“Wherever you go, there you are”
This reminds me that I can’t escape myself, and instead should be more focused on personal growth. I have also taken this quote to mean that I need to work on myself and enjoy my own company, before anyone else truly can.
“Choose your battles wisely.” I understand to be a Chinese Proverb. So many times I want to shout the battle cry and charge right in. Focusing on this proverb helps me to discover or reinforce my values by living this proverb. Not all that comes my way is mine to carry, battle, or fix.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts by Marcus Aurelius.
And I believe it’s true. Sometimes I’m so caught up in my own thoughts that I forget to live in the moment and worry less.
Grateful for this sunny day had a great stroll in the park with my friend helped me relax.
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” — Attributed to The Enlightened Buddha. This one I think of for other things besides happiness, like kindness or commitment to a purpose.
I have many more I’ve written down over the years. These are the ones that came to mind quickly. I look forward to reading quotes from others. (And I see what you’re doing here, Grateful Team: Could be a wonderful harvest for future Word for the Day! I’ve been wondering where I could suggest some of these as I find them.)
You know, as I pondered what I would like to record here, I realized that the value of this daily reflection’s question for me is actually not about naming a favorite quote; but it is in the concept that I have agency in defining the perspective I want to hold today! I am not certain I have actually done that! So, just what perspective AM I seeking?? Crystalizing an answer to that question will be very intriguing. What a lovely concept to spend time with!! So – I think the perspective I want to hold today could be held in two replies:
“onward” and “thank you”. Perhaps those are my two favorite quotes!!!!! Thank you so much! Onward!! I will hold this energy today and literally, “do my best” to “keep them in mind”. Onward! Thank you, Community!
The only one I can think of right now is
“The best time to plant a tree, is five years ago”.
This helps me to stop procrastinating and start things now. Reminding me that there’s never the perfects time to do something, so do it now.
Charlie T, You just made me cry with this one! I thank you for sharing it! My mom passed away a month ago and my dad two years ago. I had a heart to heart conversation last night with my dad, telling him that I love him, that he did the best with what he had. I am working hard to have a happy childhood at the age of 67 years old. Thank you for your wisdom!!!!
Drea, I totally resignate with this 1 as an adventurous person. I find enjoyment in variety. Comfort in routine helps with healing but stunts growth in the long run. There comes a point where those walls need to be torn down. It takes time. Rome wasn’t built overnight.
Wow! I have literally thousands of quotes I’ve loved, collected, and categorized—and used, constantly—over the years, but this is a new one to me! Pema Chodron is so good! Thank you for posting this. I know I’ll use it often!
Two quotes come to my mind– these quotes might not work for someone living in a war zone with their life at risk, but for my relatively privileged life, they help me. 1) A friend once told me (and this may be a slight misquote) that Thich Nhat Hanh had said “This is a happy moment”. It helps me to remember this often, because most of my moments really can fit that, if I pause and notice. 2) For the painful, difficult moments of life, “this too shall pass” gives me perspective.
These are amazing 👏 thank you everyone.
Mine is from Terese of Avila
Let nothing rattle you
Let nothing disturb you
All things are passing
God never changes.
I like that one as well, Yram! I am familiar with a slightly different version:
Let nothing upset you;
Let nothing frighten you.
Everything is changing;
God alone is changeless.
Patience attains the goal.
Who has God lacks nothing;
God alone fills every need.
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“Wherever you go, there you are”
This reminds me that I can’t escape myself, and instead should be more focused on personal growth. I have also taken this quote to mean that I need to work on myself and enjoy my own company, before anyone else truly can.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Unknown
Like Barb, I love this one too, Robin Ann.
Beautiful!
Love this one, Robin Ann. Thank you for reminding me of it.
“Choose your battles wisely.” I understand to be a Chinese Proverb. So many times I want to shout the battle cry and charge right in. Focusing on this proverb helps me to discover or reinforce my values by living this proverb. Not all that comes my way is mine to carry, battle, or fix.
As Laura Ingalls
Wilder said, now is now. It can never be anything else. Seize it
My job is willingness. God’s job is transformation.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts by Marcus Aurelius.
