GoodTherapy.org Weekly Inspirational Thoughts
August 22nd, 2012
August 22, 2012 -A serious comment from one of the great comedians of our time, George Burns : – )
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August 15, 2012 – This reminder from the 13th century poet and mystic Rumi helps us turn our focus away from our individual selves and toward the wholeness of love : – )
August 8, 2012 – Henry David Thoreau reminds us to stay focused on the present, and happiness will follow : – )
August 1, 2012 – This week, Shel Silverstein reminds us that we each have the power to write our own stories : – )
July 25, 2012 – This week, we are inspired by the words of Christopher Columbus to sometimes leave our safe harbor in search of new opportunities and adventures : – )
July 18, 2012 – Eleanor Roosevelt reminds us to follow our conscience, even when our beliefs may be controversial or uncomfortable
: – )
July 11, 2012 -This week, Judith Campbell reminds us that our heart, like our passions, requires attention and respect : – )
July 5, 2012 -Julia Child reminds us that if we want to live a full and satisfying life, we must honor our passions : – )
June 27, 2012 -This week, we have a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., reminding us of the importance of speaking our truth : – )
June 20, 2012 – This week, we have the encouraging words of Dr. Seuss, reminding us to embrace the qualities that make us each unique : – )
June 13, 2012 – This week, Christian D. Larson reminds us to never stop believing in ourselves : – )
June 6, 2012 – Mary Pickford reminds us of the age-old advice: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! : – )
May 30, 2012 – Imagine what life would be like if we all let our lights shine without expecting anything in return : – )
May 23, 2012 – This week, George Eliot reminds us that each day is the start of something new : – )
May 16, 2012 – The quote this week reminds us that the struggles of the people we encounter are not always known to us. Remember to practice compassion and look beyond appearances : – )
May 9, 2012 -Our quote this week reminds us that when we face the inevitable obstacles and challenges of life, an attitude of gratitude will help keep us going : – )
May 3, 2012 – Mary Alice Long reminds us of the importance of play in creating the spark that ignites our imagination : – )
April 25, 2012 -This week we have one of those uncomfortable truths to reflect on: When we find ourselves annoyed by the behavior of others, we should take a close look at our own ways of doing things : – )
April 18, 2012 -This week, Maya Angelou reminds us that the emotional impression we leave on others is how we will be remembered :-)
April 11, 2012 -Our quote this week is a reminder that love is about much more than just feeling good; it’s also about faith, trust, and openness :-)
April 4, 2012 – Eckhart Tolle reminds us this week that the answers to our questions are there, when we are ready to listen :-)
March 28, 20112 – In this week’s inspiration quote, we have Michael Jordan reminding us that you never know what you can do until you try :-)
March 21, 20112 – This week, we have Emerson reminding us that everybody has to start somewhere, so don’t be afraid to jump in there and give things a try :-)
March 14, 2012 – Today we have a piece of timeless wisdom about letting go of things we have no power to change and letting happiness in :-)
March 7, 2012 – This week we have the words of Audrey Hepburn to remind us how far the power of positive thinking can take us in our pursuit of the life well lived :-)
February 29, 2012 – This week we reflect on the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, who understood the value of mindfulness and living our lives in the moment :-)
February 22, 2012 – Laughter is, after all, the best medicine :-)
February 15, 2012 – Remembering that hate affects us just as deeply as love is good motivation for embracing forgiveness, another important aspect of healthy living :-)
February 8, 2012 – All artists know that waiting until the light is right is the key to bringing out the deepest colors and capturing the nuance and mystery provided by the shadows. This principle may apply to the way we interact with one another as well :-)
December 7, 2011 – Our inspirational thought this week is reflective of our Elements of Good Therapy and emphasizes the importance of compassion in our everyday lives. When viewing others through a lens of compassion, we feel joy through connection and understanding :-)
November 30, 2011 – This week GoodTherapy.org features Benjamin Franklin as our weekly inspiration. He states the importance of not only recognizing areas of ourselves we could work on, but of the courage and value of working on our faults :-)
November 23, 2011 – As we approach Thanksgiving, the day that reminds us to be thankful for those around us, we present Ghandi’s belief in the unity of all living things. Keep this in mind as you care for your loved ones this weekend and for those who are less fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at GoodTherapy.org! :-)
November 16, 2011 – This week, we share William James’ wisdom about acting intentionally and keeping in mind that everything we do can make a difference in the lives of others and the world :-)
November 10, 2011 - Helen Keller reminds us that suffering is a large part of what makes us human, but that overcoming is just as significant in our experience. This wisdom is valuable to keep in mind when reflecting on our own lives and how we can relate to others with empathy and compassion :-)
November 2, 2011 – This week we are reminded by John Muir of the interconnectedness of our actions, environment, and each other. Remembering how closely attached we are reminds us we are not alone and that our impact is great :-)
October 26, 2011 – The ability to serve is one of the most precious aspects of life. This week, GoodTherapy.org Weekly Inspirational Thoughts quotes Marion Wright Edelman who reminds us of the place of service in our lives, and how we must view that as an innate part of our purpose. From hearing the troubling daily news to seeing those in our communities who are struggling and in need, remembering to use our resources to serve others is important in these difficult times :-)
October 19, 2011 – It’s certainly getting crisp and chilly outside, which often means more time inside for reflection and conversation. This week’s GoodTherapy.org Inspirational Thought is from Audrey Hepburn. She reminds us anything is possible :-)
October 12, 2011 - Starting this week, every Wednesday GoodTherapy.org will premiere a new inspirational thought to carry you through your week and provide new perspective on everyday life. This week, in honor Steve Jobs’ passing, we bring to you some of his best wisdom. As always, we hope to inspire reflection and conversation between you and your loved ones. Let us know what you think! :-)
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Comments
I love this addition to the website. I know that many readers, myself included, can get a lot from these words of inspiration.
