“Life is like a box of chocolates,” Forrest Gump famously said, “you never know what you’re going to get.”
It’s that uncertainty that both excites us and frustrates us.
We’d love life to be filled with happiness and peace, yet so often it is filled with fear and uncertainty.
Being inspired doesn’t come easy in those difficult moments.
That’s when it can help to turn to the wisdom of others who have already been where we currently are.
Their inspiring quotes about life can help to give us all a new perspective about what is going on.
Here are a select few for your consideration.
#1. My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best as I can.
– Cary Grant
One of the biggest frustrations of life is to have our best laid plans get turned upside down.
We can plan a day down to its finest details, but not be able to complete them because of what happens during the day.
By taking a minimalist approach, we reduce our daily frustrations because we don’t feel like we’re out of control.
#2.
The future is never guaranteed.
The past is something that cannot be changed.
What we do have is the present time, this moment right now, and that time is a gift.
Use that gift and make every moment count because you never really know how many more moments you’ll have.
#3. In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
– Abraham Lincoln
Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 90 years.
Some people just go out and grab their opportunities as they come.
Others are content to sit in their chair with their favorite beverage and wonder why sometimes they feel so alone.
Seize the day, no matter what may come your way, and you’ll make a big impact on the world.
#4.
Many friends and loved ones will have a direction they want your life to go.
If your dreams go in a different direction, you’re then faced with a choice.
Do you follow your own dreams?
Or do you follow the advice given to you by the ones you love?
If you’re not chasing your own dreams, then you’re not living your own life – and life is too short to do that.
#5. Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
– Les Brown
We can’t be afraid of failure.
That fear holds us back from our full potential.
You can conquer your fear, but it requires a conscious choice to do so.
Take a risk. See what happens.
Failing is still better than never chasing your dreams at all.
#6. It is not the length of life, but the depth.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do something with this day.
Go out and mow the lawn.
Tip someone a little more than usual.
Buy some canned goods and take it to your local food pantry.
Volunteer.
When you do something great for others with your time, it feels like life has much more value to it.
#7. Life isn’t about how many breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away.
Think about the best memories you have.
Those were incredible times, right?
Time shifts our perspective and we often remember the best of times that always made us smile.
Work to make more memories like that and life will have much more meaning to it.
#8.
If you don’t pay your dues and earn what you want, then you’re not going to appreciate it as much.
When things are given to us, we don’t give them a tangible value.
This includes life changes.
#9.
This is your life and its ending one moment at a time.
– Chuck Palahniuk
Every second that ticks off the clock is one less second you have in this life.
At some point, life is going to end and you are going to be remembered by the choices and actions you took.
Make the most of each second and you can make a positive impact on this world long after you’ve left it.
#10.
Change is going to happen.
For the most part, change is a good thing.
It forces us to evaluate our habits to see if we can make improvements.
You might not try to fix a wheel that isn’t broken, but there’s no harm in trying to make that wheel move faster.
#11. Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you’re riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!
– Bob Marley
I have a friend who was once asked this question in an interview: “If you were a road sign, what would you be?”
The fact is that you’re on a journey and you’re the road, not a road sign.
Take the roads that navigate away from hate, focus on the road signs that encourage love, and your journey through life will inspire others to do the same.
#12.
Fear causes our personal space to shrink.
This is because we don’t want to risk letting anyone or anything cause us harm.
As our personal space shrinks, so does life itself.
The more courage you have in any given situation, then the more you’ll be able to expand life, expand your personal space, and ultimately you’ll be able to do anything.
#13.
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
– Albert Einstein
Think about it.
One day the universe, God, or whatever you personally believe decided at this moment you would be right here, reading this content.
A planet was formed with the right atmosphere and living conditions for you to be alive.
You are a miracle.
The world around you is a miracle.
If you live life with that perspective, it changes how you think about the world and the other people who live there with you.
#14.
You are pretty awesome.
It’s true.
Others might try to tell you otherwise, but that’s because they’re miserable and they want some company.
You don’t have to give others permission to make you feel like you’re nothing.
You are the best you this world has ever seen.
#15.
It’s a lot easier to point out the mistakes others are making instead of looking for flaws in the mirror’s reflection.
You can’t control the choices of others, but you can control your own choices.
Instead of trying to dictate how others are trying to live, focus on what is going on in your life.
Fix problems proactively.
#16.
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
– Soren Kierkegaard
The news today is filled with a lot of negative information.
We’re always trying to find a way to create world peace, pay our bills, or stop family arguments.
If we look at life as something that has perfect moments that can always be experienced instead of a problem that requires solving, the negative information starts to fade away.
#17.
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
– Mae West
There’s nothing wrong with spirituality or religion.
It’s what we do with those components of life that matters.
Many people are living this life in anticipation of great rewards in their next life, or the “afterlife” if you prefer.
You’ve only got one shot at this current life.
It’s here and it’s tangible.
You can help people.
You can do incredible things.
Make this life be something that doesn’t require an afterlife to justify its existence.
#18.
Each of us is our own worst critic.
If you can convince yourself that you can do something, you’ve already fought the worst part of the battle.
Now you’ve just got to finish the job.
#19.
Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.
– William James
Maybe you are what you eat.
You’re also what you believe.
If you believe that gloom and doom are headed your way, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Believe that life is something that has value.
Believe that you can do incredible things.
These can also become self-fulfilling prophecies.
#20.
The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.
– Audrey Hepburn
Happiness is a choice.
It’s that simple.
You either choose to be happy or you choose to not be happy.
If you can consistently choose happiness, then you will find that life becomes much easier to enjoy.
#21.
Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
– George Bernard Shaw
You really can be whatever you want to be in this life.
You might need to discover what your passions happen to be and it might take some time to develop the skills necessary to create the world you want, but you can do it.
Invest time into yourself and you will create something incredible.
#22.
It’d be nice to have a life which involved playing video games daily, watching TV nonstop, and having takeout for every meal.
Life would be pretty easy, but eventually it would also become dull.
Difficult times shape us into strong people who can achieve anything.
If it feels like you’re in a valley right now, it’s because you’re being prepared to climb up to the next summit to experience something beautiful.
#23.
Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.
– Cassandra Clare
Even in our worst times, it is important to remember that this difficult circumstance is just one page out of many in the book being written about your life.
Turn the page.
You never know what might happen.
#24.
Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect.
– Margaret Mitchell
This is what makes life so exciting.
Because we never know what is going to happen, we always have hope for a brighter tomorrow.
#25.
You can’t move forward if you’re trying to keep yourself in two places at once.
We must be willing to let ourselves explore new worlds without hesitation.
If we keep looking back to the shore, the wonders that are ahead of us are going to be missed.
It is difficult to achieve anything when the past is the focus of each present moment
#26.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
– Confucius
Drama.
We create drama because it gives us a way to define ourselves.
So often we only talk about how much we love people after they’ve passed from this life.
Let’s change that.
Tell people that you love them every day and see how that action defines you instead.
#27.
Live each day as if your life had just begun.
– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Our experiences, beliefs, and feelings lead us toward a personal bias about this world.
That bias might involve people or cause us to be pessimistic about what life has to offer.
Instead of defining your thinking by what has already happened, let the past stay in the past.
Each day is a new opportunity.
Look at it through fresh eyes and your perspectives will shift.
#28.
We’d all like to change the world to make it a better place in our own unique way.
The fact is that when you feed someone who is hungry, give someone a ride who needs one, or tell someone you love them, you’re still making the world a better place.
Small things add up quickly to become great things.
#29. Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously.
– Hunter S. Thompson
We should take some things in life seriously.
War is serious. Racism is serious. Hate is serious.
These are things we should be working to eliminate in our lives to the best of our ability.
Not everything is a personal attack on you.
Love freely, forgive often, and life will be better immediately.
#30. Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.
You had a bad day. It happens. It’s going to happen again.
The sun will rise and the sun will set and then there will be a new day.
See what tomorrow has to offer.
Tomorrow always offers a new opportunity to each of us, but only if we’re willing to take it.
#31.
We can lose sight of our goals from time to time.
When something is very difficult to achieve, we might feel like giving up.
By imagining what life can be when we’ve accomplished our final goal, we can regain our perspective and keep working hard to achieve the prize we want.
#32. Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor.
– Sholom Aleichem
Pay it forward.
Life should never be a tragedy, yet for the world’s poor, it often is.
Living paycheck to paycheck is difficult.
Not having a paycheck at all and depending on others for your next meal is virtually impossible.
Wisdom comes when we learn from our choices – including our mistakes.
Learn something new every day and life will be more like a dream instead of a cheap laugh.
#33.
It’s important to have an open mind.
Exploring, asking questions, being curious – it’s part of the human condition.
That light bulb above your head is waiting to light up with your next brilliant idea.
Look at all sides of an issue, change your thoughts if necessary, and your ideas will shine brightly.
#34.
You are the one who is in control.
Outside circumstances will always have the chance to bring frustration and stress, but you get to choose how to react.
You can always choose happiness. You can choose forgiveness.
#35.
We must make choices every day.
We must have the courage to take a stand for the things we believe are important.
That can be difficult to do sometimes when the choices are hard, but it must be done.
If you’re not willing to make those choices, you’ll be run over by the people who have made their choice and are moving forward, come what may.
#36.
Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.
– Denis Waitley
With greater risk comes the chance for a greater reward.
Sometimes the reason why a life might feel like it has stalled is because risks are not being taken.
