There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.
Everyone has heard of Murphy’s first law: “If anything can go wrong, invariably it will.” But hardly anybody has even a foggy idea of who Murphy was. The search for Murphy’s notebooks led to a garage in Toledo, Ohio; an inventor’s junk loft in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania; and the home of a retired female blackmailer in Sarasota, Florida. It was learned that Murphy had no first name, that he never could hold a job, and that his writings were returned by the post office for insufficient postage. It seems everything Murphy wrote about had some explanation for why things go wrong. Consider a few more Murphy classics: Nothing is ever as simple as it first seems. Everything you decide to do costs more than first estimated. Every activity takes more time than you have. It’s easier to make a commitment or to get involved in something than to get out of it. Whatever you set out to do, something else must be done first. If you improve or tinker with something long enough, eventually it will break. By making something absolutely clear, somebody will be confused.You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, and that’s sufficient.
Youth is not entirely a time of life — it is a state of mind. It is not wholly a matter of ripe cheeks, red lips, or supple knees. It is a temper of will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions.
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fears; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.
In the central place of every heart, there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty and hope, cheer and courage, you are young.
When the wires are all down and your heart is covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then and only then have you grown old.
The Winner is always a part of the answer; The Loser is always a part of the problem. The Winner always has a program; The Loser always has an excuse. The Winner says, “Let me do it for you;” The Loser says, “That’s not my job.” The Winner sees an answer for every problem; The Loser sees a problem in every answer.The Winner says, “It may be difficult but it’s possible;” The Loser says, “It may be possible but it’s too difficult.”
I Listen to the trees, and they say: “Stand tall and yield. Be tolerant and flexible. Be true to yourself. Stand alone, and stand together. Be brave. Be patient. With time, you will grow.”
I Listen to the wind, and it says: “Breathe. Take care of yourself — body, mind, and spirit. Take time. Be quiet. Listen from your heart. Forgive.”
I Listen to the sun, and it says: “Nurture others. Let your warmth radiate for others to feel. Give yourself without expectations.”
I Listen to the creek, and it says: “Relax; go with the flow. Tend to what’s really important, and let the rest go by. Keep moving — don’t be hesitant or afraid. Lighten up — laugh, giggle.”
I Listen to the mountains, and they say: “Be there. Be honest. Be trustworthy. Do what you say you’re going to do. Be true, genuine, and real. Speak from the heart. Don’t cheat.”
I Listen to the birds, and they say: “Set yourself free. Sing.”
I Listen to the clouds, and they say: “Be creative. Be expressive. Let your spirit run free. Let yourself be light and gay, but let yourself be heavy and sad. Cry when you feel like it.”
I Listen to the sky, and it says: “Open up. Let go of the boundaries and barriers which you have created to protect yourself. Experience change. Fly.”
I Listen to the flowers and small plants, and they say: “Be humble. Be simple. Respect the beauty of small things. Respect the beauty of humility and truth. Let go of perfectionism. Love yourself as you are; it opens the door to change. Practice acceptance.”
I Listen to the bugs and flying insects, and they say: “Work. Be productive. Use your hands. Focus on what’s in front of you. Ignore the past; there is only the present.”
I Listen to the moon, and it says: “Love. Share love. Make love. Be romantic — touch and caress. Allow yourself to be loved. Be gentle, kind, and understanding. Use candles.”
I Listen to the stars, and they wink and say: “Play. Dance, be silly, have fun.”
I Listen to the earth, and it says: “I am your mother. I give you life. Respect all that is around you. Find beauty in all things — living and not — including yourself; for we are all one — not separate. Be especially respectful to the very young and the very old, for they are both very near God. Give up the belief that you are a higher form of life; there is no higher form of life. We are equal because we are the same. When you return to me, I will welcome you, and I will set your spirit free. Love and nurture your children; cook good food for them, and hold them very close to you often. Hold me close to you often as well, and I will hold you in return; I will support you. Have faith.