Everyone goes through life making mistakes at some point, big and small. And if you don’t learn from them, they are indeed a waste of time and energy. Consider them a learning experience and appreciate the gift of that lesson learned.
What a great idea! :) Thanks Good Therapy for this excellent new addition to the site. I love inspirational quotes! A good one can start my day off beautifully and set a positive tone for the remainder of it. I look forward to seeing what you share with us.
That’s a wonderful choice to kick the series off with. If you’ve never seen the video where Steve Jobs gives the commencement address at Stanford University in the summer of 2005, it’s worth watching. It’s full of inspiration and insights. You can also read the full transcript of it at the Stanford University website as well as watch the video. Steve Jobs was truly a genius and a very special human being.
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html
great words from a great man whose mind and reach are sure to be missed. . . r.i.p. Steve Jobs
He wasn’t that great. He may have been a genius. However, his personal standards are questionable imho.
From what I’ve read he tried twice to duck his responsibility towards his children with two different woman when he was younger. He even went so far as to tell a judge he was sterile in the case of his daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs and deny paternity. He sure wasn’t the saint he’s being made out to be.
innovation itself speaks of treading a new path.and in an unexplored path there are dangers.but that doesn’t mean we don’t go through it!
That Audrey. . . what a classy lady, and the thought is so true!
What a great thought. I have never looked at the word impossible quite like that I have to admit, but it is so true! Thank you so much for sharing inspiring words from both of these very public figures. They both have a lot of impact on me, as I am sure that they do for many other readers too.
these inspiring words have helped me a lot in the past.a time when I was down and felt like its the end of everything it was these words that really made me believe I have the power to turn things around and fix the situation for myself.inspiration is a very important aspect of success but is rarely acknowledged.
This single thought an belief that nothing is impossible can really help a person give his all and achieve great things that otherwise would seem like distant stars…The power of inspiration just cannot be measured!
I love that Marian Wright Edelman quote. If you can’t give of yourself, what’s the point? I do my best every day to do at least one nice thing for another person. It may only be opening a door at a store for an elderly lady, or checking on a neighbor who’s unwell-small deeds in the grand scheme of things, I admit. Because there are days when small is all I have to give, but I do it.
If everyone did, we’d be living in beautifully harmonious communities all our lives. No action is too small.
I wish she had said unconditional service and not just service. Too many expect an attaboy or some kind of exchange in return. Those types are often of service to others in a very public place. They like volunteering at a local hospital knowing it will get their picture in the local newspaper regularly for example.
The value of service does not come with a price tag attached that you can reclaim in future. I like my service to be carried out quietly and without fanfare. I don’t want credit nor praise. All I want is to help.
Amazing words that ought to awaken a few souls in this world where helping another is often viewed as a waste of time and energy.
The schools where my kids attend make service learning a huge part of the curriculum as does our church. This is a good thing because it teaches our kids from a very young age the importance of giving back when we have been given so much ourselves.
@Y. Noone: Well said. That’s what the prideful don’t get. Service is a lifestyle. Those two hours a week you do at the homeless shelter to ease your guilty conscience about that big screen TV you bought? That’s not true service.
It should be front and center in your conscious mind that that is your life mission: to be of service. Our most enlightened beings on this earth have also been the most humble, asking nothing in return for all they gave: look at Mahatma Ghandi, or Mother Teresa. They lived simple lifestyles among the poor and the sick, and their purpose was to serve them. In doing so, they taught us much.
Yes! Marian Wright Edelman is now my new hero.:) Being of service is something you do purely for your love of humanity and understanding that we are all connected. How more magnificent a return can you want than knowing you did something for the Greater Good of all? You’re generating and exuding positive energy and love.
If we don’t give then we don’t receive.
there’s no joy like giving. ever handed over a present to an under-privileged child? the feeling is beyond what words can explain. there’s just that immense sense of fulfillment in you that will not come even if you gave ten times the things to yourself! :D
Love that we have words from Marian Wright Edelman but I hardly think that Audrey Hepburn falls into that same category of importance
Yes I am kind of a snob even when it comes from whom I will accept words of inspiration.
This is so great! I find myself looking forward to these now after seeing them here for a few weeks. I love the one this week, because it reminds us just how integral we all are to the lives and actions of one another. Keep up the great work, and I can’t wait to see what words of peace and wisdom you will bring to us next week!