And yes – some risks won’t pay off in the end.
Yet if we take no risks at all, then life will go nowhere. Nothing will be accomplished.
Every day will offer a predictable outcome. There will be zero forward movement.
#37.
[originally a Confucius quote]
What if you knew for certain that you had 14 days left to live?
What would you attempt to do with those 14 days?
Far too often, we treat life as an infinite resource.
We let many days slip by us like a ship passing in the night.
A wasted day is something that can never be recovered.
When we can see that each day is a beautiful gift, we begin to make the most of our finite lives.
#38.
A great attitude becomes a great day which becomes a great month which becomes a great year which becomes a great life.
– Mandy Hale
How you think about things really does matter.
If you look for negative things, then you will find them. You will begin to seek out misery.
You will eventually lose sight of what it means to be happy.
The reverse is also true.
If you approach every day with a positive attitude, then you will find more positive things.
You will begin to seek out joy. You will eventually lose sight of what it means to be miserable every day.
#39.
Some people like to say that “you are what you eat.” In reality, you are what you “think.”
When a stressful situation comes your way, how do you approach finding a resolution?
Do you try to avoid that stress?
Do you confront it head-on?
Maybe you put your head down, work through the situation, and don’t give stress a chance to latch onto you?
Whatever you think about, that’s what you’ll be.
#40.
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.
– Henry David Thoreau
Don’t let other people drag you down. Step forward with confidence toward whatever your dream may be.
Take control of your life and shape it into what you imagined it would be.
You can’t reach the stars unless you’re willing to shoot for them in the first place. It’s all up to you.
Decide to live your life and you’ll find that nothing can stand in your way on a permanent basis.
#41.
Each day offers you something new to experience.
There are new people to meet. New places to see. New foods to try. New towns to explore.
This day will only be here once and then it will be gone forever.
Make the most of it and you’ll find that life is this beautiful, amazing, and complex experience that will take you to heights you never knew were possible.
#42.
As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life.
– Buddha
The practice of mindfulness, in its simplest definition, is to find perfection in all things.
The flavors of your food. The feel of soft sheets against your skin.
The anticipation of seeing the ocean for the first time. The warmth of the sun on your face.
Sitting on the couch with a loved one, watching a favorite movie.
It is in these moments that we can discover what life is all about.
#43.
Your life is ultimately a mirror.
It reflects not who you want to be, but who you really are.
If you see negativity all around you, then that’s a reflection of you.
This also means that if you want to see more positive people in your life or you want more opportunities to do amazing things, then change your perspective.
Take a different attitude in your approach.
The reflection will catch up with you one day.
#44.
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
– Mark Twain
Mob mentality.
When there are lots of people around, it’s easy to have a personal opinion swayed because everyone else believes something specific.
It’s also easy to believe that someone else will step up to do something or help someone when there is a group around you.
This is why taking time to pause and reflect on how you are feeling is always important – especially when everyone seems to agree with you.
This way you can make sure that what you think and believe isn’t because that’s what the mob thinks and believes.
#45.
We might find more joy when we live each day to its fullest, but life also has long-term plans for each of us.
Sometimes the best parts of life are not the destination we have in mind, but the journey we take to reach that destination.
#46.
I cannot make my days longer, so I strive to make them better.
– Henry David Thoreau
Ever wish there was more time in the day? We all have at some point.
Life has become very busy, especially in the last decade.
There is information everywhere. People are connected to one another like never before.
Exciting opportunities may be lurking around every corner.
Yet as we strive for the dream house, the dream car, and everything else we can earn in life, it can be easy to miss what makes our days so great: our family, our friends, a random compliment from a stranger.
Instead of trying to fit more stuff into each day, let’s try to make each day better for one another so we can all reach for our dreams together.
#47.
Mistakes are going to happen.
It’s part of the beauty that comes with being human.
Learning from those mistakes helps us to stop them from repeating.
Mistakes that are repeated are really choices that we’re making.
It’s up to each of us to put an end to that cycle.
#48.
It is up to each one of us to determine our own fate.
We can choose to be strong.
Far too often, unfortunately, we choose a different path because strength rarely comes easy.
We look at our options, choose the path of least resistance, and then wonder why misery follows us on our journey through life.
Choose strength.
#49.
This is another way to express the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
We must be proactive about life instead of being reactive.
Instead of waiting for someone to do something to you, be proactive about doing good for someone else.
You never know who might see that action and decide to do something great because of your inspiration.
#50.
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
– Francis Bacon
When you are in complete darkness, your eyes strive to find the smallest light.
Just the tiniest beacon of hope so you can know where you should go.
In this darkness, even the dimmest light becomes a bright beacon of hope.
Without darkness, we cannot see the brilliance of what light can bring.
It is important to remember this perspective because we never know what kind of darkness another might be experiencing right now.
#51.
Traditions are important.
They help to define who we are.
Yet the ability to change shows intelligence because you can see the limitations of those traditions.
Sometimes change happens because there is something fantastic about to happen.
It can be difficult to go through change, even scary at times, but there is something better waiting at the end of this journey.
#52.
Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are
– Chinese Proverb
There are plenty of things to worry about in today’s world.
There are reports of terrorism seemingly everywhere.
Friend turns on friend.
Neighbor turns on neighbor.
Love seems to be lacking.
Tension is created and we believe this tension defines us on a personal level.
This is not true. We are not this. We are better than this. We are a people who strive for togetherness.
Where friends help friends. Neighbors greet neighbors. And love is offered in abundance.
Don’t be swayed by the actions of a few. Look for the helpers. They are in greater numbers and surrounding you.
When you spot them, then you can breathe. Relax. And realize in that moment of relaxation that this is who you are.
#53.
So often we get caught up in trends.
We want a certain smartphone or the latest computer.
We get gadgets, knick-knacks, do-dads, and whatnots and collect plenty of things that seem like they have meaning.
But what is it that truly has meaning in this life?
Family? Friends? Relationships?
When these are the things wanted, then the other stuff seems much less important.
#54.
Failure is just one more step toward success.
Keep walking.
There’s something amazing awaiting for you at the end of this journey as long as you keep the lessons learned from that failure at the top of your mind.
#55.
It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority
– Mandy Hale
Serving others is a worthy goal in life.
Changing the world, one person at a time, is what many people do every day.
In order to change the world, they must also work on taking care of themselves.
Some might say that spending time for yourself is selfish, but it only becomes selfish if you become your only focus.
When the purpose of treating yourself right is to serve others in some way, then you’re doing it right.
Ignore the critics. Be true to yourself.
#56.
We have moments of perfection which are constantly surrounding us.
These moments might be a special hug, an encouraging word, or a bite of your favorite cheesecake – there are no limitations!
Pay attention, watch for these moments, and find gratefulness when you recognize their arrival.
These moments are gifts just waiting to be unwrapped.
#57.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong
– Mahatma Gandhi
Vengeance is a natural response.
It might even feel justifiable in moments of righteous anger.
Yet the need for revenge is built off of emotion, not logic.
This is why forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
It is an action taken outside of the emotions being experienced.
It takes strength to set aside anger, especially righteous anger, so that a meaningful outcome can be achieved.
It is also an action meant for oneself and not for those who may have wronged you.
Forgiveness is ultimately you choosing to let go of that anger so that your journey through life can resume.
#58.
Tomorrow looms on the horizon. It might be filled with worry. Trouble. Heartache.
It might also be filled with joy. Happiness. Adventure.
We cannot know what the future will hold.
We might have a good idea about it, but there is no certainty.
What we can be certain about is this moment.
This one point in history that will never exactly repeat itself.
Focus on this moment and this is where peace can be found.
#59.
Have you ever tried to make your own happiness?
We often do this through the purchase of things we want.
Money can purchase short-term happiness, but it is an emotion that is fleeting.
We also try to do this through our relationships.
We feel like if we’re around friends or family that we’ll be able to make our own happiness.
The fact is that happiness isn’t something we can make.
It is something that we choose.
In every situation, we can choose to find happiness in some way.
Don’t try to be happy. Choose it.
#60.
It is important to stand up for the things in which you believe.
Whether it’s a spiritual belief or something that is personally important to you, it is these things that make us the people we are.
If we’re unwilling to stand up for these things, we can be easily influenced by those who are willing to stand up for something that is important to them.
And what happens if that something goes against your own moral codes or expectations?
You might just find that you begin to rewrite the very definition of who you are.
#61.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This teaching is often used to show people that they need to love other people.
Although there is truth to this perspective, the last component of the sentence is often ignored.
One must be able to love themselves in order to love other people. Without self-love, there is no love to give.
So make time for yourself each day. Treat yourself right. Do what you know is right for you.
In doing so, you’ll be able to start doing what is right for others.
#62.
Be gentle first with yourself if you wish to be gentle with others
– Lama Yeshe
Negative self-talk is very common.
When you do something wrong, do you call yourself “stupid?” Or something worse?
How we treat ourselves is how we will treat others.
If you call yourself “stupid” for a mistake, there’s a good chance you’ll think this way of others.
On the other hand, if you encourage yourself to stand up, dust off the dirt, and try again, you’ll be more likely to encourage others to do the same.
#63.
Sometimes we just need to make a left turn when a path turns toxic.
Toxicity can come in many forms.
It might be a one-sided friendship. An abusive relationship. A job that provides zero satisfaction.