“A hug is a universal medicine; it is how we handshake from the heart.” — Anonymous
You can embrace the boundless potential within you to transform the world through your empathy and compassion.
I remember a quote long ago from Peaceful Warrior:
“The ones who are hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most.” — Dan Millman
It was a simple reminder that those who may appear difficult to love or understand often have deep-seated pain, struggles, or unmet needs.
And the best thing we can do is extend love and understanding.
If we commit to treating people with love and understanding, we become catalysts for positive change and sources of inspiration for those around us.
It’s in our everyday encounters we have the extraordinary power for extraordinary transformations.
How These Quotes Can Transform You
It’s in the quiet moments of reflection that these quotes truly come alive.
As you go about your daily life, let the essence of these quotes permeate your thoughts, your actions, and your relationships.
Embrace the power within you to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Use your power to make someone’s day.
Let’s cultivate compassion, one interaction at a time.
Whether it is a smile shared with a stranger, a listening ear offered to a friend in need, or a kind gesture extended to someone who least expects it—every act of love and understanding ripples out into the world, creating a cascade of positive transformation.
As you navigate the complexities of human connection, remember that change begins with you.
Embrace the beauty of our shared humanity and honor the unique stories and struggles of those around you.
Treat each person with the dignity and grace they deserve, recognizing that we are all on this journey together.
With that in mind, here are 21 quotes that will change how you treat people…
1. “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” — Wayne Dyer
The quote highlights a profound truth: when we judge others, we unveil our own inner landscape more than we define them. It illuminates the fact that our judgments are mirrors reflecting our unique perspectives, biases, and beliefs.
Rather than providing an accurate portrayal of the person being judged, our judgments expose the contours of our own mindset, values, and preconceived notions.
This revelation compels us to contemplate the far-reaching consequences of passing judgment and prompts us to confront the potential biases and limitations that shape our perceptions.
In essence, this quote urges us to reflect on ourselves and be more aware. It encourages us to treat others with empathy and understanding, avoiding quick judgments and harsh evaluations based on our own biases.
By doing this, we can build authentic connections and navigate the intricacies of human interactions with more compassion and wisdom.
2. “We can never judge the lives of others because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation.” — Paulo Coelho
This quote speaks to a specific truth: each person intimately knows their own pain and sacrifices, making it impossible for us to truly understand and judge their experiences.
It serves as a reminder to refrain from passing judgment or making assumptions about others’ lives. We cannot fully comprehend the depth of their personal struggles and the sacrifices they have made. It calls for empathy and respect, acknowledging that everyone carries their own unique burdens.
In essence, this quote urges us to approach others with humility and compassion, recognizing that we can never fully grasp the extent of their pain and renunciation.
It prompts us to foster a mindset of understanding, appreciating the complexity of individual experiences and offering support rather than judgment.
3. “The most memorable people in your life will be the ones who loved you when you were not very lovable. Remember this, and return the favor.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr.
As a reminder of the profound impact that unconditional love and support can have on our lives, this quote prompts us to acknowledge and reciprocate the kindness extended to us during our least lovable moments.
It highlights the significance of fostering a cycle of love, compassion, and gratitude, where we appreciate and return the favor of those who have been there for us through thick and thin.
4. “The way we treat people we strongly disagree with is a report card on what we’ve learned about love, compassion, and kindness.” — Marc Ian Barasch
Treating those we strongly disagree with is a measure of our mastery over love, compassion, and kindness. It reveals the depth of our personal growth and our ability to empathize with others.
Through respectful and compassionate interactions, even amidst disagreement, we embody the essence of empathy and understanding.
Such qualities pave the way for meaningful dialogue and nurturing relationships.
5. “There is a story behind every person. There is a reason why they are the way they are. Think about that, and respect them for who they are.” — Ziad K. Abdelnour
The quote is a reminder that we should not judge people based on their appearance or behavior.
