We all get inspiration from great quotations by famous people. We often revisit them when we feel conflicted, confused, or constrained by forces surrounding us. We interpret them in the context of our own predicament and derive inspiration to move forward. This blog is about some of my most favorite quotes and how they translate for me into actions that I take or to help my clients take. After these famous quotes I have my own interpretation of how it translates into my own work and the work I do with my clients:
1. There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you—Maya Angelou (Poet)
We all yearn to tell and hear great stories. If you can learn how to tell your stories in short concise bullets in your résumé then you’ll have a very different view of yourself!
2. In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. – Albert Schweitzer
Connect with inspiring and positive people. Surround yourself with people better than you and rise yourself to their level. If you keep at it you’ll soon surpass even them!
3. If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars. – Rabindranath Tagore
Stop wallowing in your own grief and defeat. Get past them and look for ways to find new avenues to conquer. Find new ways to get inspired.
4. You cannot find peace by avoiding life. –Virginia Woolf
We often run away from our problems or difficulties only to realize that they follow you wherever you run. Take charge, confront your demons, and enrich your life!
5. Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. –George Addair
We often surrender our dreams to our inner fears, not realizing that once you pursue your dreams the entire universe conspires to help you realize them!
6. Two things bring happiness and success in life: The way you manage when you have nothing; and the way you behave when you have everything. –Ayan Rand
How we learn to behave in extreme defines us, not when everything is normal or as expected.
7. To show someone their shadow, you must first show them their light! –Carl Jung
If you want to correct someone, first find and communicate what is good about them.
8. The search for happiness is one of the main sources of unhappiness. –Eric Hoffer
People spend their time and energy pursuing happiness, often never finding it. If you interpret “pursue” as also meaning “to attract,” you may actually realize your happiness differently.
9. Be yourself, everyone is already taken. –Oscar Wilde
Being authentic gives you the best advantage, not trying to imitate to mimic someone else.
10. Work hard until your heroes become your competitors.—Henry Ford
11. Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music. –George Carlin
Find your own music and start dancing to it!
And finally, which speaks for itself!
12. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.—Mariann Williamson
Good luck in all that you do!