It can be difficult to turn away from these toxic roads because we are so used to them. Or we justify being on them.
If we can say good-bye to them and turn away, there will be a reward waiting for you.
Even if that reward is only the removal of the toxicity in your life, it is still worth the effort to make the left turn.
#64.
The best part about a journey often isn’t the actual destination we wish to achieve.
It is the process of the journey we take to get to where we are going.
This is why shortcuts are not useful.
They only serve to shorten the discoveries we can make along the way.
#65.
We have many lessons to learn in life.
Sometimes those lessons are difficult to swallow.
This doesn’t mean those lessons are unimportant. It just means they have a different flavor.
The sweet lessons of life are pleasing and fun and these are the moments we celebrate.
The bitter lessons of life are equally important because even though they are not pleasing, they still help us grow into stronger people.
For this reason, even the bitter lessons of life are often celebrated when looked back upon.
#66.
Every life experiences mountains and valleys.
The summits are our best moments and the deep valley will be our worst.
Along the way, we experience moments of magic and moments of loss that are not as great as a tall summit, but not as dark as a deep valley.
These are the moments that average out the extremes so that our journey feels manageable, especially at the times we feel are the worst.
#67.
People can discuss their life lessons in great detail, but it is difficult to understand their exact perspective unless we have encountered similar lessons.
Until we see things with our own eyes, we can still be surprised by what we encounter even with a great amount of preparation.
So ask yourself 3 questions.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life?
Who taught you this lesson?
How did you learn it?
#68.
Hold the hand of the child that lives in your soul. For this child, nothing is impossible.
– Paulo Coelho
Remember when everything seemed possible as a child?
We never lose that perspective.
We just stop paying attention to it.
When we embrace our inner child, many of the doors that seem closed to us will be easier to open.
#69.
The better you feel about yourself, the less you feel the need to show off.
– Robert Hand
There are two basic ways we glean confidence for ourselves: by our personal reactions or by the reactions that others give us.
When we’re trying to define who we are by how others feel and think, then we’re forced to show off for them to gain their approval.
There’s no need to show off when the only person you’re trying to impress is the reflection in the mirror.
#70.
Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
– Max Hermann
Negative self-talk can be incredibly destructive.
”Good job, stupid.”
Berating yourself is not a coping skill. It’s a way to prove to yourself that you are inferior to the universe as a whole.
You are not inferior. We all make mistakes. We all have the right to learn.
You will always be as important as any other entity.
#71.
There are difficulties in the past that can be difficult to ignore.
Mistakes that seem overwhelming.
If we live in those memories, then all we will experience in life is the heartache and guilt from that moment.
This is why the present is so important.
We do not forget our mistakes, but by living fully in the present, we can learn from them.
This is what heals the past more than anything.
#72.
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is important to have someone that you look up to emulate while growing up.
Sports stars, movie stars, politicians… everyone has their own hero.
Some may call them “idols.” At the end of the day, however, the only person you are destined to become is yourself.
You’re not the next Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Dwayne Johnson, Amy Adams – you’re the next you and that’s it.
#73.
Opinions are important because they are a reflection of who we are.
Yet more important than an opinion is the actions that your feet and hands are able to make.
If someone is hungry, they don’t need your opinion about why they’re hungry.
They just need a sandwich.
So give them a sandwich.
#74.
If you feel like you don’t fit in in this world, it is because you are here to help create a new one.
– Jocelyn Daher
It never feels good to be on the outside looking in.
Yet there is also strength in being the one who doesn’t feel like they fit in.
You see the world differently. This gives you an opportunity to change things for the better because you’re on your own, on the outside.
As you start looking for opportunities to change, something incredible happens: you find others trying to change the world too because they also don’t fit in.
Then together, you and they can change everything.
#75.
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.
– Gerard Way
At the end of your life, will you worry about the many deadlines you may have missed?
The countless hours of overtime to afford a luxury car?
Your career status?
The size of your home?
Of course not.
During the last moments of life, relationships are what become important.
If that is true then, we need to make relationships a priority today.
#76.
It’s easy enough to tell others what they should be doing.
It’s harder to roll up your sleeves and actually do some work.
Just one moment of hard work is worth more than endless advice because you’re showing people instead of telling people how to accomplish something that is possible.
If you feel like people aren’t listening to you, maybe it’s because you haven’t been rolling up your sleeves enough.
#77.
The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.
– Barbara De Angelis
There are some reasons when anger makes sense in a relationship.
Yet harboring that anger over a long period of time isn’t healthy. Anger will fester. It will harden your heart.
This makes it harder to love those who are close to you.
So if there is anger in your heart now, for any reason, it is important to choose forgiveness.
Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you have to be close to them.
It just means you’re willing to let that anger go.
#78.
Every journey requires your very best.
If you’re not willing to give something your all, then its value is questionable at best.
Whether it’s a new job, a new relationship, or you’re just cooking dinner for the family, give that moment everything you’ve got.
Putting in a 50% effort will give you 50% results at best.
#79.
Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.
– Vince Lombardi
Winning and losing is more about a mindset than it is talent or skill.
Sure – it’s easier for those who are bigger, stronger, and smarter to win, but anyone can win with the right state of mind.
In every situation, if you go in thinking that you can win, then you’ve accomplished half of the battle.
If you think that you’re going to lose, then chances are that you’ll create a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Maybe the odds are against you, but that isn’t a guarantee that you’ll lose.
So think that you’re a winner and you’ll have a better chance of winning in everything you do.
#80.
When we judge other people, we’re showing the world who we really are as a person.
We’re reflecting how we think and feel about ourselves.
Even if there is a clear division of right and wrong being judged, how we make that judgment is a reflection of who we are.
Simple condemnation is a way to build ourselves up at the expense of others.
Offering a helping hand to correct a wrong – now that’s a way to show others that we love them, even if we feel that they are making a mistake.
#81.
A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.
– John Lennon
It is important to chase a dream.
Maybe you’ll achieve it and maybe you will not.
What is most important is that you actually gave it a good effort.
Chasing dreams also becomes a lot easier when you share that dream with another person.
Four hands are better than two. Two minds are better than one.
That’s why together, you can get things done when it comes to turning a dream into reality.
#82.
We make time for the most important things we have in life.
Rare is the ability to just fit something into a schedule and then accomplish it on a regular basis.
If you want more time for something, then you must consciously make that time happen during your day.
Empty a block of time in your schedule.
Get up early in the morning or stay up a little later.
Then turn that into a routine.
#83.
Trains don’t always go through tunnels.
Sometimes they run through miles of open countryside on a straight track.
At other times, there are switches that must be navigated so you can reach the tunnel in the first place.
Instead of focusing on the end of the journey, try focusing on what is happening in the present.
Navigate through your day and get the switches right.
Otherwise you might find yourself headed to the wrong tunnel.
#84.
Personality begins where comparison leaves off. Be unique. Be memorable. Be confident. Be proud.
– Shannon L. Alder
Compassion is just the beginning of who we are at a core level.
Your personality helps to define who you are as well.
You could try to be like everyone else, but if you’re unique and memorable, then you’ll stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Be confident in being unique. Be proud of who you are.
You are the best-ever you that the universe has ever seen.
#85.
You are not here to do a good job. You are here to make a difference.
– Frank Garcia
This is about priorities.
Yes – it’s actually important to do a good job.
Would you want to drive a car that was built by people who didn’t care if they did a good job?
Yet there is something more important than just working hard.
You are here to make a positive difference in the world every day.
By focusing on making a difference, you’ll find that it is a lot easier to do a good job.
#86.
Life is about choices.
You can either make your own choices or someone else will make those choices for you.
Think of it like the difference of being employed or owning your own business.
If you’re employed by employer, you’re following the decisions of the company made for you.
If you own your business, you make your own choices. It’s your life. Be your own company.
#87.
You can’t change what’s going on around you until you start changing what’s going on within you.
– Zig Ziglar
If you’re angry all of the time, it is difficult to coach someone else to not be angry.
Unless you’re willing to look at what is going on inside of yourself and change what needs to be changed there, you’re not in a place where you can change anything else.
That’s because until you change yourself, you have no credibility with the rest of the world.
You have no experience. And then a funny thing happens when you start changing yourself.
You discover that the world wasn’t as bad as you thought it was.
#88.
We always think we have the time to do something. To help someone.
Except, when push comes to shove, we never really have the time.
We overestimate how much time we have because we underestimate our daily commitments.
Then we do this over the course of a lifetime until we reach our last days and realize that we never really got to do the things we wanted to do.
It’s never too late to change. Follow your dreams. Fix those relationships.
Use the time that you have so you don’t have to rely on an uncertain tomorrow.
#89.
A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.
The problem with being comfortable is that we never strive to be better there.
We’re content to be who we are right now and where we are in life.
It can be an incredibly beautiful place, but you stop growing as a person while you are there.
Finding a comfort zone is necessary sometimes to give yourself a break, but have the courage to keep stepping out of that zone so you can keep evolving.
#90.
So here’s the thing: when it comes to the majority of people, they lead lives where they are constantly struggling in some way to survive.
They live paycheck to paycheck. Or maybe they are constantly seeking answers through religion, science, or some other structural component of life.
This pattern continues through their entire life because the answers offered never really fully satisfy.
This is the quiet desperation – the need to find a specific meaning for a specific life, and most people die without finding it.
What defines you isn’t what you believe or how you may have been created.
It is what you do to make a positive difference in the world today.