Everyone has a story, and we should try to understand their experiences before we make assumptions about them.
When we respect people for who they are, we create a more compassionate and understanding world.
6. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” – Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s quote encapsulates a profound truth: we don’t have to wait for others to take action or make a difference.
We each have the power to create change on our own, through personal, direct interactions with others.
In its simplicity, the quote reminds us that we don’t need to rely solely on leaders or institutions to initiate positive transformations.
We can start by making a difference in our own circles, one person at a time.
Our individual actions, no matter how small, hold the potential to create a ripple effect that can bring about significant impact.
Mother Teresa’s words inspire us to take ownership of our ability to make a difference.
By engaging with others in meaningful ways, offering kindness, support, and compassion, we can create a world where positive change is driven by personal initiative.
7. “If you have the power to make someone happy today, do it. The world needs more of that.” — Steve Maraboli
If you possess the ability to bring joy to someone’s day, seize the opportunity.
The world yearns for such acts of kindness.
8. “Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you — not because they are nice, but because you are.” — Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Lead by example. Choose to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you.
Not because they deserve it, but because it’s a reflection of who you are. Your actions define your character and the way you navigate the world.
By consistently embodying kindness and respect, regardless of others’ behavior, you create a powerful ripple effect of positivity.
This approach sets a standard for others to follow and contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious environment.
9. “In a relationship, the little things often mean the most. Today, just be 100% present with those you love. BE ALL THERE. That is enough.” — Rachel Macy Stafford
Embrace the power of the little things in your relationships. Today, give your loved ones the priceless gift of your unwavering presence.
Be there, truly there. It’s a simple yet profound act that carries immense significance.
Being fully present has the potential to create a lasting impact and bring genuine fulfillment to both you and those you cherish.
10. “We all take different roads seeking fulfillment and joy. Just because someone you love isn’t on your road doesn’t mean they’re lost.” — Dalai Lama
The quote highlights the importance of recognizing that each person embarks on their own distinctive path in life.
It reminds us that just because someone we care about is following a different course than our own, it doesn’t imply they are lost or making incorrect choices.
This insight underscores the significance of embracing acceptance and understanding, acknowledging that diverse journeys towards fulfillment and happiness exist. It encourages us to honor and empower others by respecting and supporting their individual choices and experiences.
11. “It’s OK to be angry. It’s never OK to be cruel. In disagreements with others, deal only with the present situation. Don’t bring up the past.” — Pema Chödrön
This quote urges us to handle conflicts with compassion, acknowledging the validity of anger, condemning cruelty, and maintaining a present-focused approach to foster constructive resolutions.
Embrace anger’s validity: Recognizing anger as a natural emotion, the quote validates its presence in specific situations. It normalizes the experience of anger and implies that it is acceptable to feel this way at times.
Reject cruelty: While anger is acknowledged, the quote firmly denounces cruelty as unjustifiable. It underscores the significance of treating others with respect and empathy, even when confronted with disagreements or conflicts.
Anchor in the present: The quote advises focusing on the current situation when resolving conflicts. By shifting attention to the immediate issue, it encourages individuals to refrain from dredging up past grievances or needlessly escalating the dispute.
12. “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” — Robin Williams
This quote emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy.
It reminds us that each person we encounter is facing their own challenges and struggles, and by being kind, we can make a positive impact in their lives.
By choosing to focus on the good in others and treating them with kindness, we indirectly amplify their strengths and provide support and encouragement.
13. “A moment of hate can devastate a lifetime of work, whereas a moment of love can break barriers that took a lifetime to build.” — Nelson Mandela
Hate and love wield immense power, capable of shaping our lives and those around us.
A mere moment of hate can shatter bonds, wreck careers, and unleash violence.
However, a single moment of love possesses the potential to heal, bridge divides, and forge a world rooted in justice and compassion.
This quote demands a crucial choice: love or hate? Opting for love is to actively build a better world, one that embraces growth and understanding.
