8 Quotes on Life You Need Right Now
Words are a powerful tool. They can lift us up as quickly as they can tear us down. The beautiful content here on Medium is one such example of its power. So many articles and stories have inspired me to keep going.
So in tough times, I find that turning to words of wisdom have a remarkable affect on how I look at my challenges and the purpose of why I do what I do. Here are some of my favorites:
- “Little by little, day by day.” ― Abdu’l-Baha
I find so much comfort when I read this. Being terribly impatient, I’m always hoping for quick results. And when I don’t get it, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-loathing or blame.
I’m sure a lot of Medium writers can relate. We hope our first published article will be the most viewed, garnering lots of claps and praises. But from all the work I’ve read of successful writers on this platform, it didn’t start that way. It took time. And it meant consistently working on their craft.
This also applies to other aspects of life. A great relationship takes time, starting a business and turning a profit takes time, saving up for a home takes times. But working towards it with consistency and commitment will take us that much closer to our goal.
2. “Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do and you’ve done it.”― Margaret Thatcher
You know that thing we do after a long day of work where we soak in a tub of hot water, watching our favorite Netflix series and munch on sea salt & vinegar chips? Me neither. It probably looks more like passing out on the couch.
But it’s felt the best feeling when you crash after a long day having completed everything on your list. There’s a sense of satisfaction that we get off achieving things.
We should embrace the days when we have a lot to do and get them done. And then look forward with longing to that couch we can crash on.
3. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ― George Bernard Shaw
Yes, enough with the “I have to go find myself before I can be someone.” We already possess skills and talents. The real question is how we will use them.
By creating ourselves it makes us active. We get to be involved in the process of deciding who we want to be, and what we will do. And it helps us to see that the outcome of our lives is dependent on the choices we make, not only what happens to us.
If we’re settling on finding ourselves, we could be waiting forever on happenstance. We give the reins to chance instead of holding them ourselves.
4. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” ― Robert Frost
This quote rings similar to “This too shall pass.” It’s incredibly practical. Especially if we feel like we can’t move on from something bad.
Whether it’s a relationship that didn’t work out, being fired, or your draft not being accepted by a Medium publication, life doesn’t stop for anyone.
We can’t dwell in the disappointment and pretend the world has stopped for us. Like life does, we have to go on too.
5. “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” — Neil Gaiman
Probably one of my favorite quotes. Fantasy books are so much more than just imagination and entertainment. They teach us things about ourselves through their heroes, and villains.
Harry Potter showed me that like Severus Snape and his slightly greasy ways, there’s still good in everyone, even those we hate. And the hobbits in the Lord of the Rings showed me that no matter how insignificant you think you are; you have the power to change the fortunes of the world.
Mostly, they show us that like the heroes in those stories, we too can overcome the things that we fear the most.
6. “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
The task of finding our purpose can be daunting. What are we doing here? What are we supposed to do? What does it have to do with other people?
Well, living life trying to earn money to buy nice things makes for a really boring eulogy. It’s a good way to put all that we’re doing into perspective. From what we write, what we say or do, even to what we consume. What effects are created when we’re kind to someone, or when we donate, or recycle?
A good time to pause and reflect on how much time we spend thinking of ourselves, and what more we can do for the people around us.
7. “Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of withering, of tarnishing.” ― Anais Nin
So sad but true. Keeping the flame alive for anything we’re doing, whether building a relationship or keeping at our goals is more than just chemicals coming together.
It’s active work to fan the flames, to sometimes add fuel to the fire and to protect it from harsh winds. To say I love you to a partner, or to remember to be kind instead of harsh all help to keep the love going.
And especially to not take anything for granted. I love making notes of things I’m grateful for when I’m feeling down. I think this also applies as much to other people as it does to ourselves — loving myself means being grateful for me too.
8. “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” ― Charles M. Schulz
And this quiet and silent reminder that we should enjoy life. It’s okay to give ourselves a break now and then. And that some days, we can kick up our feet and have some chocolate, or ice cream. Or chocolate ice cream.