I love reading inspirational quotes. Every now and again, we all need them. They help renew our faith in life, love, and people. They help put things into perspective. They help bring meaning back into our lives. This morning I read and shared a quote from Steve Harvey “There is Joy in the Journey”. I couldn’t help but think about my life journey, where I am, where I’ve been, where I’m going. I guess this is my version of “taking 5 minutes” or meditation.
Have you ever read the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum? If not, check it out. What I love about the book is the feeling that life is simple, yet complicated – it’s simplicated. Simply put. Enjoy life. Explore. Be kind. Do what you need to do to have a full life.
What I love the most about Robert Fulghum’s book, originally written in 1989 and now in it’s 15th edition/anniversary, are the simple thoughts of wisdom he has compiled. Here are some of them from page 2:
- Share everything.
- Play fair.
- Don’t hit people.
- Put things back where you found them.
- Clean up your own mess.
- Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
- Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
- Wash your hands before you eat.
- Flush.
- Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and pain and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
- Take a nap every afternoon.
- Holds hands and stick together.
Admit it. When you read those – you smile and you reflect – maybe about someone you wish understood the rules from Kindergarten. And if you long for that afternoon nap, maybe you can squeeze one in every now and again.
There are more insights throughout the book. But a few that gave me pause are these (from page 217) – where the author reflected on some lessons learned throughout his life:
- If you made it up, you have to live it down.
- There is no they – only us.
- It’s a mistake to believe everything you think.
- Sometimes things are just as bad as they seem.
- It helps if you always have somebody to kiss goodnight.
If you read a lot of self-help books, like I do, there are common themes in them. The thoughts from Robert Fulghum encapsulate most of them. Reflect. Act. Inspire.
I started collecting so many quotes on Pinterest that I had to subdivide boards. If you are looking for inspiration, I have a Pinterest board, Let the Spirit Move You, dedicated to that. I also post some on Instagram. Below are some of my favorites.
So many people are trying to find their purpose in life. Doesn’t this quote about finding your passion make you feel better? Sometimes people just know what they love. Other times it’s a trial-and-error approach. No matter how you go about it, finding what you love makes you feel better. Find your passion. Embrace it. Live it every day.
When I was younger, I thought I’d be a teacher or a psychologist. But I discovered that what I truly love is helping people, seeking knowledge, and showing people how they can help themselves. Who would have thought I would become a librarian!
“Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.” ~Margaret Wheatley If someone matters to me, I will find a way to have a difficult conversation or make sure I express myself. If something matters to me, I will find a way to bring up the subject to those who can help with it or change it. Think about the last time you avoided a conversation – then later regretted it. Don’t let fear or anxiety take over. Take a breath and be brave.
“Sometimes the best thing that you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess, just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best.” ~Author Unknown Take a few moments throughout the day to concentrate on your breathing and nothing else. It helps.
And if you are in the mood for a video, I suggest this inspirational Ted Talk How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clay Christensen. He reminds me of someone who helped me out a lot when I was a library director. He’s direct, makes sense, and makes you think. It takes a wise person to read and listen to those from all walks of life and take a piece with you. So, if you aren’t religious, listen anyway. He’s a Harvard Business Professor who offers many takeaways.
I wake up every morning with health conditions that make it hard to get out of bed. I wake up by 5:00am and go to the local pool. It clears my mind and stretches my body. I try to put my best foot forward and smile because I realize so many more people have more struggles. I wake up grateful to have another day, to have a loving family, to have great friends, to have a positive outlook and a realistic attitude, and to have a chance to push my boundaries further.
What inspires you? What are your passions? I hope you find that special spirit that brings you joy and happiness. I hope you find inspiration today and every day.
~I’m here to help
Tina
“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” ~Buddha
More Inspirational Resources:
Article:
Christensen, Clayton. 2010. How Will You Measure Your Life? Harvard Business Law. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life
Bipolar Bandit. 2013. 50 Mental Health Quotes That Will Inspire. Retrieved from: https://bipolarbandit.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/quotes-that-help-your-mental-health/
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 2015. Dalai Lama. Retrieved from: http://www.dalailama.com/messages/compassion
Mrs January. 2013. 5 Ways Successful People Start Their Days. Retrieved from: http://www.mrsjanuary.com/simple-living/successful-people/
Books:
Brantley, Jeffrey. 2005. Five Good Minutes: 100 morning practices to help you stay calm and focused all day long. New York: MJF Books.
Fulghum, Robert. 2003. All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. New York: Random House.
Golden Books. 2013. Everything I Need To Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book. New York: Random House.
Hawn, Goldie. 2012. 10 Mindful Minutes. New York: Perigee Books.
“You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.” ~Abraham Lincoln