It’s a deliberate commitment to nurturing relationships, fostering empathy, and leaving a profound impact.
Let’s choose love, because it’s in that choice that the transformative power lies to shape our destiny and create a brighter tomorrow.
14. “If you take everything personally, you’ll remain offended for the rest of your life. What other people do is often because of them, not you.” — Miguel Ruiz
It is a reflection of the teachings found in his book, “The Four Agreements.”
People’s behaviors and actions are often a result of their own personal issues and experiences, rather than being a direct reflection or criticism of us.
When we take things personally, we sentence ourselves to a lifetime of offense.
The truth is, people’s actions often stem from their own baggage, not a direct indictment of us.
Understanding this frees us from the chains of offense and allows us to see the deeper complexities at play. It’s not personal; it’s a reflection of their journey, not ours.
15. “Be thankful for all the rude, obnoxious, and difficult people you meet in life too. They serve as important reminders how NOT to be.” — Ty Bennett
The quote serves as a potent reminder that our negative experiences hold valuable lessons.
When faced with rude, obnoxious, and difficult individuals, we gain insight into what behaviors to avoid.
We learn the importance of cultivating patience, understanding, and compassion.
It highlights the power of choice in our reactions to people and circumstances.
We can succumb to anger, resentment, and bitterness, or we can embrace gratitude for the chance to evolve and develop.
The quote inspires us to harness these encounters as catalysts for personal growth and to cultivate a mindset of learning and appreciation.
16. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This quote has the potential to inspire a transformative shift in how we treat people. It encourages us to take personal responsibility for the change we desire, rather than waiting for others to initiate it.
Here’s how it can influence our actions:
Self-reflection: The quote prompts us to reflect on the values, qualities, and behaviors we wish to see in the world. It encourages us to examine our own attitudes and actions, identifying areas for improvement.
Leading by example: By embodying the change we want to see, we become role models for others. Our actions speak louder than words, and when we consistently demonstrate kindness, compassion, and respect in our interactions with others, we inspire them to follow suit.
Taking initiative: The quote instills a sense of personal agency and empowerment. It motivates us to proactively initiate positive change in our relationships and communities, rather than waiting for others to do so. We become active participants in creating a more harmonious and inclusive environment.
Cultivating empathy: When we strive to be the change we desire, we develop a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of others. This cultivates empathy and compassion, enabling us to relate to others on a more profound level and treat them with greater understanding and respect.
Ripple effect: Our actions can have a ripple effect, influencing and inspiring those around us. By embodying the change we wish to see, we create a positive impact that extends beyond our immediate interactions, potentially inspiring others to adopt similar behaviors and attitudes.
17. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this quote promotes treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy.
It emphasizes the importance of considering how we would like to be treated and extending that same treatment to others.
By emphasizing the importance of considering how we would like to be treated, the quote guides us to place ourselves in the shoes of others. It prompts us to think about our own needs, desires, and feelings, and use that as a compass for how we interact with and treat others.
By following the “Golden Rule,” we foster stronger connections, build trust, and contribute to the well-being and happiness of those around us.
It encourages us to treat others not only with the consideration we desire but also with a genuine desire to uplift and support them.
18. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
The essence of this quote by Maya Angelou is that the lasting impact we have on others is not determined by the words we say or the actions we take, but rather by the emotions we evoke within them.
It emphasizes that the way we make people feel has a profound and enduring effect.
And it far surpasses our words or deeds.
This quote serves as a reminder to prioritize empathy, kindness, and compassion in our interactions with others, as those emotional connections are what leave a lasting imprint on their hearts and memories of the people whose lives we touch.
19. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi’s quote captures a profound truth: by selflessly serving others, we can discover our true selves and experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
It highlights the transformative power of dedicating ourselves to the well-being and lifting up others.
When we shift our focus from self-centered pursuits to acts of service, we transcend our ego and connect with something greater than ourselves. By losing ourselves in the service of others, we let go of self-interest and tap into our innate capacity for compassion, empathy, and kindness.