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” Talk about serendipity! I was attempting to explain to my son about interconnectedness and could see I was getting too deep for him. His eyes were glazing over LOL. That quote is perfect! Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)
Wonderful words. There is really nothing better than knowing you have strong roots and that you are bonded with something so great such as nature.
amen john muir!
I’ve read many, many inspirational quotes by Helen Keller and today is the first time I’ve seen her photograph. Thanks GoodTherapy.org for allowing me to put a face to those wise words! :)
When I hear my teenage grandchildren complain about trivialities, I remind them of people like the amazing Miss Keller who was able to maintain a positive attitude despite suffering tremendous obstacles. Most able-bodied people don’t achieve a fraction of what she did, deaf and blind from birth.
@M.Landers: Uh, that’s not quite accurate. Helen Keller was fine until she contracted a mystery illness as a toddler which left her deaf and blind. She wasn’t always like that. The most likely suspects are meningitis or scarlet fever.
Helen Keller is one of the most inspirational women that ever lived. If you get the chance, watch The Miracle Worker starring Anne Bancroft as Helen Keller’s teacher. The breakthrough scene where Helen grasps that sign language represents objects will make you cry buckets.
My mother-in-law insists we always visit them for Thanksgiving dinner. Just once I’d like my wife and I to celebrate alone. (We’re married six years.)I’m an only child and not good with crowds and noise. My wife’s got two brothers and a sister, and they all have children under 9. It’s a madhouse because they all go and I usually come home with a thumping headache. My wife would happily give that all a miss too and have a more sedate affair at home. We both work full-time and days off are precious.
We tried one year to invite my in-laws over to our tiny apartment for Thanksgiving and her mother would only come if everyone could. We don’t hardly have space for the turkey, never mind the whole clan! It was impossible to make that happen and she knew it. So that idea fell on stony ground.
I think I feel stomach flu coming on, yeah I do. Right about the night before Thanksgiving…I bet I could talk my wife into having it too! LOL. A day lazing in bed would be fantastic instead of that circus.
Amazing words from a woman who found a way to overcome so many obstacles in her own life, and she continues to inspire even more all these years later.
Seeing the words from Helen Keller makes me also think of the resilience that Anne Sullivan must have had to reach for in order to turn Keller’s life into one worth living. And look at the impact that both of these women have had on our society! These are truly both women to be admired and respected. I hope that as the years go on their trials and triumphs do not become forgotten
Helen Keller has always been a symbol of overcoming difficulty and challenges, of going beyond what everybody says youre capable of, and of striving to get to where you want to be. She is a great inspiration for all generations present and even the ones that are yet to come.
it is kinda like that phrase to dance like no one is looking- take what is special about you and know that it is making a difference to someone
For a lot of us I think that we tend to think that we are only a little drop in the bucket and that the things that we do and say do not make that much of a difference. But I think that these words remind us otherwise. They say to us that our one little drop, be it a word or action can have a ripple effect not only on us but alos on others, and that this is something that we should always be mindful of. It is just another way of pointing out just how interconnected we all are and how we all have such an influence one each other, even in ways that we may not always readily understand.
thanks for upbeat quotes. We all need to be power of example to others as easy to be negative,complain,mopey,self pity,worry,bad mouth others if feel slighted,human, we are called to rise above this.
What a wise and inspirational man, someone that so many of us can still look up to and learn from even today. You know that someone had something important to say when there is still relevance in his or her words years and years after they are gone.
All of these quotes are wonderful pieces of these wonderful people that we can carry around with us and learn from. There is a reason that these people have had such an impact on our society, and I think that for most of them the words explain it all.
It’s so true. Unless we believe in this and respect each other and every living thing it’s not too right that we call ourselves humans. The world is a big family and we should all try and help each other in whatever little way we can. Just living for yourself is of no use if you ask me.
and this is the perfect time of year to reflect on the good things in life and to take these words that you are so kindly sharing with us here in the online community and make the most of them
Having spent such a wonderful long weekend with my family over this Thanksgiving holiday, it makes me so mindful and happy that indeed all of our lives and loved ones can be unified together in such a strength of family. I am so happy that each and every one of them are a part of my life and that their input has made up a large part of the pattern of who I am and what I have become over the years. It is that unity that indeed keeps me going, and I am so thankful for that.
Anyone have any suggestions for a good book of inspiring quotes?
how true Ben, how true. . . well said!
If we r to improve ourselves then not only is it important to increase our positives but also to decrease our negatives.A very good thought there from a gr8 man.
Most of us just don’t take blame for our own wrong doings an try to pass the buck whenever possible.But owning up to them and fixing them is the right way forward. Not everyone can do that and yes it takes a lot of courage. Amazing how seemingly-small things can make life difficult to even strong people!
Making a mistake is not evil. Everybody does it. But not fixing that mistake is criminal!
Ole Ben sums it up quite nicely.
If there were more of us who would own up to our faults and resolve to do the necessary things to change them- wow, how nice life could be!
You have to give to receive, and that is true with everything in life.
There is no time like the present to begin giving back, and what a wonderful impetus for that change that we should read this quote as. This is a time of year when there is so much joy for so many, yet we forget about the struggles that many of our fellow man face in life. They may be sick and tired and hungry, and what better way to give is to give of our time and wealth that we have so much of. Think of how good it will make you feel to let someone else have a wonderful and full holiday season too.
