Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
When you get an invitation to do something in the future, ask yourself: would you accept this if it was scheduled for tomorrow? Not too many promises will pass that immediacy filter.
The ordinary becomes extraordinary when you look at it long enough.
I don't know what you went through yesterday, but I believe you deserve.
The target is to be the best, not to beat someone else.