In this act of selflessness, we find that our own personal growth and self-discovery naturally unfold. We gain a clearer understanding of our values, strengths, and passions.
By contributing to improving others’ lives, we align ourselves with a higher purpose and experience a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond personal gain.
Gandhi’s quote reminds us that the path to self-discovery is not in a solitary quest for individual fulfillment, but in reaching out to others and making a positive difference.
It challenges us to embrace service as a means to understand ourselves better and find a deeper sense of meaning and authenticity in our lives.
20. “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain
Twain’s quote reminds us that kindness holds immeasurable power to bridge divides, heal wounds, and bring people together in a way that surpasses any spoken or visual language.
Mark Twain’s quote encapsulates the universal power of kindness. He suggests that kindness is a form of communication that transcends barriers of language, ability, and perception. He also emphasizes that acts of kindness can be understood and appreciated by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations.
In its simplicity, this quote reminds us that kindness holds a profound impact. It’s a language that doesn’t require words or visual cues. Instead, it flows from the depths of our hearts. Kindness is a powerful force that can be felt and recognized by anyone, resonating deeply within the human spirit.
21. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” — Dalai Lama
Well, imagine that. Compassion spreads happiness from the inside out.
In this simple yet profound statement, the Dalai Lama highlights that true happiness comes from cultivating a compassionate mindset and engaging in compassionate actions.
By extending kindness, understanding, and empathy towards others, we contribute to their well-being and create a positive ripple effect that can lead to their happiness.
Dalai Lama’s quote is a powerful reminder of the reciprocal relationship between happiness and compassion. It suggests that if we desire happiness for ourselves and others, it’s essential to practice our compassion for others (and ourselves).
The World is Waiting for Your Kindness
Let these 20 quotes sink deep into your heart and guide your interactions with others.
Treat people with empathy, respect, and kindness.
Remember that even small acts of love and understanding can create a ripple effect of positive change. Embrace the power you have to make a difference, and let your actions inspire those around you.
The world is waiting for your compassionate touch.
Together, let’s create a more compassionate world, one person at a time.
One of the first steps to accomplishing great things in your life is to cease dwelling on the negative things in your past. Carefully assess your present strengths, successes, and achievements. Dwell on those positive events in your life, and quit limiting your potential by constantly thinking about what you have done poorly. Alice and the Mad Hatter in Wonderland had a conversation that illustrates this concept:
Alice: Where I come from, people study what they are not good at in order to be able to do what they are good at.
Mad Hatter: Mad Hatter: We only go around in circles in Wonderland, but we always end up where we started. Would you mind explaining yourself?
Alice: Alice: Well, grown-ups tell us to find out what we did wrong, and never do it again
Mad Hatter: Mad Hatter: That’s odd! It seems to me that in order to find out about something, you have to study it. And when you study it, you should become better at it. Why should you want to become better at something and then never do it again? But please continue.
Alice: Alice: Nobody ever tells us to study the right things we do. We’re only supposed to learn from the wrong things. But we are permitted to study the right things other people do. And sometimes we’re even told to copy them.
Mad Hatter: Mad Hatter: That’s cheating!
Alice: Alice: You’re quite right, Mr. Hatter. I do live in a topsy-turvy world. It seems like I have to do something wrong first, in order to learn from what not to do. And then, by not doing what I’m not supposed to do, perhaps I’ll be right. But I’d rather be right the first time, wouldn’t you?
Claim Your Freedom Freedom is not a destination. It’s a journey. You need to be free to choose the right road for yourself. The right road is the one that leads to your best. All that matters is that you end up a free person – free to decide where you want to go and how you intend to get there. The method is simple: act freely and freedom will be yours. Because being free is being real, if you want to be free, you need to make friends with the truth. No matter how clearly you can point to forces blocking you, the most important obstacles to you freedom are within. You are the one who permits obstacles to block your path. While being stuck is frustrating, it also keeps you from risking, safe from failure and from discovering your weaknesses and shortcomings. Your prison is always your choice. To break free, you have to give up whatever security being bound offers. You should be able to face the present without the emotions of the past intruding. In the end you’re only as free as you are in your heart. Your freedom lies just behind your forgiving. When you free yourself, you also free the world.I am free. I declare It.