The pleasure is doing something for others or maybe just being nice is just unparalleled..The glitter in someone else’s eyes when they didn’t expect you to help them is just priceless..!
there’s nothing like coming across message like these when you’re feeling low..thank you very much for all the inspiring thoughts here, they sure cheered me up!
Gosh I am so glad that I found this today! Just when all of the shopping and get togethers that are so much a part of this time of year was starting to get me down, this reminds me just how little importance these things should have. I ran across this at exactly the right time.
have missed these for a while now
glad to see it back and hope it’s here to stay
sometimes when things are not going great life shows us things that we would be blind to otherwise.we may feel the time is not good but really it could just give us a window to look at things in a way we havent already.
What a moving and poignant way to explain- the timing has to be right in all aspects of life to get the most benefit out of it!
Read through all of these again today because I needed a little pick me up. This was perfect!
how true..our minds are like soil…we reap what we sow..so always sow love and never hatred..
Hate can grow just like love but without the benefits.
laughter is always the best prescription for what ails you!
So true. Sometimes the situation is just so hopeless that we feel like there’s nowhere Togo and that there’s no way out. Laughter can work in such a situation and it has for me. It’s the best medicine for just anythig, no doubt about it.
Yes laughter can always help. But it is not only the solution. Too many people use it as a band aid to try to cover up the real issues.
good ole Ben always up for a thought that on the surface seems so simple but in the end you know that it is much deepre than that, if you spend too much time looking for disappointment then it is sure to find you
Finally I stumble across such a smiling thought on an otherwise horrible day
living in the shadows always invites trouble
It is astounding almost to read how relevant the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin can still be felt today, more than 200 years later. You never think that you will run across this kind of wisdom that really just transcends time, but then you look and there it is. You can’t go through life always wondering what if, and what will happen. You have to be in the moment and of the moment. Life is about enjoyment and pleasure and attention to the here and now. So go on and make the most of it, and I think that even this Founding Father could be proud of that.
Cloyingly sweet, like eating a little too much of a rich dessert, but sweet all the same
I believe in miracles, and I believe that tomorrow is another day. . . me too Audrey!!
positive thinking and remaining focused can turn things around like nothing else.what is going on in our mind is well reflected in our actions and with positive thinking there is a lot that we can work towards and accomplish.keep strong and keep the spirits high and things will fall in place :)
Not worry about the things that are beyond my control? What? That’s all I feel like I do! I realize way down deep inside that I can’t stop certain things, but knowing that alone does not stop the worries.
very human trait to worry about those things that we know we can’t change. I guess I have not met anyone yet in my life or experienced that feeling of being alright with actually not worrying about something.
This goes well with the new age philosophy of working smart and not hard isn’t it? Work on things that you can change and stop worrying about those that you have no control over, life will be much simpler and better.
wow such wisdom that has followed us for centuries
too bad most of us still haven’t learned
For me the path to true happiness has been to let go of the expectations of others and focus on doing the things in my life that I know are right and true and good for me.
I have to show this to my daughter. She wants to paint and go to art school, but she is constantly down on herself and her work, and that frustrates me because I am always telling her that we all have to begin somewhere. Maybe this quote will be the impact words that I have been looking for to get through to her.
True that!
Even Emerson, that genius, realized that at one time even he was not as gifted as he came to be. Being a truly gifted writer or artist is something that takes so much time and patience, failures along with the successes. It is the journey that takes you there that shows you why you want so much for this to be your life, and why it is about working through the shortcomings that get you to the ultimate success- satisfaction with your own work and having the ability to bring that to others to enjoy too.
its never easy to start something new, there may be others who are great at it but always remember, you can get there eventually.all that is required is a start!
Well, that’s such a positive attitude to have, I wish that we all had that kind of attitude and committment to meing the best that we can be. This quote is getting put on my classroom walls tomorrow! A real motivator from someone that the kids in my class actually know and can relate to!
Failing at something is fine and is a lot better than looking back and thinking to yourself- “I should have at least tried”
Michael J. . . MY HERO!
I love this quote so much because it should speak to so many of us who have been held back by our fear of even trying. But how are we ever going to come to know success without giving it a shot and putting it all on the line and just going for it? I can totally get how he says that failure is acceptable, because at least that means that you have taken that chance and tried to do something. But to just sit around and complain about all that you can’t do or don’t have and yet you have never done anything to try to change that other than sit around and complain? THAT is what is unacceptable to me.
Give it everything you’ve got. It’s not a big deal if it doesn’t work the way you wanted but never ever stop trying. Inspiring thoughts abound here. Enough to spread a lot of positivity, thanks.
Yeah, this doesn’t mean that failure is not an option. It just means that giving up before even giving something your best shot is not an option that we should even consider.
That’s pretty deep. Can have different meaning for you depending on each time you contemplate the words.
Many times I have faced a situation wherein I think I could have done a past thing better but then its always good to know I did best with whatever I knew then.
very much that advice to take what life gives to you and try to find a way to learn from each lesson that you are offered. we too often overllok the things that are literally smacking us right in the face. this is our admonition to not do that, listen to what life is trying to tell us, and learn something positive from it.