People are remembered for the actions they took to help others more than their ability to work hard, support a family, and own a comfortable house.
Stop trying to be someone else. Be who you are and use your talents to lift the spirits of others.
Seek universal moments of happiness instead of worldly things.
In doing so, the song of quiet desperation that so many sing may finally be stopped.
#91.
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
– Joseph Campbell
Why try to be someone else when you are a unique and special addition to the universe?
Your talents and skills may not be as “popular” as others or may not make the largest impact on the world, but even small moments of positive energy can make big changes.
Be confident in who you are and you’ll find that who you are will lead you toward many incredible places.
#92.
Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.
– Muhammad Ali
“Impossible” is a concept that was designed to keep you down.
It is designed to discourage you from being better tomorrow than you were today.
It is an idea that tells you that you should give up.
Except that you can look at “impossible” in a different way.
You can show others that nothing is impossible if you are willing to look at a situation in a different way.
Impossible is nothing when you stop allowing it to tear you down.
#93.
It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self-discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.
– Marianne Williamson
Life is never easy.
There are times when we have to take a hard look at ourselves and make a decision when we arrive at a crossroads.
Finding the right decision means searching through our choices, our mistakes, and our regrets so that we can proceed down the right path.
#94.
There are many painful moments in life.
Friends come and then friends go. Spouses may come and go. Bosses can fire you.
Challenges can test the very fabric of who you are.
In the moment, when these painful events happen, the hurt can be almost overwhelming.
Over the course of time, when you can look back at these events with a different perspective, you’ll find that the painful moments where you thought you would break were actually moments that shaped you into the person you are today.
#95.
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so give everything you’ve got today.
If tomorrow doesn’t come, then giving your best becomes your legacy.
If tomorrow does come, then you’ll have given yourself the opportunity to go even further because you’ve given your best.
#96.
If you are unwilling to change, evolve, or adapt to the changes that life brings, then it is impossible to plan for the future.
You never know what doors might open for you in future days.
You must be willing to think on your feet, step outside of your comfort zone, and be willing to go places that may, quite frankly, scare you.
Comfort is not a valid plan because you’re not really living if that is your primary focus.
#97.
Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.
Scars are often seen as ugly, but in reality, scars are absolutely beautiful.
They show that you are strong. That you can overcome.
Sometimes we try to hide our scars because they may make us look different than others, but be proud of your reflection and all of your scars.
If someone else doesn’t like them, then they don’t understand your journey.
They may judge you based on your appearance, but those who have their own scars will see the true you.
#98.
How we approach our day often dictates how our day will go.
If we expect bad things to happen, then we look for negative things around us so that the bad day can come our way.
On the other hand, if we expect good things to happen, then we’ll begin to look for good things to come our way.
#99.
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
– Leo Tolstoy
We often have priorities in reverse.
Many believe that by changing the world, they’ll be able to change themselves.
The world actually changes when we are willing to change ourselves.
So if there’s something that is bothering you about the world today, look within yourself to see what you can do to change yourself so that you’re ready to begin the external transformation process.
#100.
Life isn’t about what we can do for ourselves.
It isn’t about wealth accumulation, fame, or any other form of success.
If you want to experience real joy in life, then use your talents to lift up other people.
By serving others, you make a real difference in the world.
Even if it is something as simple as offering a meal to someone who is hungry, moments of good tend to multiply.
#101.
I will breathe. I will think of solutions, I will not let my worry control me. I will not let my stress level break me. I will simply breathe. And it will be okay. Because I don’t quit.
– Shayne McClendon
Many of the worries we have today are not going to be something we remember 10 years from now, 5 years from now, or maybe even a week from now.
Instead of letting that anxiety dominate your perspective, try taking a moment to breathe.
Look for solutions instead of worrying about outcomes.
Then keep breathing.
The sun will rise again tomorrow no matter what.
So even if the stress seems overwhelming, step back for a moment.
Breathe. And then dig in and get back to work.
#102.
There are very happy moments in life.
There are also some very dark moments in life.
As you walk through these dark valleys, sometimes you can’t see the mountain peaks in the distance.
If you keep moving, however, every footstep you take will bring you one step closer to the next summit.
Keep going. Happy moments may have moved on, but they will come back again.
#103.
Your life is what your thoughts make it.
– Marcus Aurelius
What you think about is what becomes the definition of your life.
So try to think about positive things.
Take care of your relationships.
Be willing to seek out new friendships.
Offer a stranger a helping hand if needed.
When your thoughts are focused on creating good, then good happens.
#104.
There are always times of chaos in life.
Sometimes that chaos seems to be all around you.
Instead of embracing it, move toward the center of it.
Even the strongest hurricane has a calm eye where peace can be found.
So strive to find that central peace.
Otherwise it will always feel like you are caught within the storms of life.
#105.
Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.
– Josh Billings
Be willing to love yourself just as much as you love other people.
It’s good to say “yes” at times, but it is also healthy to say “no” a whole lot more.
Give yourself the privilege of spending time with your intimate circles.
Otherwise you may feel like you’re stretched too thin all of the time, which often leads to stress.
#106.
If someone isn’t treating you appropriately, then don’t keep them in your life.
Most people don’t actually change.
The idea that you can change someone is false.
Only you can change you.
So if you’ve got the wrong people in your life right now, be courageous and remove them.
It will open up some space so the right people can come in and be supportive of you.
#107.
All the mistakes I ever made in my life were when I wanted to say no, and said yes.
– Moss Hart
Follow your gut.
Have the courage to say “no.”
We often say “yes” because we don’t want to disappoint anyone.
The only problem is that when we say “yes” when we’d rather say “no,” we’re not making our best interests a top priority.
So listen to your gut.
Learn to say “no” and life will begin to feel better over time.
#108.
Don’t let the sadness of your past and the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present.
We can’t change the past.
We don’t know what the future may bring.
What we do have is this moment, right now.
Make the most of it.
Seek out the perfection that exists within it.
In doing so, you’ll find that it becomes a lot easier to choose happiness every day.
#109.
Life is finite.
Eventually we all will experience our last breath and whatever might happen after our physical bodies stop working.
At that moment, the biggest regrets tend to be the choices or actions that were not made.
So don’t wait until it is too late.
Do what you want to do right now to minimize those regrets in those last moments.
#110.
What you choose to do is important.
Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
This life may have its peaks and valleys, but it is our life to control.
So do something incredible with it.
#111.
Every moment you live in the past is a moment you waste in the present.
– Tony Robbins
Mistakes are something that can help us learn.
Sometimes mistakes bring along difficult emotions, such as guilt or regret.
Instead of getting lost in these emotions and constantly beating yourself up about a bad choice, make the decision to move forward.
Look for opportunities right now that are open to you.
Use your experiences to do something incredible.
#112.
When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.
You are in control of who you are.
No one but you can decide what you will do, who you will add to your intimate circles, or what goals you’ll pursue.
#113.
You made a mistake.
Get up.
Dust yourself off.
Try again.
This is how success can be found.
#114.
Doubt will always be present if you’re contemplating a choice that entails risk.
Those doubts will go to war against your logic.
They will do everything possible to persuade you that you shouldn’t make the choice you’re about to make.
If you can win this war before moving forward, then the future battles you’ll face on your journey toward success will be easier to win.
#115.
People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’re lost.
– Dalai Lama
It’s easy to think that our road is the best road to take in life.
“Narrow is the gate that leads to life,” is an expression of many spiritual or religious practices.
But what if each journey had its own gate on its own road.
Instead of having one road, what if there are many?
If this were the case, then people could seek out fulfillment and happiness in their own way.
Instead of criticizing a different journey, look for your narrow gate.
#116.
Change is hard because it makes us uncomfortable.
We might look back on past days and think of fantastic times.
We must let these memories go.
What happened yesterday can help us learn today, but it must not dictate what we do today.
Have faith that the future will work itself out for the better, reach toward your goals, and you’ll one day find the success you want.
#117.
Surround yourself with people who believe in you more than you do in yourself.
– Gaby Natale
There will always be days where you doubt yourself.
Failures might have happened.
You might have made a terrible mistake.
You could have made a compromise on your values that you never thought possible.
When you are surrounded by people who know who you are and believe in that person, it is much easier to find yourself once again.
#118.
Let your life be shaped by decisions you made, not by the ones you didn’t.
Regret is going to happen one way or another.
You could regret not making a decision.
You could also regret the failure that comes from making a decision.
At least in failure, you have the opportunity to learn something.
If you refuse to make a decision, then you’ll be dealing with regret and uncertainty at the same time – and that’s a painful place to be.
#119.
Always live and act as if your life was broadcast on television and your thoughts were shown in captions.
– Christoph Buksnowitz
Integrity is what will drive you toward success.
You must be the same person, whether you’re alone or you’re with a large group of people.
If you live your life in an authentic manner, as if you are always being watched, then it is easier to take responsibility over who you are and what you do.
There’s no room for blame.
There’s only room for action.
#120.
A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days.
– Annie Dillard
If you feel like your days are all over the place, then it is likely because there is not enough structure to your time.
Implementing a schedule does require a small time investment, but it will also help you to keep your thoughts organized.
When you can prepare for what is about to happen instead of being surprised by it, your mind is better prepared for the onslaught of stress.
It is also easier to stay on-task instead because you know what needs to be done.
#121.
Bad stuff can happen.
People can be downright mean sometimes.
