcome of one's life story.
Mary J. Blige's quote reflects the belief that while the future is uncertain and controlled by a higher power, individuals hold the ability to make choices that shape their personal narratives. It highlights the empowerment that comes from deciding to pursue success and overcome challenges, suggesting that the outcome is influenced by our mindset and determination.
In practice
During a motivational speech, one could use this quote to inspire audiences to take control of their lives.
When I was five years old I was molested and just, you know. I remember feeling, literally right before it happened, I just could not believe that this person was going to do this to me. That thing followed me all my life. The shame of thinking my molestation was my fault - it led me to believe I wasn't worth anything.
We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
As a child I always wanted to be a singer. The music my mother played in the house moved me - Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Mahalia Jackson. It was truly spiritual. It made you understand what God was. We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
Really, every woman is an example to me, because as women we go through so much pain. We have to live this perfect life when we are messed up inside. We all go through trials and tribulations.
I've been praying to God to show me how to forgive myself. Because... maybe... that's the thing I've been searching for.
In the inner city, there's a mentality that the government owes you something. My breakthrough came when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took responsibility for every part of my life. No more pity parties. I've gotta love me more than anybody else loves me.
You are not the product of your circumstances. You are a composite of all the things you believe, and all the places you believe you can go. Your past does not define you. You can step out of your history and create a new day for yourself. Even if the entire culture is saying, "You can't." Even if every single possible bad thing that can happen to you does. You can keep going forward.
A man is a fool not to put everything he has, at any given moment, into what he is creating.
Get into a line that you will find to be a deep personal interest, something you really enjoy spending twelve to fifteen hours a day working at, and the rest of the time thinking about.
I give myself permission to be all that I can be, and I deserve the very best in life.
When you walk through that door of opportunity you don't slam it shut behind you.
Have a definite, clear, practical ideal - a goal, an objective.
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