I wonder about this, because I guess in some sense I do find it true. When you open yourself up to loving another person, it breaks down those protective walls that you have put up around yourself and allows you to feel someting pretty deeply. On the other hand, I suppose the courage part comes from being this open, which could then allow the hurt in. Interesting take on it.
Perfect illustration that love is a matter of both give and take
Yes, love does give us strength and courage and hope.
But it also gives us heartbreak and sadness when it ends.
I am not sure that the good outweighs the bad once the affair is over.
Love is boundless and limitless. And when it is unconditional there is nothing like it. Never doubt the power of love.
This was exactly the quote that I needed to start off my day given the weekend that I have had so far. Some people in your life will take and take all that you have but are never willing to give it back and reciprocate. Maybe this is my sign that I need to let it go, that I am not valued by him half as much as I have valued my relationship with him.
How is it that Maya always knows just what to say and makes you remember it all?
This is so true! I don’t remember the taunts or the cruel words that have been aimed at me, but you sure do remember how low they make you feel. I wish more people would keep that in mind when they are spewing hateful words at others.
I always try to remember this any time that I get angry and want to lash out at someone. Do they deserve the bad way that I would make them feel if I said the first thing that comes to mind. In most cases the answer is going to be no. And I try to be mindful of how I would feel if someone said the same thing to me. It does not always work, and sometimes the mistakes are made, but we have to try.
this is so true!words and actions can be forgotten but your connection and feeling remain.and that is why we should always try and spread a smile and cheerfulness to everybody around.
Amen Maya!
This woman has such a way with words, always just the perfect thing to fit every unique situation.
While I am sad to have found her so late in life, I am grateful for having found her at all.
hmm that’s an interesting thought- kind of like the reason that our parents would say that we siblings would fight so much is because we were all just alike when you got to the very toot of the matter. Not something that most of us care to recognize, but by one of the greatest minds, it is all right here in this quote in black and white
Now those are words that really hit home!
Recognizing these traits CAN help you understand who you are bt only IF you are willing to learn from what you see
Most of us will just tend to close our eyes and justify that by saying that in reality we are nothing like that
But if you give it some thought I find it true- if someone does something that irritates you, think about is it really irritating or is it just saying something about you and your own limitations
Speak the truth, Carl!
very easy to point fingers at others but just as tough to see our own downsides.
I guess that when we see these things in other people and it really grates on our last nerve, then this might be the time to give a good hard look at yourself. Do you do the same thing to irritate other people that this person does that irritates you? And if so, are you ready to make the changes that are necessary so that you don’t do it anymore? Or does this understanding allow you to be a little more open minded and discover that in reality, the behavior is not such a big deal. Something good to consider, anyway.
I am too much of a pessimist to even believe that this is a possibility
This is why you sense such a love of life from children
They have not lost that light and that love of imagination
Everything is fanciful and full of wonder, and it is because they wake up every day knowing that they can make something magical happen, even if it is just in their imagination
I wish that I was still able to recapture even just a little bit of that whimsy in my own life
Some would see this statement as an excuse to be lazy and a do nothing.
Life is how we make it to be. Taking things in life with a smile and going about things in a fun way can really elevate the quality of life we have and can even help us be what we want to be- happy!
I love this!!!
I am a surfer girl, and this is so my philosophy of life.
If the waves are beating you down then ya just gotta learn how to face them down.
They might knock ya down every now and then, but get up and try it again.
That’s life in a nutshell, or the sea. . . hahaha
But those waves can be pretty daunting sometimes. It takes a lot of courage to look them dead on and know that they might take you down on the inside but that they won’t destroy the best part of you. Some of us know this from the day we are born and for others it takes us a while to get there.
I sure do wish we knew who to attribute this quote to, because this is probably the best one I have seen here in a long time.
It’s all about the learning curve
You have to be willing to take a little chance and learn something new
If you are complacent in life then there are some wonderful things that could be passing you by
That’s not a chance in life that I am willing to take
hey,what a nice quote!and its so true.we may not have control over what happens but we can negotiate the same and come out victorious!
too many people worry about the ways to avoid those waves instead of learning how to buck up and stand up to them
How true. We often judge someone on his outward appearance, his clothes, his accent, and yet we know nothing about the person on the inside. Think how we would feel if everyone that we passed on the street drew an unfair and harsh judgement of you simply based on the things on the outside. Would that be a fair assessment of who you really are? No. Then think about that the next time you do the very same thing to another.
Be mindful of the battles they are inwardly fighting because you never know when you could be faced with the same thing in your own life one day
This is so true! I always make it a point to and also encourage others to be nice to all and especially to the socio-economically backward individuals. They may have problems that you may not even have thought existed!
I agree with this to some extent, but I really have a hard time dealing with someone who wears every emotion on their sleeve, especially when it is all about the negative.
Great inspiration from each quote. Can really liven up a person’s day! :D
Another reminder that we need to mind our own business, don’t go around judging someone on who you THINK they are or should be. . . accept them and respect them for who they are.
positively uplifting words for an other wise positively crummy day!
I’ve seen a lot of people say “I can’t” or “it’s too late” but really you’re not gonna get anywhere with that attitude. Try to do whatever it is, give it a go. You never win unless you play!