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
Today Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate, be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Worship Allah.
Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.
When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked.
When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings.
When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem, you have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen ! All I asked was that you listen, not to talk or do — just hear me. Advice is cheap; twenty cents will get you both, Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.
And I can do for myself. I am not helpless. Maybe discouraged and falter, but not helpless.
When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy.
But when you accept as a simple fact, that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what’s behind this irrational feeling.
And when that’s clear, the answers are obvious and I don’t need advice. Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what’s behind them.
Perhaps that’s why prayer works, sometimes, for some people — because God is mute, and He/She doesn’t give advice, or try to fix things.
‘They’ just listen, and let you work it out for yourself. So please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn —
One manager let employees know how valuable they are with the following memo:
“You Arx A Kxy Pxrson”
Xvxn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works vxry wxll — xxcxpt for onx kxy. You would think that with all thx othxer kxys functioning propxrly, onx kxy not working would hardly bx noticxd; but just onx kxy out of whack sxxms to ruin thx wholx xffort.
You may say to yoursxlf — Wxll, I’m only onx pxrson. No onx will noticx if I don’t do my bxst. But it doxs makx a diffxrxncx, bxcausx an xffxctivx organization nxxds activx participation by xvxry onx to thx bxst of his or hxr ability.
So, thx nxxt timx you think you arx not important, rxmxmbxr my old typxwritxr. You arx a kxy pxrson.
Resilience is how high you bounce when you hit bottom
Take a couple of whole months, clean them thoroughly of all Bitterness, Rumors, Hate and Jealousy; in other words, make them as fresh and as clean as possible.
Now cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts…
But don’t make up the whole batch at once..
Instead prepare it One Day At A Time.
Mix well each day:
One part of Faith,
One of Patience,
One of Courage,
One of Work,
Add one part each of:
Hope,
Faithfulness,
Generosity
Kindness;
Blend with:
One part Prayer,
One part Meditation
Good Deeds.
Season the whole with:
a dash of Good Spirit,
a sprinkle of Fun,
a pinch of Play
a cupful of Good Humor.
Pour all of this into a Vessel Of Love,
Cook thoroughly over Radiant Joy
Garnish with Smiles
serve with Quietness, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness
“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need tomorrow.”
Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires, I will take my “luck” as it comes, and fit myself to it.
Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do a least two things I don’t want to do–just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won’t find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.
Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.
I find what I look for in people. If I look for God, I find God. If I look for bad qualities, I find them. I, in a sense, select what I expect, and I receive it.
A life without challenges would be like going to school without lessons to learn. Challenges come not to depress or get me down, but to master and to grow and to unfold thereby.
In the Father’s wise and loving plan for me, no burden can fall upon me, no emergency can arise, no grief can overtake me, before I am given the grace and strength to meet them.
A rich, full life is not determined by outer circumstances and relationships. These can be contributory to it, but cannot be the source. I am happy or unhappy because of what I think and feel.
I can never lose anything that belongs to me, nor can I posses what is not really mine.
To never run from a problem: either it will chase me or I will run into another just like it, although it may have a different face or name.
To have no concern for tomorrow. Today is the yesterday over which I had concern.
To never bang on a closed door: Wait for it to open and then go through it.
A person who has come into my life has come either to teach me something, or to learn something from me.
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose
History abounds with tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans, and projects of others could never be achieved. However, accomplishment came to those who said, “I can make it happen.”