You can sit back and wonder, “How could anyone think this was a good choice to make?”
Forgiveness isn’t about giving someone who hurt you a free pass or saying that a situation is okay when it is not.
Forgiveness is about giving yourself permission to keep going, keep striving, toward the finish line.
You could carry a chip on your shoulder, but that added weight will just slow you down.
You deserve to win the race.
#122.
On any one day you can massively change the direction of your life.
– Jim Rohn
Our lives are a series of choices.
We choose to stay married instead of getting divorced.
We choose to remain a parent who is involved in a child’s life.
We choose to work at the job we have.
We choose to stay in school to earn that diploma or degree.
This is why you can change the direction of your life dramatically in just one day.
So if you’re unhappy, make a different choice.
#123.
Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
When you’re about to draw your last breath, let’s say you have the opportunity to surround yourself with one of three things: all of the money you made, all of the possessions you’ve purchased, or all of your family.
Which one do you want to have?
A vast majority of people say, “Family.”
Money and possessions don’t matter when we’re gone, but the impact we can leave on others can continue on forever.
If family is important then, it must become important now.
A paycheck is certainly important, but don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones every day as well.
That is where life really exists.
#124.
It is easy to stay focused on the negative aspects of life.
In that negativity, we look to cope in ways that make us feel better.
Many times that means eating a whole lot of food.
Death by Chocolate ice cream does feel like a great coping skill… but laughter is better.
Taking a walk around the block resets the stress you might be feeling.
Loving through patience and kindness is better than any chip on the shoulder.
Don’t wait for others to do this.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
#125.
You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.
– Jon Kabat- Zinn
There are certain forces in life that just can’t be stopped.
It is up to us to adapt to those forces so we can accomplish our own goals.
Sometimes this might take a lot of effort.
It might feel unfair to need to make that effort.
Yet at the end of the day, it’s better to surf your way to the beach instead of getting tossed underneath them, struggling to find your breath.
#126.
Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.
– Mandy Hale
Do you hate your job? Find a new one.
Do you hate your apartment? Find a new one.
Do you hate the town where you live? Find a new one.
We often stay in places where we don’t belong because it’s “better to be around the devil you know then the one you do not.”
That’s nonsense.
If you’re unhappy, then look for ways to choose happiness.
The journey might be filled with uncertainty, but uncertainty is often better than despair.
#127.
There are a lot of reasons to be worried in our modern world.
Wars, in word or deed, seem to be happening everywhere.
People are taking guns into movie theaters and night clubs to do unspeakable things.
Trucks are being driven into crowded markets, beaches, and public gatherings.
Our survival instinct sees these things and says, “Let’s stay safe. We can watch TV at home.”
Some days that might be important, but it is more important for you to dictate the terms of your life.
Have a grand adventure. See the world. Meet new people.
You’ll find that the good stuff humanity brings to the table is far greater and more influential than the bad stuff we can do to one another.
#128.
It is not what happens that determines the major part of your future. What happens, happens to us all. It is what you do about what happens that counts.
– Jim Rohn
We don’t have control over the outside world.
We do have control over the choices that we make.
It can be easy to blame others or circumstances or fate itself for our situation, but that’s not really an action.
Assigning blame makes life remain stationary.
Make a choice to respond to what happens in life.
Do what you feel is right and then keep doing it.
Let others cast blame.
You can choose happiness.
#129.
Every moment offers perfection in its own way.
That perfection isn’t always easy to see, especially if we’re focused on the darkest parts of life.
There will be pain and sadness.
Yet even in the deepest dark, there may be one beautiful light that can be seen.
So explore what life has to offer.
Be willing to write the pages of life as you go instead of trying to create self-fulfilling prophecies.
And remember to look up at the stars from time to time.
#130.
Live for each moment.
Embrace love and kindness instead of resentment and hate.
Choose to have an adventure if an opportunity presents itself.
Worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes.
Look for happiness and then chase it with all of your might.
Dream big and then make plans to accomplish those dreams.
We only have one life to live – make the most of it.
#131.
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
– Confucius
It is easy to look at a big project and think, “I can’t do that.”
The entire task seems overwhelming.
If you break down each task into specific steps and goals that are easier to achieve, it becomes possible to do many things.
You might not be able to move an entire mountain at once, but you can certainly move a few stones at a time.
#132.
Sometimes when you lose your way, you find yourself.
– Mandy Hale
We often allow decisions to be made for us.
We allow our jobs to dictate the schedule of our lives.
We let societal expectations define our conduct.
When we can lose these expectations and begin to explore what really lies behind the reflection in the mirror, it becomes possible to walk our own journey… One that is dictated by our own decisions.
#133.
Forget about remembering what you chose to do on your deathbed.
Think about where you’ll be just 5 years from now.
You’ll look back at what has happened and remember all the things you chose to do.
Those moments when you said “No” will either be lost to history or become a regret because you really wanted to say “Yes.”
It’s difficult to make a big change in your life.
It is scary to not know what the future may hold.
In 5 years, however, you’ll be a lot happier that you had the courage to say “Yes”.
#134.
Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.
– Wayne Dyer
There are many scary and violent images that come to us from today’s world.
Sometimes it may seem that everyone is out to get you.
It is important to remain focused on what you can control – your decisions.
You cannot make choices for others, but you can choose to live in peace.
Process life as it is and find its peaceful moments, even when they may be difficult to find, and you’ll experience much less stress because you’re not trying to shape the entire world.
You’re just shaping your world.
#135.
There is nothing else than now. There is neither yesterday, certainly, nor is there any tomorrow. How old must you be before you know that?
– Ernest Hemingway
Today has a perfect moment to explore.
Right now offers something incredible.
Instead of spending your energy worrying about the past or the future, use that energy to explore what this moment can offer.
You might be surprised at what you find.
#136.
Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the small uncaring ways.
– Stephen Vincent Benet
It’s easy to lose perspective on life when there are so many responsibilities and obligations we feel that must be met.
We’ll wait in line, get stuck in traffic, or mindlessly pass the time in some other way.
These are moments that cannot be returned to us.
We must care about the moments that seem mundane or boring because they are a gift.
Embrace your surroundings. Speak with the person ahead of you. Sing loudly while stuck in your car.
Don’t let each day drag by.
Experience each moment instead.
#137.
We rush around today like never before.
Appointments must be kept. Schedules must be made. Hurry, hurry, hurry.
We pass the moments instead of embracing them.
The next time you do get a moment to slow down, make sure to experience the moment.
Savor everything. The world will still be around when you’ve finished your tea.
#138.
Do every act of your life as though it were the last act of your life.
– Marcus Aurelius
Ever notice how we remember the greatest moments of a person’s life when they depart from this world?
Every act of our lives should be based on one goal: to add something new to our personal list of accomplishments.
The moments we are given can be living legacies to our family, friends, and communities.
Don’t hold anything back.
#139.
If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
– Rabbi Harold Kushner
It can be difficult to find good things in bad situations.
If a bomb goes off, where is the good in that?
Every situation has helpers. Find the helpers and you’ll discover the good of every moment.
When you start looking, you’ll see that many people seek to help without a second thought.
The world can seem like a bad place when all you seek out is the negative energy it offers.
Look for something else and you’ll experience an intense gratitude that will restore your faith.
#140.
Negative energy is very attractive.
It binds us together if we allow it to do so.
Positive energy can also be attractive and bind us together.
To avoid allowing someone’s misery to accompany you, make the conscious choice to offer them your peace.
Show them that being positive is a viable alternative to the darkness of negativity.
We all seek out light when we see it. Be the light that everyone can see.
#141.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
– Robert Brault
We often define life by our “big moments.”
Maybe you got a job or a promotion.
Your family finally took that Disneyland vacation.
Life, however, is defined by the small moments that lead up to the big ones.
There is joy in spending time together, saving money, so an adventure can be had.
There is a healthy pride in doing a hard day’s work to earn a job or promotion on a regular basis.
Let these small moments define you and the bigger moments will come along for the ride.
#142.
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
– George Eliot
Dreams may come and go, but only because we allow them to do so.
It is never too late to go and do what you’ve always wanted to do.
You can always choose to be what you wanted to be.
The outcome may not be exactly what you envisioned…
It would be difficult to become a 74-year-old professional footballer, but you could become a coach.
You could play in recreational leagues.
There are alternatives which are always available to help us find our dreams.
We just need to find them.
#143.
You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.
– John C. Maxwell
You must decide to make a change for it to happen.
Change isn’t just going to come your way.
Even if you win the lottery, you must decide to make changes to your spending habits if you’re going to save your money.
That’s why so many who win the lottery file for bankruptcy.
If you’re tired of the way things are, have the courage to do something different.
One change often leads to more changes.
#144.
He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.
– Friedrich Nietzsche
What is the reason why you do what you do?
Are you working hard so your family can live in a nice house?
Did you pursue a career because it is something you love?
When there is a goal that we want to achieve in life, it becomes possible to bear almost any difficulty which comes our way if we know we’ll get to our goals on the other side of that trial.
Moments of difficulty can either destroy a person or make that person stronger. Choose the latter.
#145.
It can be easy to wonder why life seems to be treating you badly.
If you feel alone, don’t have a good job, and struggle to find any satisfaction in what you do, then misfortune may be how you’re defining yourself.
To overcome this feeling, you must choose to overcome it.
By accepting what has happened, you are able to make a plan to counter the consequences which may arrive.