A lot of schools that are looking to attract older adult students could seriously help them to recruit. Reinforcing the idea that it’s never to late to start again is pretty powerful for someone looking to make some significant changes and improvements in their life.
I am constantly walking the path toward self improvement and enlightenment so this quote has become my new motto for life!
so what if you squandered a great opportunity today, there is always a new day awaiting you to make a wiser choice the enxt time!
what a lovely message to share with someone who may have given up on life, who may need just a little pick me up to get through another day
aaawww that’s so sweet! I wish for all of humanity to adopt that sort of attitude toward one another
This is so true- we spend far too much time anticiapting what is in it for us when we do something good than just appreciating how good it feels to give and expect nothing in return. Being able to give selflessly is the best gift of all.
Unconditional love.Hard to find but its out there people, its beautiful!
This makes me happy to read something so uplifting like this so early in the morning :):)
Way to preach it Mary Pickford!
I sure do wish that there were more of us out there who felt that way.
Don’t you think that too many times people give up on something way too soon? They try it once, don’t succeed, then say oh well, that’s that, not going to try that again. But how are you ever supposed to get better at something if you only try it once?
My momma taught me better than that. She would have swatted my behind good if she had thought that I ever let a little something like not succeeding the first time keep me from trying again. She was always that voice of encouragement for me that sadly I fear a lot of young people especially are missing today.
But don’t you think that this could also be viewed as way to get to know your weaknesses, and maybe as a motivator to find something that you are good at? I don’t mean to give up on something altogether, but maybe that just wasn’t the right plan for you and it’s time to rethink, refocus, and find something that you can be good at.
Thanks for these wonderful inspirational thoughts. While I was reading this, I remembered my friend. And I think I should make her see all of these. And I’m sure it would really help her.
Great quote for any facet of life!
I can’t even let myself hang with anyone who chooses to stay down. What are the best words to describe it? I may get knocked down, but I am going to get back up again and fight it out. If you don’t feel that way then you are not worth my time and energy.
I love to read these quotes every time that there is a new one posted, but this one really spoke volumes to me today. I had gotten to the point where I have been so down on myself and my talents. I felt like I couldn’t do anything right or make anyone happy, not even myself. But there is no way to know if that is even the real truth f I don’t at least keep making an effort to do some good things. If I don’t at least try, then how will I know? I know that I was put on this Earth to be more than who I am, I just have to figure out how to find that. This quote right here offers me the inspiration to keep me on my toes, to keep me moving and pushing.
I like this so much. Too often we are faced with these challenges that feel bigger than we are, like they are so insurmountable that we will never be able to overcome them. But this gives us the strength to realize that’s not true. God never gives us more than we can handle, and I think that this quote just emphasizes that very truth perfectly.
kind of hard to believe that if you have gottent to a pretty low state in life. . . it will take more than some dynamic quote like this one to get some people moving again. . .
I am in love with this quote.
For so many years I have gone through my own life feeling that there were things that I could not control, could not change, because they were bigger (or so I thought) than I could manage.
You know those things that you always wish that you could change, but it feels like you are a gerbil on a wheel, always spinning but never really getting anywhere.
But when I sa this this morning, it hit me that I am not the only one who has ever felt this way and that to sit around and be overwhelmed without even trying to take any action is lazy, slack.
I am ready to try to make a difference, and I know that it is not impossible to do it.
These are wonderful! Especially Audrey Hepburn. She was my idol and such a fantastic mother, too. She took a hiatus at the top of her career to bring up her sons, came back and then devoted the last years of her life as a UN ambassador. Beautiful, elegant and always positive till her early death from cancer.
Perfect for my fellow “gleeks”!
I always knew that I loved Dr. Seuss!
When I saw this I just had to text it to my daughter because this quote reminds me so much of her.
She has had to put up with a lot of teasing at school because she is such a non conformist, she has her own sense of style and is not afraid to express who she is.
But this has really come with quite a price because in the effort not to lose herself she has become a target for others who wish to break down much of that self assurance that she feels.
I don’t want her to lose that, and I hope that these words from Dr. Seuss will inspire her to keep being who and what she wants to be.
This is such a wonderful and uplifting quote, but I have to wonder what with all of the instances of bullying that seems to be the norm these days, just how many of us can really continue going through life dancing to the beat of our own drummer and not really caring about what others have to say?
I have a strong faith in the fact that we are all given our own unique talents, some of which help us to fit it and some of which help us to stand out.
the important element is that no matter which your is, use it to the best of your ability. It helps you discover who you are and who you are meant to be.
Talents and gifts are not meant to be hidden but are meant to shine. Take what you have been given and exalt and rejoice in it!
Stand up for what you believe in and speak your mind about the things that are the most important to you! Wonderful life lesson that all of us should take to heart.
While for those of us who live in a free country where we cn speak our minds without fear of reprisal, think about how stunted this maky make the people feel who would want to stand up and do something but would have to fear for their lives if they did. They are being silenced by the ignorance of others.
I have never read this quote from him, and it is so nice to keep learning more about a man who made such a difference in the lives of so many Americans.