The Italian sculptor Agostino d’Antonio worked diligently on a large piece of marble. Unable to produce his desired masterpiece, he lamented, “I can do nothing with it.” Other sculptors also worked this difficult piece of marble, but to no avail. Michelangelo discovered the stone and visualized the possibilities in it. His “I-can-make-it-happen” attitude resulted in one of the world’s masterpieces – David.
The experts of Spain concluded that Columbus’s plans to discover a new and shorter route to the West Indies was virtually impossible. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand ignored the report of the experts. “I can make it happen,” Columbus persisted. And he did. Everyone knew the world was flat, but not Columbus. The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, along with Columbus and his small band of followers, sailed to “impossible” new lands and thriving resources.
Even the great Thomas Alva Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling idea of a motorcar. Convinced of the worthlessness of the idea, Edison invited Ford to come and work for him. Ford remained committed and tirelessly pursued his dream. Although his first attempt resulted in a vehicle without reverse gear, Henry Ford knew he could make it happen. And, of course, he did.
“Forget it,” the experts advised Madame Curie. They agreed radium was a scientifically impossible idea. However, Marie Curie insisted, “I can make it happen.”
Let’s not forget our friends Orville and Wilbur Wright. Journalists, friends, armed forces specialists, and even their father laughed at the idea of an airplane. “What a silly and insane way to spend money. Leave flying to the birds,” they jeered. “Sorry,” the Wright brothers responded. “We have a dream, and we can make it happen.” As a result, a place called Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, became the setting for the launching of their “ridiculous” idea.
Finally, as you read these accounts under the magnificent lighting of your environment, consider the plight of Benjamin Franklin. He was admonished to stop the foolish experimenting with lighting. What an absurdity and waste of time! Why, nothing could outdo the fabulous oil lamp. Thank goodness Franklin knew he could make it happen. You too can make it happen!
You are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
Heron stands in the blue estuary,
Solitary, white, unmoving for hours.
A fish! Quick avian darting;
The prey is captured.
People always ask how to follow Tao. It is as easy and natural as the heron standing in the water. The bird moves when it must; it does not move when stillness is appropriate.
The secret of its serenity is a type of vigilance, a contemplative state. The heron is not in mere dumbness or sleep. It knows a lucid stillness. It stands unmoving in the flow of the water. It gazes unperturbed and is aware. When Tao brings it something that it needs, it seizes the opportunity without hesitation or deliberation. Then it goes back to its quiescence without disturbing itself or its surroundings. Unless it found the right position in the water’s flow and remained patient, it would not have succeeded.
Actions in life can be reduced to two factors; positioning and timing. If we are not in the right place at the right time, we cannot possibly take advantage of what life has to offer us.
Almost anything is appropriate if an action is in accord with the time and place. But we must be vigilant and prepared. Even if the time and the place are right, we can still miss our chance if we do not notice the moment, if we act inadequately, or if we hamper ourselves with doubts and second thoughts.
When life presents an opportunity, we must be ready to seize it without hesitation or inhibition. Position is useless without awareness. If we have both, we make no mistakes.
I am unique. There’s not another human being in the whole world like me — I have my very own fingerprints and I have my very own thoughts. I was not stamped out of a mold like a Coca-Cola top to be the duplicate of another.
I own all of me — my body, and I can do with it what I choose; my mind, and all of its thoughts and ideas; my feelings, whether joyful or painful.
I own my ideals, my dreams, my hopes, my fantasies, my fears.
I reserve the right to think and feel differently from others and will grant to others their right to thoughts and feelings not identical with my own.
I own all my triumphs and successes. I own also all my failures and mistakes. I am the cause of what I do and am responsible for my own behavior. I will permit myself to be imperfect. When I make mistakes or fail, I will know that I am not the failure — I am still O.K. — and I will discard some parts of me that were unfitting and will try new ways.
I will laugh freely and loudly at myself — a healthy self-affirmation.
I will have fun living inside my skin.
I will remember that the door to everybody’s life needs this sigh:
Honor Thyself I have value and worth. I am me, and I am O.K.