Every journey begins with a first step. Don’t blame others or yourself.
Accept what has happened and take your first step.
#146.
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
– Maya Angelou
A catcher in baseball sits behind home plate.
They catch every pitch that makes it past a batter.
It would be easier to catch those pitches while using two mitts, but that would also mean your only job would be to receive.
That’s only one part of life.
If all you do in life is receive everything that someone brings to you, then you’ve got no outlet for yourself.
With two mitts, you can’t throw the ball back. You’re stuck.
To keep the game of life going, take off one of the mitts if you’re wearing two.
You’ll feel a lot better for it.
#147.
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
– Marcus Aurelius
It can be difficult to drag yourself out of bed some mornings.
With only a couple hours of sleep or a lingering headache, you might just want to crawl back into bed.
Yet even on the most difficult of days, there are still moments of gratefulness to find.
You woke up, so you’re alive.
Maybe the sun is shining.
You might have a friend stopping by later.
Your partner might be lying in bed next to you.
Air still fills your lungs.
These simple things are still precious, even if they seem to be routine.
#148.
We must define ourselves based on who we think we are and who we want to be.
Striving to be the definition of perfection for someone else will always create rejection because humanity, by definition, is imperfect.
Live for your own acceptance.
Some people may choose to join you on your journey and others may not.
What is more important is that you live in peace with yourself.
#149.
The future is always modifiable by our actions.
– Dr. Phil Zimbardo
Tomorrow is not set in stone.
You can change the direction of your life right now by making a single choice.
We choose to keep our jobs. We choose to stay married. We choose to save for retirement or spend the money on a long vacation.
No one has any more power over the future than you do.
If you’re tired of the way things are, then modify the future.
Make a choice.
#150.
If you can’t make a mistake, you can’t make anything.
– Marva Collins
It never feels good to fail.
Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times with the lightbulb.
A dozen publishers rejected the Harry Potter series from J.K. Rowling.
Each moment of failure, however, was not seen as a failure.
It was seen as a series of steps that eventually led to success.
Mistakes often feel like failure, but they just bring you one step closer to whatever success is lying in wait for you.
If you’re unwilling to take those steps, you won’t make it to the end of your journey.
#151.
There are three types of companions.
The first will always try to tear you down because they want to feel better about themselves.
The second is the person who ignores you, wanting nothing to do with you, until they need something and make a request of you.
The third is the person who is supportive, sees who you are, and encourages you to be that person – even if you’re willing to make compromises.
It is the third companion that you want in your corner.
Have the courage to leave the other two behind.
#152.
To me, if life boils down to one thing, it’s movement. To live is to keep moving.
– Jerry Seinfeld
There are days when it feels like the world is passing you by.
It’s like standing on an ocean beach, watching the boat traffic sail by on the horizon.
They’re moving, but you are not.
Yet there is one important fact that must be remembered: you had to move to get to the beach in the first place.
Life has moments where we feel stalled or left behind, but they are just fleeing moments if we are willing to keep moving.
It may be hard, but take the next step.
#153.
What you learned in life late teach someone early so they can be ahead of the curve.
– Russell Simmons
Wisdom isn’t defined by age.
Anyone who has experienced life has a certain wisdom they can share.
These experiences provide us with knowledge that allows us to be better today than we were yesterday.
Not every lesson is learned in our youth, which is why mentorship is so critical to the success of humanity.
As we grow older and keep learning, the knowledge gained must be shared with the upcoming generations.
This will allow them to avoid some of the mistakes we may have made in our quest to learn.
#154.
You want to change your life fast? Then trade your expectation for appreciation; you’ll have a whole new life.
– Tony Robbins
Here’s something to try: whenever someone does something for you, say these four words: “Thank you. Much appreciated.”
Whether it’s a cashier giving you change, a crossing guard who stops traffic so you can cross a street, or a spouse who went out of their way to make dinner for you, those four words change how you interact with the world.
Telling people you appreciate them and having your words genuinely mean what you say will create a whole new life for you.
#155.
So many people define their lives by one solitary component of it.
It may be their family, their career, or their education – literally anything.
These folks race through life, attempting to be the very best at this one thing, and they can often achieve it.
The consequence of doing so means that they lose touch with the rest of their reality.
People who focus solely on a career often lose their family.
People who focus solely on their family can lose touch with their community.
We must place a focus on every component of our lives and pace ourselves to appreciate each part of it.
Only then will we be able to feel whole.
#156.
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
– Steve Jobs
In a world that is becoming more polarized than ever, we all have one thing in common: one day we will all die.
That means there is nothing for any of us to lose.
We only have a short time on our planet to make a positive difference.
We have just one life to follow what we are passionate about.
Don’t worry about others.
Follow what your heart says to do and life will be happier and healthier.
#157.
We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
– Joseph Campbell
Let’s say you’re planning a vacation.
You plan the entire itinerary and schedule every activity.
Then, as you are driving to your destination, you see something incredible that you’ll want to see.
It’s not on your itinerary.
What happens next depends on what you’re willing to do.
If you’re willing to let go of what you’ve planned, you will get to see this amazing sight.
If not, you’ll miss it, but you’ll get to enjoy the rest of your vacation.
How many amazing things are you willing to miss so you can keep your life on schedule?
#158.
Music is one of the ties that binds us all together.
It can inspire us. It can stir emotions. It may even help us to treasure the family or friends that we have.
Your soul was made to sing.
There will always be days that are difficult.
You may want the world to leave you alone.
Have the courage to let your soul sing anyway.
Its melodies will restore your faith, even on the darkest of days.
#159.
Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.
Negative energy surrounds us every day.
You may hear it in gossip at work.
Drama seems to be ever-present on social media.
The news of the day may weigh on your heart.
This is the water that surrounds your ship of life.
Don’t let this negative energy into your heart.
It only takes a little water to sink a ship, so it only takes a little negative energy to sink your soul.
Find the moments of joy and peace that surround you instead and you’ll find that it is much easier to stay afloat every day.
#160.
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy your life.
– Joyce Meyer
When Joyce Meyer said these words, she was speaking to those who are waiting for their life to turn out the way they always dreamed.
At times we do not realize that while we are chasing our goals, dream career, future spouse, etc., we are missing out on little chances at happiness.
We focus on the things we think we need; the perfect job or family.
The journey to what we think we need may be a complete struggle with hurdles around every corner.
But maybe our life could be enjoyable without that ideal job.
Maybe the hurdles are there to slow us down and enjoy the moment and the life we are living now.
#161.
Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.
– Steven Pressfield
We get ideas of who we want to be by watching our idols on TV growing up.
We all have that one character we love and strive to be more like.
We try to shape our goals, our physical appearance, and our personality to fit what we think we want to be.
But when we let ourselves just relax and be who we are meant to be (the real us, no faking) we enjoy ourselves more and find out who we are.
Find who you are and become it!
#162.
The whole future lies in uncertainty: Live immediately.
– Seneca
There is no way for us to know exactly what is going to happen to us in our future.
Sure, we hope for the best, our personal expectations.
But even with everyday situations, we can’t possibly know what will happen.
But should this make us fear the worst in every situation? Seneca didn’t think so.
Seneca thought we should live today as if it were our last, because the future is not promised.
#163.
If you spend your life pleasing others, you spend your life.
– Cheryl Richardson
Look inside your wallet.
Let’s say you have $100 to your name for the rest of your life.
Would you spend it on diner and a movie, or would you save it for something you needed?
Imagine your time being limited the same way.
Being a people pleaser, without allowing your-self the time you need, can drain you of all your joy.
Would you spend all of your money feeding others and buying gifts as you starve and end up homeless? No.
#164.
Nothing is permanent in this wicked world, not even our troubles.
– Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin referred to the fact that in the end, nothing will remain.
He saw the worldly ways as many others do; wicked.
There are so many things that cause us hurt, both physically and emotionally throughout our lives.
We experience heart break, illness, loss of a job, stress, and so many more.
Even the happiest of lives cannot avoid this fact.
But always remember that your troubles will pass and joy will come again.
All things pass, and the cycle goes on.
It is more about how you live your life knowing things will get better, troubles are temporary.
#165.
Each day is a little life: every waking and rising a little birth, every fresh morning a little youth, every going to rest and sleep a little death.
–Arthur Schopenhauer
Every day that we are given breath we are also given a chance at new opportunities in our life.
Each day we start new as we are born into the morning, awaking for our new journey.
We may begin the day hoping for the best and naive to any hurdles that may fall into our path.
But at the end of a bad day, there is always the death of that day and another chance for joy the next.
#166.
What will mess you up most in life is the picture in your head of how it is supposed to be.
Most of us are guilty of watching sappy romances and expecting our relationships to follow suit.
Some working moms spend time packing perfect lunches while their kids wear the newest fads.
Your neighbor may have the best yard on the block.
We tend to get an idea of what life is supposed to be by watching others.
We may even convince ourselves that we aren’t happy with our life because it isn’t what we see on TV or like other people we know who “have it all together”.
This idea that we have in our head about what a perfect life is, is all wrong.
Those romances are scripted, that mom is exhausted, and the neighbor may be just trying to get away from his wife so he spends all his time on the yard.
You have to make your own happiness without expecting perfection.
#167.
And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.
–Randy Komisar
What holds down our freedom?
Our job, finances, relationship or our family?
We have desires and dreams that we hold onto and tell ourselves “someday”.