Great thought there. But it’s sad that our country is increasingly heading into a direction that is the exact opposite of what the founders and true great leaders had envisioned for us.
then there are lots of people who have been dyin since the day they were born cause they won’t stand up for anything
I like the phrase from Martin Luther King Jr. The “Life BEGINS to end” is just so strong. It signifies the slow deterioration rather than a sudden change. And this slow deterioration is what each one of us needs to watch out for!
We are a free country and yet so many of us are still afraid to speak our minds about the causes in life that are important to us. Why deny the important things in life out of fear that we will offend another? If something makes a difference to you, think about how much better you will feel to then speak up and make a difference too.
If you are a genuinely kind and caring person then remaining silent is not an option. You have to speak up and speak out. God gave you a voice for a reason, and that was not so that you could hold back on what you think or feel.
The hardest thing about this is that wat matters most to you might be something that not everyone wants to hear. That’s when a whole lot of people begin to shut down and keep their feelings to themselves because they are so afraid of offending someone else.
But that is the one thing that you shouldn’t be afriad of. If it is important to you then you should speak your mind and let your thoughts be known. Your thoughts and opinions matter just as much as the next person’s.
My problem has always been that I will find something that really interests me and I will love it for a while and then the interest fades and I can’t bring myself to get excited about it anymore. I think that a large part of this comes from so wanting to find something that I am that passionate about that I will latch onto just about anything hoping that this could be it. But it never is, something about making that kind of commitment has always scared me away. Logically I know that just because I find one thing that does not mean that has to be it forever, but I find that thought to be very daunting so I end up backing away and having to begin the search for something new and exciting all over again.
If she discovered cooking late in life and fell in love with it then I suppose there’s still hope for me too!
When you discover an interest like that then it literally can nourish you, keep you strong and sane, give you something to embrace when it may feel like there is nothing else. Such words of wisdom from one of the greatest and most prolific chefs we have ever known.
Its always nice to follow your passion than something for monetary or other benefits…gives a lot of satisfaction that no amount of money can replace.
But how do you keep interested for so long in one thing? I am a little more scattered than that.
I have to admit that the Julia Child movie that came out a few years ago was what inspired me to go back to school and become a chef.
I had thought for years that this was something that I would want to do, but seeing that film gave me the strength to actually get out and register for classes!
couldn’t agree more with Judith Campbell..so many times when the mind is not clear and I am unable to make a decision,just following what my heart says often leads to a positive ending..maybe its something like sixth sense or maybe it is just something we believe to be true but whatever it is it really works..so listen to your heart folks, its hardly if ever wrong.
Awesome quote!
Many times we pay attention to what the head is saying but we totally ignore what our hearts are telling us to do. We would be a much more caring and empatheic society if we did spend more time listening to that which is in our hearts. We should wish to be that compassionate being that the heart wants us to be but that our minds so frequently disallow.
what your mind says could be wrong but the heart is never wrong.it is the one that is closest to our inner selves and the heart will always show the way.
Go with what the brain tells you
get hurt less that way
Good sayings here by some great people..will definitely inspire a lot of readers.
True dat Eleanor! Might as well go ahead and do what feels right to you, cuz that’s all that matters in the end.
And don’t worry about what others may say about you.
Believe in yourself, feel your beliefs strongly, and go out in the world and do your best. I think that Eleanor Roosevelt would be proud of that.
What a wonderful opinion, but I fear that too many of us go through life deathly afraid of that criticism from others. We are afraid that someone will tell us that we are wrong, that we are making a mistake instead of standing up for what we really believe and doing what feels right for us. Think about the freedom that you could feel if we all just did what felt good to us and not what was right for someone else.
haha..so true..people are gonna criticize anyway.at least what I do should be what I want to.
What words of courage from so long ago but are still so relevant in today’s world.
That’s the problem!
We lack the courage to do the things today that our forefathers had so much of. They weren’t quite as afraid of failing like we are now, and maybe it’s because some of them (okay most) of them were doing it for the wrong reasons like famae and fortune, but the point is they did it. They overcame those fears and went out seeking something better, either for themselves or for their countries, and without that courage who knows where we would be today!
excellent words by Christopher Columbus.Its so true.If he had not dared to go to the sea then we wouldnt have discovered America.What a difference some courage can make…!
Kind of funny that we are looking to Christopher Columbus for words of inspiration when in actuality his actions helped to start the process of displacing Native Americans and causing them to lose the land that had been theirs for thousands of years.
It’s that whole letting go of your fears in order to make some forward progress. If you are continually allowing those feras to hold you back then you will never be able to advance in life. That would be kind of sad if you always let those irrational keep you from being your very best and living up to your potential.
words that endure even today, centuries later, and can apply to so many elements of our lives
This quote came at exactly the right time for me.
I have been wanting to do something new in life, something that will chanllenge me, maybe even get me back to school. But I have been too scared, too focused on the negatives of the what ifs instead of looking at the positives that those same what ifs could actually bring. I am convinced after reading this and finding it by chance that this has to be that sign that I have been looking for to tell me that I am doing the right thing, that I will never know what a difference this could make unless I try.
