A Quote A Day Keeps the Negativity Away

Welcome to the world of quotes.  Ever since I was a teenager I’ve been collecting quotes and tucking them in a folder.  But the funny thing is I rarely look at them.  It seems the quotes that impact my life reside in my memory where I refer to them and bring them forth instantly.  For instance, a couple of my favorites:

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”  (Voltaire)

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” (Neale Walsh)

These have been guiding principles in my life.

So when an email appeared in my box from Joe Tichio, asking me if I would incorporate his new book, Greatest Inspirational Quotes: 365 Days to more Happiness,  Success, and Motivation, into a blog post, I jumped at the idea.  Like I said, I’m a quote junkie so this was right up my alley.

Before I introduce you to his book, let’s hear from Mr.Tichio on how quotes have helped him in his life.

Quotes have helped me by acting as gentle reminders to stay focused on what’s important.  I’ve also used them as a starting point for writing, journaling and contemplation.  In this manner they’ve helped with my growth as a person, they’ve provided motivation and have been a source of encouragement. 

And a couple of quotes that have had a significant impact on his life are:

“Life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation.”  Neale Donald Walsh

At some point I picked up the belief that there is a plan for each person, a pre-destined life mission.  I spent many hours in meditation and contemplation on this idea, trying to figure out what was my purpose, why I was born.  For me this quote was very empowering.  It provides freedom to decide, choose and create.  It comes with the price of responsibility, but I enjoy it better that way.  My happiness is not waiting for me inside a profession or secret life purpose.  My happiness is my responsibility and it’s available to me here and now.

“Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself.” Richard Bach

Some people say being your self is the easiest thing in the world, but I have found that not to be the case.  If it were, we would have a lot more originality in art, music and even business.  The world tries hard to suppress individuality and make us just like the next person.  This quote reminds me to do the work necessary to get in touch with my authentic self, to ask questions and share my answers.  It may not be easy, but the rewards outweigh the work.

His book is a great daily companion in providing a-quote-a-day of inspiration and encouragement.  This book of wisdom gives us that short quick boost to remind us to live with awareness, to take action, to go beyond our fears.  The index is also a real treat.  Mr. Tichio profiles every quoted person with an interesting little bio.

In going through the daily quotes, I was hard pressed to highlight  just a couple that stood out for me; they’re all so powerful.

“Death is not the greatest loss in life.  The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” Norman Cousins

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” Deepak Chopra

 

Your turn now – what are some quotes that guide you in your life?