Maybe someday when we have more time or money we will take that trip.
But we constantly feel that until we have the financial freedom or the emotional freedom from a bad relationship, we will just save it for the future.
Komisar’s quote stresses the importance of doing it now.
Putting these dreams off will only put you at risk of never experiencing them in your life.
Find a way to make it happen.
Allow only people in your life who support your dreams, and save up to do what you want to do now!
#168.
Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.
–Alan Keightley
Do you have that friend who says “hey, you gotta try this, it’s so much fun.”
Maybe trying it would be fun, maybe it’s not your cup of tea.
Everyone has their own personal interests and their way of life.
You don’t have to get married and have 5 children and own a house in the suburbs.
While some people think this is the best way to live, it isn’t for everyone.
If you would rather hike the pacific crest trail than visit New York City, then that is the experience you should have.
We are given one life to live, and living it the way we are told to is not living.
Experience the world the way you desire.
#169.
Let go of the people who dull your shine, poison your spirit, and bring you drama. Cancel your subscription to their issues.
– Steve Maraboli
There will always be people who are unhappy with their lives.
Maybe they are growing and looking for their happiness, but in the meantime they are typically the ones who are bringing other’s down so they don’t feel so bad about themselves.
These people need to grow, without you.
It is important to be in the company of those who support you and raise your spirit.
You can’t afford the subscription to the drama on a monthly basis when you are trying to improve your life.
Leave the negative people where they are and let them find you once they have found happiness.
#170.
The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.
– Alan Watts
Some people create things during their life because they want future generations to remember them.
Others work hard at creating opportunities for other people because it is a way to create success vicariously.
Instead of working hard to build an uncertain future, the meaning of life suggests that you slow down instead of speed up.
Live in this moment. Feel how your breath causes your chest to rise up and down.
Close your eyes and remember a favorite memory. Think about the things that make you smile.
It is these things that define a good life.
#171.
It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
– William Somerset Maugham
Have you ever heard of the Law of Attraction? It says that the things you manifest in your life will become what you experience.
If you want a great job that lets you pursue your passions, then you must go after it with all of your energy.
Refuse to accept a position that you hate, but lets you pay your bills on time.
This principle applies to every aspect of life. It even includes your relationships.
Never compromise on your quest to accept anything but the best because this perspective can unlock a treasure of happiness that will last your entire life.
#172.
You can’t control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go a little and just let life happen.
– Kody Keplinger
It can be a challenge to delegate specific responsibilities to others.
There is a need to be in control over one’s life that sits at the very core of human existence.
We can control some decisions in life, but most of them fall outside of what we can do.
Try to let go of the moments that fall outside of your control.
Take ownership over the decisions that you can make so that they have a powerful impact on the world.
When you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing, you’ll find that life happens in beautiful ways anyway.
#173.
Life is precious as it is. All the elements for your happiness are already here. There is no need to run, strive, search, or struggle. Just be.
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Happiness comes in many forms.
Whether it is eating, socializing, working, travel – the moments of life that we strive to have are usually what defines our joy.
It’s all a lie.
Money doesn’t buy an emotion. The effort you put into your job may bring satisfaction, but that is different than happiness.
When you can be present in your life in a moment with zero pressure, then that is when you can find the bliss you seek.
Those perfect moments of joy are already there, waiting for you to embrace them.
It could be the laughter of a child, the wagging tail of your dog, or a quiet second holding hands with the person you love.
Quit running the race – you’ve already won it.
#174.
Life is not designed to make things easy for us, but present challenges that help us grow.
– Terry Laughlin
Some days never seem to go as planned.
From the stresses that happen at work to the complexities of a daily schedule, it can be frustrating when life goes outside of the normal routine.
These moments help to build resiliency for those future moments when something refuses to go your way.
Growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
When you are willing to try something new, then those moments build your character.
Each challenge will make you a little bit better than you were the day before.
Instead of running away from the awkward moments, head toward them.
#175.
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Instead of listening to what other people think or believe about your life, listen to your instincts.
Trust what your mind says.
The only person who knows how to live your life is you, no matter what someone else might say.
#176.
The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.
– Robert Tew
Our struggles can be useful if we are willing to keep moving forward.
When you stay in a bubble of self-doubt and negativity, the world around you will continue to progress.
Instead of trying to find ways to become comfortable in your misery, look for a path that leads you toward something new.
Different seasons happen in our lives.
Some will always feel better than others.
Now here’s the good news: they will eventually change. Keep pressing forward.
#177.
I am worth of the best things in life, and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it.
– Louise Hay
When you look in the mirror, what do you see in the reflection?
Are you proud of the person you see, or do you only see poor choices and areas that need fixing?
It is challenging to think that you are worth having the best things in life if you are unable to love yourself.
The Golden Rule states that we should do unto others as we have them do unto us.
That means you must have an ability to accept yourself for who you are before you can create positive changes in this world.
If you make a mistake, it can be hard to love yourself still.
When you see too much weight, premature age lines, or other issues that you don’t like, it can be easier to turn away from your reflection than to embrace it.
You are unique and special – and you always deserve the best that life offers.
#178.
We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.
– Rick Warren
Everyone makes mistakes. It is part of the human experience.
What happens afterward becomes the definition of who you are.
We all have a choice: to learn from the error or put ourselves in a position where we can repeat it.
When we take the opportunity to examine an incorrect decision, then that effort releases the bonds of guilt and shame that seek to imprison us.
Even when others refuse to forgive, you can still forgive yourself and start moving forward once again.
#179.
Life is a creation, not a discovery.
– Neale Donald Walsch
You create the happiness that you want to have in your life.
It is the actions which you take that let you enjoy the moments that come your way.
Each decision brings you closer to your ultimate goals.
What you want isn’t buried in the sand, waiting for you to discover it with a treasure map.
Everything you need is already in your hands to create the best life possible.
#180.
Life is always walking up to us and saying, “Come on in, the living’s fine,” and what do we do? Back off and take its picture.
– Russell Baker
Moving forward means that you must find a way to improve your life in some way.
Instead of backing off to enjoy a successful moment, you must continue pressing ahead. Don’t let anything stop you.
You can choose to maintain a positive attitude.
When you embrace living, there will be times when pain comes along for the ride.
That discomfort can be beneficial because it is an indication that something needs to change.
Take a moment to stop, evaluate what is happening, and then recognize what changes are necessary to fix the problem.
Don’t get stuck admiring specific moments in life. Roll up your sleeves and embrace the work of daily living.
#181.
Like a sandcastle, all is temporary. Build it, tend it, enjoy it. And when the time comes, let it go.
– Jack Kornfield
Everything we create will eventually turn to dust.
Almost everything from the past is entirely forgotten.
Even though human civilizations have kept complete records for centuries, much of our development is lost.
There are only a handful of individuals that stay with us in time.
Instead of trying your all to become a remembered figure, build what you can in this life with the people you love.
Tend to those moments with great passion.
Take care of your house, drive that car you want, and enjoy the days that fate, God, or the universe gives to you.
When the time comes to make a change, then have the courage to let things go.
You can always build another sandcastle after the waves retreat.
#182.
Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.
– Benjamin Franklin
How many decisions would you make differently in the past if you had the wisdom you have today?
Do you think your life would be better if you had gone in a different direction?
What is unique about each life is that we develop wisdom from the mistakes we make.
Successes feel great, but the real lessons that we learn come from our failures.
When you dare to keep going, then you will find yourself in more favorable situations over time.
#183.
Life has no remote… get up and change it yourself!
– Mark A. Cooper
If you’re tired of what is happening in your life, then don’t accept the status quo.
It is up to you to decide to make the changes that you want to happen.
There are so many different ways you can do something unique in your community.
You could volunteer at the food bank, coach youth sports, or help teachers at your school.
Some people make blankets to hand out to the poor.
You could become a mentor.
The advice here is simple: do something different.
#184.
There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
– Nelson Mandela
Everyone needs some time where they feel comfortable.
Your energy levels eventually run dry when you keep pushing for bigger and better things in life.
It’s okay to take a break.
The trap that people fall into here is that they decide that they like having a comfortable life.
It comes with fewer responsibilities. Don’t settle for this outcome.
You are capable of becoming something amazing.
Set your eyes on the biggest prize possible, and then start taking the small steps necessary to reach that significant goal.
#185.
If I take death into my life, acknowledge it, and face it squarely, I will free myself from the anxiety of death and the pettiness of life—and only then will I be free to become myself.
– Martin Heidegger
Many of our decisions rely on our drive to survive.
We buy specific foods, work certain jobs, and live in secure homes.
Our fears of the unknown can prevent us from stepping outside of this routine to experience authentic freedom.
We must acknowledge that death is part of our existence, just as hunger, fatigue, and love are.
When we face death (or any other fear) squarely, then we break the shackles that hold us back.
If you don’t like to fly, then take a vacation that forces you to travel.
When you don’t like social situations, put yourself out there anyway. It can be a highly rewarding experience.
#186.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.
– Jack Kornfield
It is easy to get caught up in the emotions of a moment.
What we lose sight of at these times is the long-term perspective.
Ask yourself if what is happening today will have a profound impact on who you are a month from now.
Are you going to be still worrying about this situation? If not, then it’s time to move on.
If what is happening will be problematic in the future, then it means you feel like one of these three key areas is being violated in some way.
What can you do to fix that situation? Then decide to take action.
#187.
Every day of our lives, we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference.