There is nothing we have more control over than on our own lives and our own selves. Problem is, most of us do not realize that!
so intimidating! great advice but yet how do you always find the words?
With school getting ready to begin again for children all across the nation this sort of encouragement is something that every parent and teacher should strive to give to the kids.
Children will try so hard to live up to the expectations which are set for them- why not set the bar super high this year and just watch how high they will climb to be a success both for you and for themselves!
I haven’t read words so beautiful and so true in a very long time. Thank you for making me smile.
The pursuit of happiness-something that nobody wants to give up, while ignoring the fact that it is right within us.We just need to be mindfully present and it will require no chasing!
A very valuable message from Henry David Thoreau..Just so many of us are trying to CHASE happiness…Happiness cannot be chased and attained it can only be created by doing good.
I read this quote quite a few times before deciding to post a comment about it.
There have been so many times in my own life that I have tried to force things to happen, but then was ultimately disappointed when it did not turn out the way that I had planned.
This is another time that we have to remember that sometimes, we have to let it go. Let go of that burning desire to always be in control, let go of a little of that drive, because there is something greater in our lives that is in control and which will give us what we need at exactly the time that we need it.
Inspiring thoughts are always a boost when I’m down in the dumbs. Glad to see so many here. Thanks!
things never seem to fall into place when i’m trying so hard.i turn away a little and they just get fixed and work out!i don’t know why but this always seems to happen to me.
You know what’s a shame? We were probably all give a little Thoreau to read in high school, when there was no way at tat age that we could get any meaning from what he was saying or meant beyond what our teachers told us. I am so glad to have now stumbled across these words as an adult, because it is at this time of life that you can really appreciate the gifts that we have been given by all of these writers to whom we gave no love or appreciation for when we were younger.
elusive, yes it can be
but as in most cases well worth the wait
kind of goes along with that old life lesson to set something free if you really love something and if it’s meant to be then it will come back to you. sometimes you just have to wait and let nature take it’s own course and stop trying so hard to make things happen.
Lovely thought- too bad we forget that all too often
Realizing that we are only a small piece of the puzzle is such an important and humbling lesson in life. We grow up thinking that we are the EVERYTHING to everyone in our lives. Funny how that hits you kind of hard when you finally have that AHA moment that tells you pretty quickly that no you are only a small, miniscule piece of the whole pie.
Love is such a binding force.It can move mountains and can achieve what a million people cannot individually.All it needs is the connect the binding and it will flow and enrich all those who join in.
It’s hard for us to understand once we have found love in our lives that this is not necessarily the missing piece. It could be just one of the pieces that has been missing from our lives but in no way will this one thing alone make you complete. It has to be that along with all of the other parts that will finally help you bring that picture to completion.
Loved the inspirational thoughts.Especially the ones from Dr.Seuss and Christopher Columbus, really thought provoking and these can give that little push that can take us a long way.
The Beatles had it right, eh?
All you need is love
This could be the best lesson that we ever learn, so let’s all start making this a message to every young and impressionable mind that we encounter- the world does not revolve around us. We are an integral part of this world, but so are the other billion souls on this earth we live with. No one of us is more important than another. Love encompasses us all, was created for us all, and we, in our own little spaces, are a part that makes this world complete.
Well said George!!
I love coming across something unexpected like this. Here is a man who was known for being so comical and rarely serious, yet here he is telling us one of the greatest truths that any of us could ever embrace. Do what you love and not necessarily what you are good at, because what you are good at will only get you so far, but doing what you really love is what will allow you to shine.
In some ways I can relate to this because I like doing the things that I love too.
But I also strongly feel that there are those people, lots of them in fact, who thrive far more at feeling like they are successful at something that just because they love it. We all tend to get fairly discouraged when even though ypu like something you continuously can’t get it right and fail. Feeling like a failure over and over again is not good for anyone’s self esteem!
Is it too much to ask to want to be a success at something that I love? Why is this something that seems to elude us?
rightly said by George Burns.there is just so much satisfaction in doing something you love as opposed to something you have to do,irrespective of the result.I think the very feeling of doing what you love is far more precious than the feeling of success in something that you don’t really like.
while its not easy to love everything we do and not all of us are capable of doing that,we can all be happy doing something we love..and chances are that the pursuit will be a success because there is no limit to how much we work towards the goal when we are in love with what were doing..
Sounds like George Burns had more insight than he was given credit for
No wonder he and Gracie stayed married for so long!
Have given this very thing a lot of thought over the past few months. I want to leave my job because I hate it and it is nothing like the things that I really enjoy doing. But then I have this fear because I have to support my family right? And I am good at what I do but I swear it’s making me miserable. I think about all of the people who have been hit by unemployment over the past few years and how many of them would kill for a job that pays like mine, but it makes me want to throw up sometimes to think about having to go back. I am so torn, and my wife has threatened me that I better not quit because this is how we live. But I am just not sure how much more of it I can take.
I love it when you can find inspiration from someone you may not always expect to get that kind of wisdom and inspiration from. Americans have probably always thought that GB was a great comedian but not necessarily the philosopher du jour. I think that the words posted here is something that we can all take something positive away from. Who wants to waste their lives doing something that they hate? Life is too short to spend so much time doing something that they hate? Not me.
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