Inspirational Quotes

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
– Marcel Proust

Many years ago, I believed that if I lived in a certain place in a particular type of house with a certain type of family, then I would be happy. After speaking to many different people, I found this was such a common sentiment. We were giving our power away to outside sources instead of searching within us for our happiness.

I have a challenge for everyone today. Instead of going about your day like a robot, stop and look around you. see your world with different eyes, and see the magic that is in your world. All it takes is to appreciate those things we can all take for granted. For today, write a list of all the things you are grateful for. Once you start, you will see your world differently. Give it a try and see the difference it can make!

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain” Maya Angelou

How many of us spend our days complaining about things we cannot change?  The weather, our bosses, our relationships or our bank balances?  There are many things we don’t like, so instead of complaining, why not get in and do something about it? Make the change. If change isn’t possible, have a look at your own attitude. I can guarantee – change your attitude and change your life. How about going for a day without complaining, and instead take action? Then try two days, and before you know it, your life will change dramatically. Give it a go!

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness” Mark Twain 1835-1910

I can’t add much more to this insightful thought by Mark Twain. When I read it I thought of my children who have travelled the world for a long period of time. Their acceptance of others cultures, beliefs and lifestyles is reflected in this saying. People are people no matter where or how they choose to live.

“Action is the antidote to despair” Joan Baez

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do? There were so many things going on around you and through you, that you just did nothing, but feel an overwhelming sense of despair? Next time this occurs, take action! It doesn’t have to be a big action, just move forward in the direction you know you need to go towards, and watch, see  and feel the difference it makes.

“He that is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else.” Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790

Are you a person who has a really good excuse for why things happen in your life the way they do? Do you find it easier to give away your responsibility to others, than to take it on yourself? Look at what is happening in your life right now – rather than excuses, look at what can be done about your situation, and take away the blame and get results that will help, rather than hinder you.

“A man’s feeling of good-will towards others is the strongest magnet for drawing good-will towards himself” Lord Chesterfield 1694-1773

The more recent way of saying this is “What you put out in your life, you attract back to yourself ” – aka The Law of Attraction. Isn’t it interesting that this saying was said hundreds of years ago?

“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs” Joan Didion – Writer-1935

It is so easy to blame our circumstances on why we don’t get what we want in life. Blame our parents, our spouses, our children, our bosses, the Government. However, when you take that responsibility for how you react to what’s happening in your life, you now only bring about a result that you are looking for, but also bring about a feeling of pride and self-respect. This is the only thing you have control over – your reactions.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” Confucius 550-478BC

I recently had a conversation with a friend who contemplating writing a book. She wanted to get everything just right before she started. The trouble is, it will never be “just right”, and therefore the book is not started. Just start, improve along the way, and most importantly rise every time you fall!

“Where there are friends, there is wealth” Titus Maccius Plautus (250-184 BC)

These wise words don’t need an explanation. A true friend can give you wealth beyond money. Titus Maccius Plautus said this well over 2000 years ago – it’s a shame more people don’t take it to heart in the present day!

“The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything” Edward John Phelps 1822-1900

Have you ever been guilty of not doing something until you get it “just right”, and end up never doing anything at all? Interesting thought isn’t it?  Nothing will ever be perfect – get in and take the first steps and learn from the mistakes along the way.

“Half the things that people do not succeed in, are through the fear of making the attempt” James Northcote 1746-1831

What has prevented you from succeeding in something?  Was it time, resources, knowledge???  For me, fear was the overriding factor. The aforementioned things were just excuses. Once I acknowledged that anything is possible once you break through the fear, the obstacles didn’t seem quite as big anymore.

“For every minute you remain angry you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why waste your precious time being angry? It achieves nothing except unsettling your peace. Let it go, and regain your inner power.

“Write in your heart that every day is the best day of the year” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I know I have been guilty of “looking forward” to an event in the future at the expense of the time I have now. Look at each day as that special day, and enjoy every moment.

“A woman is like a teabag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water” Nancy Reagan

How many times have you discovered strength when you didn’t think there was anything was left? Hot water can sometimes bring out things that do not show up in tepid water! Think about that, and bring on that strength!

“There are two lasting legacies we can hope to give to our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.” Anonymous

This one is for my own children – enjoy spreading your wings on your adventures overseas.

“Don’t wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there…..and light the thing yourself!” Sara Henderson

How true this is! How many of us look for that light, and don’t realise we have the ability to turn it on ourselves! Don’t wait, illuminate your own world!