– Mignon McLaughlin
Nothing changes if we continue to make the same decisions every day.
If you’re ready to start growing, then it is time to step outside of your comfort zone.
Even one small change can create a profound impact on your life.
Imagine that you want to write a book, but it feels like you don’t have any time to put in the work required to do so.
You make a small change to your schedule so that you write for ten minutes before bed.
When you stay consistent with that change, you’ll eventually have a novel.
#188.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.
– Walt Whitman
Keep looking toward your future goals.
Everyone encounters a negative voice that suggests failure, but you don’t need to listen to it.
When you stay focused on who you want to be, then the complaints will fall by the wayside.
The shadows of negativity fall away when you refuse to let those voices take control of your life. Be you.
#189.
The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.
– Ursula K. Le Guin
Some people feel scared about the uncertainty of the future.
Others get excited about the unknowns that might come their way.
How do we ensure that our perspectives fall into the latter category?
When you have a plan for the future to follow, then you have your vision set on the big picture.
There might be challenges to face along the way, but you know what it is that you want to achieve in life.
The footsteps you take are providing lessons that will help you to reach your definition of success.
Uncertainty might bring conflict, but it always provides growth.
Focus on how you can be a little bit better tomorrow than you were today.
#190.
A life of ease is not the pathway to growth and happiness. On the contrary, a life of ease is how you get stuck and confused in life.
– Benjamin P. Hardy
An easy life doesn’t provide any challenges.
It puts you into a routine where the same things happen every day.
You become part of a method that’s as predictable as the sunrise and sunset each day.
If you want to grow, then you must create a different routine. You must be willing to take a risk.
There must be an acceptance of the idea that failure can happen.
If you get knocked down, then have the courage to stand back up.
#191.
It wasn’t until I slowed the car and rolled down the windows that I realized I spend most of my days driving ‘through’ life without driving ‘in’ life. So, I’ve decided to walk because the pace is slower, and the windows are always down.
– Craig D. Lounsbrough
When your focus is on each task that you must complete, then it is easy to miss what is happening in the world around you.
Instead of enjoying a cool breeze on a summer day, you might be worried about being late to work.
The house might need to be cleaned, so you ignore the songbirds and their melodies in the trees.
Instead of rushing through each task until you eventually collapse, consider slowing down.
Take a deep breath and experience what the world wants to bring your way.
This perspective can change your life because your focus moves away from anxiety to contentment.
#192.
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
– Marcus Aurelius
You have the power to be happy every day. It is a choice that you can make, just like what you ate for breakfast.
No one has the power to control how you feel unless you allow it.
If someone triggers anger, then think about why that happened.
Then permit yourself to be happy once again.
Everything you need for this process is already present in your body.
Open up your mind to new possibilities.
Visualize what you want to achieve in life.
This positive energy will always help you to enjoy the best moments that come your way.
#193.
Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.
– Hans Christian Andersen
The only moment any person is guaranteed is the one happening right now.
How can you make the most of that time?
Far too often, our focus is on the past or the future.
We worry about what might happen or ponder how others think and feel about our choices.
If you start looking for the perfect moments that are awaiting discovery around you right now, this one effort will change your life.
Listen to the laughter of a child. Smile at a stranger.
Hold the hand of your spouse, significant other, or child.
Dance in the rain.
#194.
Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.
– George Bernard Shaw
It can be difficult to see other people enjoying success while you’re stuck in a place where you’re barely scraping by.
You must remain patient with your efforts to build the life you want.
A lifetime of goals isn’t going to happen overnight.
It’s a slow process that requires a lot of attention.
When you do achieve success, then pass along the lessons you’ve learned to others.
Let your attitude be one of gratefulness.
The information you gathered when working to change your life can do the same for the rest of the world.
#195.
You got to go down a lot of wrong roads to find the right one.
– Bob Parsons
Instead of giving up when you experience failure, think about starting over. Go back to Square One.
Then make different choices as you start moving forward once again.
When we learn from our mistakes, it is much easier to discover the wrong roads.
It can take several efforts to get to where you want to be.
If you decide to give up, then you’ll never achieve what you want in life.
#196.
The purpose of life, as far as I can tell, is to find a mode of being that’s so meaningful that the fact that life is suffering is no longer relevant.
– Jordan Peterson
Every life has a purpose.
It is up to each of us to find out what our mission is so that the world can become a better place.
Your gifts and talents are what will help to ease the suffering of others.
Some people feel like they have nothing to contribute to their communities.
If you think that way, then make a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
Be 100% honest with yourself during this process.
Then match up what you do best with what your community needs.
This effort will bring a lot of joy into your life.
#197.
Life is a balance between what we can control and what we cannot. I am learning to live between effort and surrender.
– Danielle Orner
#198.
Life is short. Say what you’ve wanted to say. Do what you’ve wanted to do. Don’t wait until the only thing you can say is, I wish I’d had the courage to do it sooner.
– Lori Deschene
#199.
I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.
– Arthur Rubinstein
#200.
Life is tragic but it’s equally comic.
– John Banville
#201.
Love the life you live. Live the life you love.
– Bob Marley
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Great positive affirmation there. My opinion is that too many people are too focussed on overthinking, worries, anxiety and even to the extent of depression. If we take time to understand the nature of life and our own thoughts, peace will come easier. I would say, meditation is the best way to overcome all these negative thoughts,emotions and energy as it calms the mind and also let us understand our own mind along the way.
Thanks Kenny. I’m happy that you enjoyed it.
Thank you for this wonderful collection of quotes. I like the 28th one because achieving great goals is the main source of stress in our lives. When we do small things but with passion and all our love and creativity, it’s when we truly shine. Keep it up with the great work!
Zaria
28th is also one of my favorite ones. 🙂
Hello here. You have a treasure here in this blog because all affirmations and quotes are insightful and worthy to contemplate about.
I see here my favorite author Earl Nightingale.
Overall, this blog can work as tool for lifting up self-esteem, mood and spirit. Words are things. If we constantly repeat them and think about them, they materialize.
You present here a colorful and inspiring array of quotes.
All the best, be healthy and wealthy, Nemira.
I feel like I live by the 3rd quote from Abraham Lincoln. I am trying every day to live an exciting and fulfilling life. I should also pay attention to the Steve Job’s quote and focus on my life. I find myself always comparing and feeling jealous. For example, my one best friend living in Kuwait, had Justin Bieber touch her phone and tell her no. I am jealous she was that close and I am in Venezuela trying to stay clear of tear gas and rubber bullets.
Quote 12, about your life expanding or shrinking dependent on one’s courage really, resonates with me. I feel like when I took a leap of faith to become an overseas teacher, I changed my life. I could be teaching in a school in America, trying to pay bills, and needing a second job. However, I choose a life I can fully enjoy and see the world.
wow that is a long list of some really inspiring quotes. Thanks.
It can be very nice with a little inspiration like this once in a while. I do however think too many people are focusing too much on just sharing these qoutes on social media on not so much on trying to understand what is really behind. We will not be able to live it just by reading a quote or sharing it. It can definitely be to great inspiration and you have shared some great ones for that. We just have to remember to also try to integrate and live it, which of course is easier said than done.
All the best,
Mikael
Wow I am totally blown away by these powerful statements. I especially liked the ones by Audrey Hepburn and Cassandra Clare. I’ve reached the conclusion that life is all about the way that you see it and learning to get beyond all of the bad stuff to focus on the importance of being here. It’s the glass half empty, half full situation and I intend to go with the latter. I’ll be an avid follower of your blog after reading this!
Wow, I think there’s great wisdom behind these quotes about life! I think my favorite is Abraham Lincolns – “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” I just think this is so true! It’s important to make the best of the time we have!
Hi.
Really enjoyed the website.
Originally from Wisconsin I enjoyed one of Vince Lombardi’s quotes. Albert Einstein always has some smart quotes which I enjoyed as well.
I enjoyed the most the Abraham Lincoln quote, “Some people do more in 20 years that others do in 90 years.”
A great bookmark to come back for.
That’s alot of quotes, and a lot of positivity!
My favourite quote has always been: “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift and that’s why it’s called the present”. It makes me think that whatever has happened has happened, what will come will come, and what is in the moment is what matters.
I really enjoyed your post on inspirational quotes. The one that really spoke to me was, Too many of us are no living their dreams because they are living their fears. This is so true. Some people spend there whole lives worrying about everything, preventing them from feeling joyful. It seems that worry and fear are waste of energy, because most of time it is not even warranted.
Thank you,
Heather
Wow! So many great quotes. I will bookmark this page for future reading as there is so much to enjoy! Thank you for compiling all these gems and sharing them with us! It is especially nice that some of the content is with the image so its all a bit easier to get through. Thanks again!
Wow these are all amazing quotes !! Thank you so much for sharing them . I kept coming across one that was my favorite but then I would read another I loved so I lost count of all the ones that meant the most.
So many great quotes!
I love inspirational quotes. I have them included in my blogsite twice weekly. Thanks! Made You Smile Back
Love a good quote. Sometimes that’s all you need to take the next step, make the next change or choose the next choice. Thanks for sharing.
I’m always looking for great quotes to use in my social media posts, this is quite an inspiring collection! Thanks!
So many amazing positive quotes. Really inspiring post. I am going to save it so I can look back on it again Thank you 🙂
I love quotes and you’ve collected a great list of them. Thanks for the inspiration and something to think about.