And I believe it’s true. Sometimes I’m so caught up in my own thoughts that I forget to live in the moment and worry less.
Grateful for this sunny day had a great stroll in the park with my friend helped me relax.
“This too shall pass.”
“The only way out is through.”
“Be here now.”
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” — Attributed to The Enlightened Buddha. This one I think of for other things besides happiness, like kindness or commitment to a purpose.
I have many more I’ve written down over the years. These are the ones that came to mind quickly. I look forward to reading quotes from others. (And I see what you’re doing here, Grateful Team: Could be a wonderful harvest for future Word for the Day! I’ve been wondering where I could suggest some of these as I find them.)
Love
The only way out is through
So very true!
You know, as I pondered what I would like to record here, I realized that the value of this daily reflection’s question for me is actually not about naming a favorite quote; but it is in the concept that I have agency in defining the perspective I want to hold today! I am not certain I have actually done that! So, just what perspective AM I seeking?? Crystalizing an answer to that question will be very intriguing. What a lovely concept to spend time with!! So – I think the perspective I want to hold today could be held in two replies:
“onward” and “thank you”. Perhaps those are my two favorite quotes!!!!! Thank you so much! Onward!! I will hold this energy today and literally, “do my best” to “keep them in mind”. Onward! Thank you, Community!
Carol Ann, It sounds like the question gave you time to ponder on what is it that you’re seeking, a very mindful response! THANK YOU for sharing 🙏🏽🧡
Wonderful insight, Carol Ann! Thank you for sharing.
The only one I can think of right now is
“The best time to plant a tree, is five years ago”.
This helps me to stop procrastinating and start things now. Reminding me that there’s never the perfects time to do something, so do it now.
I use this one often in my work, Charlie, with the addition of a second line: “The second best time is now.”
Thank you for sharing. I love this.
Of course I just thought of another one.
“It’s never too late, to have a happy childhood” – Wavy Gravy
Charlie T, You just made me cry with this one! I thank you for sharing it! My mom passed away a month ago and my dad two years ago. I had a heart to heart conversation last night with my dad, telling him that I love him, that he did the best with what he had. I am working hard to have a happy childhood at the age of 67 years old. Thank you for your wisdom!!!!
We’re all Bozos on this Bus (Further)!
“When you get out of your comfort zone, it grows. When you stay in your comfort zone, it shrinks.” Pema Chodron
I love this one, Drea! Thanks for sharing.
Drea, I totally resignate with this 1 as an adventurous person. I find enjoyment in variety. Comfort in routine helps with healing but stunts growth in the long run. There comes a point where those walls need to be torn down. It takes time. Rome wasn’t built overnight.
Wow! I have literally thousands of quotes I’ve loved, collected, and categorized—and used, constantly—over the years, but this is a new one to me! Pema Chodron is so good! Thank you for posting this. I know I’ll use it often!
I love many quotes by Maya Angelou.
Here is one that inspires me regularly.
“This is a wonderful day,
I have never seen this one before.”
I often think of this when I open the curtains,
and look outside in the morning.
One of my favorites!
Two quotes come to my mind– these quotes might not work for someone living in a war zone with their life at risk, but for my relatively privileged life, they help me. 1) A friend once told me (and this may be a slight misquote) that Thich Nhat Hanh had said “This is a happy moment”. It helps me to remember this often, because most of my moments really can fit that, if I pause and notice. 2) For the painful, difficult moments of life, “this too shall pass” gives me perspective.
Love these!
These are amazing 👏 thank you everyone.
Mine is from Terese of Avila
Let nothing rattle you
Let nothing disturb you
All things are passing
God never changes.
I like that one as well, Yram! I am familiar with a slightly different version:
Let nothing upset you;
Let nothing frighten you.
Everything is changing;
God alone is changeless.
Patience attains the goal.
Who has God lacks nothing;
God alone fills every need.
“Accept what isn’t so that you can move forward with what is”
Thank you, Mez, that quote is really helpful for me right now.
“This too shall pass”
It’s a simple reminder, but it often helps me when I’m down to remember that what I’m feeling is only temporary.